Full-field Strain Distribution Research Articles

Particle tracking-aided digital volume correlation for clay–sand soil mixtures

In this study, a novel, interdisciplinary method is introduced that merges fundamental geomechanics with computer vision to develop an advanced hybrid feature-aided digital volume correlation (DVC) technique. This technique is specifically engineered to measure and compute the full-field strain distribution in fine-grained soil mixtures. A clay–sand mixture specimen composed of quartz sand particles and kaolinite was created. Its mechanical properties and deformation behaviour were then tested using a mini-triaxial apparatus, combined with micro-focus X-ray computed tomography (μCT). The CT slices underwent image processing for denoising, segmentation of distinct phases, reconstruction of sand particles and feature extraction within the soil specimen. The proposed approach incorporated a two-step particle tracking method, which initially uses particle volume and surface area features to establish a preliminary matching list for a reference particle and then use the iterative closest point method for precise target particle matching. The soil specimen's initial displacement field was then mapped onto the DVC method's grid, and further refined through sub-voxel registration by way of a three-dimensional inverse compositional Gauss–Newton algorithm. The proposed method's effectiveness and efficiency were validated by accurately calculating the displacement and strain fields of the soil mixture sample, and comparing the results with those from a traditional DVC method. Given the soil's compositional and microstructural characteristics, these image-matching techniques can be integrated to create a versatile, efficient, and robust DVC system, suitable for a variety of soil mixture types.

Deformation ability of modular gymnasium steel inner sleeve all-bolt cross connection joint based on 3D-DIC method

Immense roof loads present a significant hurdle for the functionality of continuously supported modular connection joints in movable modular gymnasium structures. Consequently, we introduced leveraging inner sleeves and bolts to interconnect the modular units of the upper and lower columns, aiming to bolster the strength of inter-unit connections. Despite its noteworthy benefits, the deformation behavior and force distribution characteristics of this novel design remain underexplored. Hence, our study employs three-dimensional digital image correlation (3D-DIC) measurement to precisely capture the full-field displacement and strain distributions within the core area of this joint. Four distinct joint specimens were designed, and conducted comprehensive static tests, encompassing variables such as the inclusion or exclusion of inner sleeves, reinforcing ribs, and diverse loading directions. 3D-DIC detected subtle deformations and local buckling phenomena, undetectable by the naked eye, and revealed their occurrence patterns. Furthermore, the detections underscore the critical role of weld quality between beams and columns in ensuring the overall safety of the joints. The joint exhibited earlier yielding in beam bending compared to column bending. To delve deeper into this joint, we generated moment-rotation curves leveraging DIC results, deducing that this joint exhibits rigid-joint characteristics. The specimens primarily showed damage modes such as beam-root fractures or member buckling, while the core area remained intact. This observation reinforces the classification of the joint as a full-strength entity. These insights enrich our comprehension of this novel joint and serve as invaluable references and aids for designers.

Fracture behavior of 3D-printed thermoplastics—A dilemma of fracture toughness versus fracture energy

The Material Extrusion (ME) technique in 3D printing facilitates the production of thermoplastic materials with diverse cellular or lattice-like infill geometries, enabling the creation of lightweight, high-performance materials. This study investigates the influence of infill geometry and relative density on the fracture behavior of 3D-printed thermoplastics produced through ME. Polylactic acid (PLA) is used as the model material, with unit cell geometries-square, triangle, and Kagome-and relative densities ranging from 0.4 to 0.8 explored. Tensile tests are first conducted to determine in-plane elastic moduli in two orthogonal directions, accounting for unit cell anisotropy. These results are employed in effective fracture energy calculations. Compact tension fracture tests follow, quantitatively characterize crack growth characteristics in both directions. In both tests, digital image correlation method is used to measure full field strain distributions. Three significant findings emerge. First, there is a power scaling relationship between Elastic Modulus and relative density across all unit cells, with Kagome exhibiting the highest correlation constant. Triangle and Kagome unit cells show negligible orthotropic responses in perpendicular directions for varying relative densities. Second, the relationship between nondimensional fracture toughness and relative density follows a similar scaling law, with minor variations depending on unit cell type. The correlation factor slightly dependens on unit cell geometry but remains around 3 across the the examined relative density range. Third, considering the dissipation of inelastic fracture energy, both triangle and Kagome unit cell geometries demonstrate an order of magnitude higher effective fracture energy (i.e., crack growth resistance) compared to the square unit cell. This is associated with toughening mechanisms such as crack deflection and bifurcation. These findings highlight the disparity between fracture toughness and effective fracture energy in assessing the fracture resistance of 3D-printed thermoplastics, clearly demonstrating that fracture toughness alone is insufficient for a comprehensive assessment. The proposed scaling laws provide predictive insights into the fracture toughness of polymeric materials produced via the ME method.

