High Rate Deformation Research Articles

Knockdown of tyrosine hydroxylase gene affects larval survival, pupation and adult eclosion in Plagiodera versicolora

AbstractIn insects, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) plays essential roles in cuticle tanning and cuticle pigmentation. Plagiodera versicolora (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is a leaf‐eating forest pest in salicaceous trees worldwide. However, the function of PverTH in P. versicolora is still unknown. In this study, we obtained a PverTH gene from transcriptome analysis. The expression analysis of PverTH showed that the highest expression was found in epidermis of larvae. In this study, we used RNA interference (RNAi) technology to knockdown the PverTH gene. The results showed that ingestion of dsTH led to cuticle coloration became lighter in larvae, pupae and adults. Knockdown of PverTH gene inhibited larval growth, and consequently caused higher mortality. In addition, RNAi of TH disrupted the cuticle tanning, caused lower pupation rate, lower eclosion rate and higher deformity rate. This study indicates that PverTH is vital for the cuticular pigments and cuticle tanning. Moreover, this research suggested that the development of PverTH gene as a potential target gene to control P. versicolora.

Mechanical properties of aramid and UHMWPE thermoplastic composites: numerical and experimental trials

The out-of-plane behaviour of 8 different composites exposed to very high deformation rates and non-standard conditions was investigated in our previous studies. The mechanical properties of these composites have been evaluated through tests conducted at deformation rates comparable to those experienced during explosions. Based on the relevant test results, this study conducted a numerical analysis of 3 best-performing Aramid UD GS3000, Artec Aramid/Woven Aramid CT736, and H62 UD-UHMWPE-reinforced composites. In this regard, LS-DYNA's MAT54 model was compared with other failure mechanics-based models and preferred because it requires less experimental data and can simulate damage progression in dynamic failures. Since the samples used in the study were non-standard, quasi-static tensile and shear tests were performed based on the loads to which the composites would be exposed to create an accurate numerical analysis. Both tensile and shear strength values of the Artec Aramid/Woven Aramid CT736 composite are higher than those of the Aramid UD GS3000 and H62 UD-UHMWPE composites. When the numerical analysis results were compared with the tensile test data, compliance rates of 99.84% for Aramid UD GS3000 reinforced composite, 99.34% for Artec Aramid/Woven Aramid CT736 reinforced composite, and 96.42% for H62 UD-UHMWPE reinforced composite were determined. The analysis showed that the shear stress-strain curves provided 100% agreement at the maximum stress value.

On the role of the retained porosity on the shock response of additively manufactured high-performance steel: Experiments, constitutive model and finite-element predictions

Experiments have shown that for quasi-static and moderate strain-rates (of the order of 102–103/s) the mechanical response of additively manufactured (AM) and traditionally processed high-strength steels is similar whereas the impact behavior is markedly different. In this paper, we reveal that the main reason for this difference is the retained porosity in the AM material. Fully-implicit finite element calculations are presented in which we simulate both the launching of the impact plate and the impact between the two plates. The constitutive model used is the elastic/plastic model for porous ductile materials with matrix displaying tension-compression asymmetry and Johnson-Cook hardening law that accounts