Multi-scale investigation of silane coupling agent for enhanced corrosion resistance in reinforced concrete

Reinforcement corrosion is a significant factor leading to the deterioration of building performance. In order to enhance the serviceability of reinforced concrete under corrosive environments, this study employs a silane coupling agent (γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane) for steel reinforcement treatment. The anti-corrosion mechanism, crack propagation patterns, and modified corrosion resistance of the steel are investigated at multiple scales. Experimental techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) are utilized to explore the influence of the self-assembled coating of the silane coupling agent on the microscopic morphology, elements, and functional groups of the steel. Concrete specimens with treated reinforcement are fabricated, and electrochemical accelerated corrosion tests are conducted to compare corrosion differences among different specimens. Using untreated specimens as a control group, digital image correlation (DIC) technology is employed to capture the full-field strain and displacement distribution during the loading process. The crack propagation and slip behavior at the steel-concrete interface in the composite specimens are analyzed. The research findings indicate that, at the optimal concentration of 1.2 %, the self-assembled coating of the silane coupling agent successfully adheres to the steel surface, significantly enhancing the interfacial abrasion resistance and mechanical strength of the steel-concrete interface, thereby validating the improved corrosion resistance of the steel. This study proposes the self-assembly mechanism and interfacial enhancement mechanism of the silane coupling agent on steel at multiple scales, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of its effectiveness.

Deformation ability of steel inner sleeve T-joint in modular gymnasia based on 3D-DIC method

Substantial loads the roofs bear exert stringent performance standards on connecting joints in movable modular gymnasiums. Previously, we introduced a novel joint design, utilizing internal sleeves and bolts to integrate the upper and lower columns of modular units. To explore the actual deformation behavior and force distribution of this joint, this study employed a three-dimensional digital image correlation (3D-DIC) measurement method to visualize its full-field displacement and strain distribution. The reliability of the 3D-DIC results was confirmed through comparison with traditional measurement methods. Building upon this solid foundation, this study proceeds to assess the static performance of this innovative joint in two distinct directions, successfully revealing micro-deformation and local buckling phenomena undetectable to the naked eye. Notably, the quality of the welds connecting the beams and columns plays a pivotal role in ensuring the overall structural integrity of the joint. Under lateral loading conditions, the destructive behavior of the joints is primarily governed by material strength. Moment-rotation curves were plotted to delve further into the mechanical characteristics of the joint, revealing that the inner-sleeve T-joint exhibits the attributes of a rigid joint. Moreover, the primary damage modes observed in the specimens were fractures at the beam root or buckling of the column, with the joint area remaining intact. Consequently, this joint qualifies as a full-strength connection. These findings will deepen knowledge and understanding of this novel joint for designers.

Experimental investigation on axial quasi-static compression and low-velocity impact behaviors of perforated thermoplastic composite cylindrical shells

Perforation in cylindrical shells is commonly a typical technique to fulfill relevant functional requirements. However, how the perforation influence the mechanical performance of thermoplastic composite cylindrical shells (TPCCS) is incompletely understood. Hence, a systematic investigation through quasi-static compression and low-velocity impact (LVI) experiments was carried out in this paper. The full-field strain distributions of TPCCS intact tubes (IT) and perforated tubes (PT) were monitored by using 3D-DIC, and the residual properties were also characterized by compression-after-impact (CAI) tests. The results show that under quasi-static compression, the structural stiffness decreases significantly with increasing perforation diameter. The perforation reduces the interference of internal random defects on the structural deformation mode, which leads to a significant strain concentration in PT. The peak force and initial stiffness under LVI are smaller than those under quasi-static compression, with IT displaying higher sensitivity to dynamic loading compared to PT. At the impact energy of 100 J, IT and PT exhibit “S”- and “X”-shaped deformation modes, respectively. CAI tests indicate that although PT has a poorer residual load-carrying capacity than IT, it retains good structural integrity and secondary energy absorption capacity. This study provides a valuable reference for the assessment and application of perforated TPCCS.

Structural analysis of small-scale 3D printed composite tidal turbine blades

The existing research literature lacks comprehensive investigations into assessing the structural performance of marine renewable energy conversion devices, particularly 3D printed turbine blades, which often rely solely on computational modelling without experimental validation methods and/or established mechanical characterization techniques. This leads to significant uncertainty regarding the performance of 3D printed turbine blades manufactured by additive manufacturing technology. This study aims to fill this gap by proposing a procedure for evaluating the structural integrity of commercial small-scale tidal turbine blade (5 KW) manufactured using fused filament fabrication 3D printing with a linear infill pattern. This is achieved by developing a combined experimental, hydrodynamic, and finite element approach with the view to inspect the micro-mechanical properties of representative volume elements of 3D printed microstructures using homogenization technique. The results of mechanical testing and hydrodynamic modelling are used to create a finite element model of the 3D printed blade, allowing for stress and failure analysis. Findings indicate that while integrating 3D printed materials into blade design via 3D printing technology is feasible, the choice of materials is limited to high stiffness composite filaments. Finally, experimental validation of numerical results, particularly full field strain distribution maps obtained by digital image correlation technique for flexural testing and laboratory-scale 3D printed blade, confirms the accuracy of the finite element results. Finite element-based homogenization techniques provide valuable insights into potential failure modes in 3D printed tidal turbine blades. However, the expedited calculation of orthotropic properties through finite element analysis proves to be a faster mechanical characterization method compared to experimental approaches. The proposed methodology in this study facilitates quicker iterative design of 3D printed blades, thereby reducing the need for repeated experiments and ultimately lowering manufacturing costs.

Comparative fracture properties of ambient-cured geopolymer concrete containing four different fibers in mono and hybrid combinations using digital image correlation

This paper presents an investigation on the effects of four different fibers (polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), recycled polypropylene (RPP), and steel (S) fibers) on the fracture behaviour of ambient-cured fly ash geopolymer concrete (GPC). The four fibers were added into GPC by both mono at 1.0% volume and hybrid combinations with steel fiber at 0.5% of each other type of fiber. The full-field strain distribution and the crack mouth opening displacement (CMOD) were monitored by digital image correlation (DIC) technology. The results reveal that adding fibers was effective in enhancing the fracture performance and hindering the cracking behaviour of GPC. Furthermore, 1.0% volume steel fiber exhibited to be most advantageous in enhancing the flexural strength by 100%, flexural toughness by 4000%, fracture energy by 3897%, and critical stress intensity factor by 98.8%. GPC with 1.0% volume PP fiber exhibited a characteristic length of 7909 mm, improving the characteristic length of GPC by about 2925%. Additionally, the CMOD was found to have a strong linear relationship with deflection which is unaffected by other factors. The presence of fibers significantly enhanced the ultimate strain. The steel fibers exhibited better performance in hindering the crack propagation. The fracture process zone (FPZ) characteristics differed between specimens with non-metallic and steel fibers, with the latter exhibiting more tortuous shapes and multiple cracks. Notably, a hybridization of steel and non-metallic fibers proves better than mono non-metallic fibers in improving strength, toughness, and ductility. This research provides valuable insights for concrete design and the selection of appropriate fibers based on specific requirements.

Virtual sensing for real-time strain field estimation and its verification on a laboratory-scale jacket structure under water waves

This study aims to achieve real-time estimation of the full-field strain distribution in a structure by signals measured from several strain gauges attached to the structure. Our virtual sensing procedure is developed based on finite element formulation and employs the mode superposition approach. To verify the feasibility of the proposed procedure, numerical and experimental tests are conducted on a laboratory-scale offshore jacket structure subjected to water waves. Key aspects addressed in this study include the selection of displacement modes and the division of strain signals. The experiments are performed in an ocean basin, and comprehensive explanations are provided for the jacket prototype design, implementations, experimental setup, and wave loading conditions. The performance of the proposed virtual sensing procedure is thoroughly assessed through various evaluation measures, enhancing the understanding of its capabilities and limitations in practical applications.

Reliable in vitro method for the evaluation of the primary stability and load transfer of transfemoral prostheses for osseointegrated implantation.

Osseointegrated transfemoral prostheses experience aseptic complications with an incidence between 3% and 30%. The main aseptic risks are implant loosening, adverse bone remodeling, and post-operative periprosthetic fractures. Implant loosening can either be due to a lack of initial (primary) stability of the implant, which hinders bone ingrowth and therefore prevents secondary stability, or, in the long-term, to the progressive resorption of the periprosthetic bone. Post-operative periprosthetic fractures are most often caused by stress concentrations. A method to simultaneously evaluate the primary stability and the load transfer is currently missing. Furthermore, the measurement errors are seldom reported in the literature. In this study a method to reliably quantify the bone implant interaction of osseointegrated transfemoral prostheses in terms of primary stability and load transfer was developed, and its precision was quantified. Micromotions between the prosthesis and the host bone and the strains on the cortical bone were measured on five human cadaveric femurs with a typical commercial osseointegrated implant. To detect the primary stability of the implant and the load transfer, cyclic loads were applied, simulating the peak load during gait. Digital Image Correlation was used to measure displacements and bone strains simultaneously throughout the test. Permanent migrations and inducible micromotions were measured (three translations and three rotations), while, on the same specimen, the full-field strain distribution on the bone surface was measured. The repeatability tests showed that the devised method had an intra-specimen variability smaller than 6μm for the translation, 0.02 degrees for the rotations, and smaller than 60 microstrain for the strain distribution. The inter-specimen variability was larger than the intra-specimen variability due to the natural differences between femurs. Altogether, the measurement uncertainties (intrinsic measurement errors, intra-specimen repeatability and inter-specimen variability) were smaller than critical levels of biomarkers for adverse remodelling and aseptic loosening, thus allowing to discriminate between stable and unstable implants, and to detect critical strain magnitudes in the host bone. In conclusion, this work showed that it is possible to measure the primary stability and the load transfer of an osseointegrated transfemoral prosthesis in a reliable way using a combination of mechanical testing and DIC.

Full-field strain distribution in hierarchical electrospun nanofibrous poly-L(lactic) acid/collagen scaffolds for tendon and ligament regeneration: A multiscale study

Regeneration of injured tendons and ligaments (T/L) is a worldwide need. In this study electrospun hierarchical scaffolds made of a poly-L (lactic) acid/collagen blend were developed reproducing all the multiscale levels of aggregation of these tissues. Scanning electron microscopy, microCT and tensile mechanical tests were carried out, including a multiscale digital volume correlation analysis to measure the full-field strain distribution of electrospun structures. The principal strains (εp1 and εp3) described the pattern of strains caused by the nanofibers rearrangement, while the deviatoric strains (εD) revealed the related internal sliding of nanofibers and bundles. The results of this study confirmed the biomimicry of such electrospun hierarchical scaffolds, paving the way to further tissue engineering and clinical applications.

Full-Field Strain Measurements of the Muscle-Tendon Junction Using X-ray Computed Tomography and Digital Volume Correlation.

We report, for the first time, the full-field 3D strain distribution of the muscle-tendon junction (MTJ). Understanding the strain distribution at the junction is crucial for the treatment of injuries and to predict tear formation at this location. Three-dimensional full-field strain distribution of mouse MTJ was measured using X-ray computer tomography (XCT) combined with digital volume correlation (DVC) with the aim of understanding the mechanical behavior of the junction under tensile loading. The interface between the Achilles tendon and the gastrocnemius muscle was harvested from adult mice and stained using 1% phosphotungstic acid in 70% ethanol. In situ XCT combined with DVC was used to image and compute strain distribution at the MTJ under a tensile load (2.4 N). High strain measuring 120,000 µε, 160,000 µε, and 120,000 µε for the first principal stain (εp1), shear strain (γ), and von Mises strain (εVM), respectively, was measured at the MTJ and these values reduced into the body of the muscle or into the tendon. Strain is concentrated at the MTJ, which is at risk of being damaged in activities associated with excessive physical activity.

Material mapping strategy to identify the density-dependent properties of dry natural snow

The mechanical properties of natural snow play a crucial role in understanding glaciers, avalanches, polar regions, and snow-related constructions. Research has concentrated on how the mechanical properties of snow vary, primarily with its density; the integration of cutting-edge techniques like micro-tomography with traditional loading methods can enhance our comprehension of these properties in natural snow. This study employs μ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\mu$$\\end{document}CT imaging and uniaxial compression tests, along with the Digital Volume Correlation (DVC) to investigate the density-dependent material properties of natural snow. The data from two snow samples, one initially non-compressed (test 1) and the other initially compressed (test 2), were fed into Burger’s viscoelastic model to estimate the material properties. μ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\mu$$\\end{document}CT imaging with 801 projections captures the three-dimensional structure of the snow initially and after each loading step at -18∘\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${^\\circ }$$\\end{document}C, using a constant deformation rate (0.2 mm/min). The relative density of the snow, ranging from 0.175 to 0.39 (equivalent to 160–360 kg/m3\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$^3$$\\end{document}), is determined at each load step through binary image segmentation. Modulus and viscosity terms, estimated from Burger’s model, exhibit a density-dependent increase. Maxwell and Kelvin–Voigt moduli range from 0.5 to 14 MPa and 0.1 to 0.8 MPa, respectively. Viscosity values for the Maxwell and Kelvin–Voigt models vary from 0.2 to 2.9 GPa-s and 0.2 to 2.3 GPa-s within the considered density range, showing an exponent between 3 and 4 when represented as power functions. Initial grain characteristics for tests 1 and 2, obtained through image segmentation, reveal an average Specific Surface Area (SSA) of around 55 1/mm and 40 1/mm, respectively. The full-field strain distribution in the specimen at each load step is calculated using the DVC, highlighting strong strain localization indicative of non-homogeneous behavior in natural snow. These findings not only contribute to our understanding of natural snow mechanics but also hold implications for applications in fields such as glacier dynamics and avalanche prediction.

Investigation on the mechanical properties and damage mechanisms of plain-woven composites at elevated temperatures through a newly-designed testing system

In this paper, the mechanical properties and damage mechanisms of T800/epoxy plain-woven composites at elevated temperatures are investigated by using a newly-designed testing system, including improved digital image correlation (DIC) equipment, modified fixture and dedicated environmental chamber. The molecular structure, glass transition temperature (Tg) and thermal stability of the composites and epoxy resin are separately characterized. The tensile and compressive experiments of plain-woven composites are conducted at 20 °C, 60 °C, 100 °C and 150 °C. The full-field strain distributions of plain-woven composites at elevated temperatures can be accurately measured by the newly-designed testing system. The experimental results indicate that the modulus, failure strengths and damage mechanisms of plain-woven composites are highly temperature dependent. In general, the tensile and compressive moduli decrease slightly with increasing temperature, and the temperature exhibits a more pronounced weakening effect on compressive strength. When the temperature exceeds Tg, the resin attached to fiber yarns is gelatinous. High temperatures severely degrade the interlayer performance of plain-woven composites, resulting in severe delamination accumulation. Particularly, a modified Gibson model is proposed to predict the failure strengths of plain-woven composites at elevated temperatures, which is in high agreement with the experimental results.

Mapping of density-dependent material properties of dry manufactured snow using μ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\mu$$\\end{document}CT

Despite the significance of snow in various cryospheric, polar, and construction contexts, more comprehensive studies are required on its mechanical properties. In recent years, the utilization of μ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\mu$$\\end{document}CT has yielded valuable insights into snow analysis. Our objective is to establish a methodology for mapping density-dependent material properties for dry manufactured snow within the density range of 400–600 kg/m3\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$^3$$\\end{document} utilizing μ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\mu$$\\end{document}CT imaging and step-wise, quasi-static, mechanical loading. We also aim to investigate the variations in the structural parameters of snow during loading. The three-dimensional (3D) structure of snow is captured using μ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\mu$$\\end{document}CT with 801 projections at the beginning of the experiments and at the end of each loading step. The sample is compressed at a temperature of − 18 o\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\mathrm {^o}$$\\end{document}C using a constant rate of deformation (0.2 mm/min) in multiple steps. The relative density of the snow is determined at each load step using binary image segmentation. It varies from 0.44 in the beginning to nearly 0.65 at the end of the loading, which corresponds to a density range of 400–600 kg/m3\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$^3$$\\end{document}. The estimated modulus and viscosity terms, obtained from the Burger’s model, show an increasing trend with density. The values of the Maxwell and Kelvin–Voigt moduli were found to range from 60 to 320 MPa and from 6 to 40 MPa, respectively. Meanwhile, the viscosity values for the Maxwell and Kelvin–Voigt models varied from 0.4 to 3.5 GPa-s, and 0.3–3.2 GPa-s, respectively, within the considered density range. In addition, Digital Volume Correlation (DVC) was used to calculate the full-field strain distribution in the specimen at each load step. The image analysis results show that, the particle size and specific surface area (SSA) do not change significantly within the studied range of loading and densities, while the sphericity of the particles is increased. The grain diameter ranges from approximately 100 μ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\upmu$$\\end{document}m to nearly 400 μ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\upmu$$\\end{document}m, with a mode of nearly 200 μ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\upmu$$\\end{document}m. The methodology presented in this study opens up a path for an extensive statistical analysis of the material properties by experimenting more snow samples.

Full-field contact dynamic mechanical properties of tread rubber material under rolling and slippery conditions based on digital image correlation

The dynamic mechanical properties of rolling tire on special road surface were closely related to the vehicle’s handling stability, driving safety and braking effectiveness. The tire tread rubber material was the only contact part of the vehicle with the road surface, so the strain distribution characteristics of tread rubber material within the contact patch of rolling tire on thin water film pavement played a crucial role in the mechanical characteristics of vehicle. In this paper, a non-contact tire tread rubber rolling mechanical test system was developed. The improved digital image correlation (DIC) method was used to obtain the full-field strain distribution of tread rubber blocks. The effects of load and velocity on the strain rate of the marked points, the full-field strain distribution in the region of interest and rolling resistance were investigated under thin water film pavement. The experimental results were compared with dry condition to analyze the effect of water film on the rolling dynamic characteristics. The results showed that the strain rate increased first and then fluctuated under the action of thin water film. With the increase of speed and load, the full-field strain distribution of tread rubber contact patch was gradually occupied by low strain zone. The change rate of rolling resistance firstly increased and then decreased with the increase of rotational speed.

Stiffness optimisation of sandwich structures with elastically isotropic lattice core

This study concerns homogenisation-based stiffness optimisation with elastically isotropic plate and truss-based lattice structures. Due to the lattices’ isotropy, an optimised design can be obtained without including each lattice's rotational degree of freedom (DOF) as a design variable. Stiffness optimisation was performed on sandwich structures with lattice cores. Two optimised sandwich structures were fabricated using material extrusion additive manufacturing, and their deformation behaviour was studied using digital image correlation (DIC). DIC results revealed that when using a truss-based lattice as the core, certain trusses were susceptible to local strain concentration. On the other hand, sandwich structures with a plate-based lattice as the core showed an evenly distributed strain field, indicating loads can be more efficiently carried. Optimisation results in a maximum increase of 14.0 % for bending stiffness and 24.2 % for energy absorption. This research stands out for its novel selection of lattices and in-depth analysis of the full-field strain distribution in optimised sandwich lattice structures during bending. Combining experimental and numerical methods, the study sheds light on the deformation mechanism of these additively manufactured lattices, offering additional insights.

On the post-impact fatigue behavior and theoretical life prediction of CF/PEEK-titanium hybrid laminates using an energy dissipation approach

This paper aims to illustrate the effect of the impact damage on fatigue behavior of CF/PEEK-titanium hybrid laminates. To achieve this end, a fatigue life model was proposed to predict the S–N curves of the laminates at various initial impact energy levels and stress ratios based on the energy dissipation approach. The energy dissipation behavior of the laminates during fatigue loading under different experimental conditions was analyzed through a large amount of post-impact fatigue tests, and the correlation between the initial impact damage and the total fatigue dissipation energy was determined. The full-field axial strain distribution of the titanium layer on the impacted side of the laminate was characterized in terms of initial impact energy level and maximum stress using digital image correlation, and then the post-impact fatigue failure mechanism of CF/PEEK-Ti hybrid laminates was summarized. Finally, the validity of the proposed model was verified by fatigue tests under other conditions of stress ratio and impact energy level. It is worth mentioning that the proposed model is also applicable to other types of FMLs, and can accurately predict the residual fatigue life of laminates after impact with only one set of S–N curve data.

A Comprehensive Mechanical Characterization of Subject-Specific 3D Printed Scaffolds Mimicking Trabecular Bone Architecture Biomechanics.

This study presents a polymeric scaffold designed and manufactured to mimic the structure and mechanical compressive characteristics of trabecular bone. The morphological parameters and mechanical behavior of the scaffold were studied and compared with trabecular bone from bovine iliac crest. Its mechanical properties, such as modulus of elasticity and yield strength, were studied under a three-step monotonic compressive test. Results showed that the elastic modulus of the scaffold was 329 MPa, and the one for trabecular bone reached 336 MPa. A stepwise dynamic compressive test was used to assess the behavior of samples under various loading regimes. With microcomputed tomography (µCT), a three-dimensional reconstruction of the samples was obtained, and their porosity was estimated as 80% for the polymeric scaffold and 88% for trabecular bone. The full-field strain distribution of the samples was measured using in situ µCT mechanics and digital volume correlation (DVC). This provided information on the local microdeformation mechanism of the scaffolds when compared to that of the tissue. The comprehensive results illustrate the potential of the fabricated scaffolds as biomechanical templates for in vitro studies. Furthermore, there is potential for extending this structure and fabrication methodology to incorporate suitable biocompatible materials for both in vitro and in vivo clinical applications.

In-situ visualization of high temperature slag corrosion process for alumina-magnesia refractory

The stringent service environment of refractory, which is composed of complex photo-thermal radiation, limits the evaluation of its corrosion process and corrosion mechanism. The visualization of interaction between refractory and slag at the temperature range of 1350∼1600 °C was realized based on the development of high-temperature resistant speckles combined with digital image correlation technology. The corrosion processes of alumina-magnesia refractories can be divided into three stages: slag penetration, refractory dissolution, and formation of new precipitates. The relationship between corrosion and corrosion processes induced strain was established: the stress caused by slag penetration and refractory dissolution was about 1.29 times that of the formation of new precipitates, such as CA6. With the quantification and identification of slag penetration and corrosion area using the full-field chemo-mechanical strain distribution on the refractory surface, a new method for precise research and real-time evaluation of corrosion behavior of refractory under extreme environment is established.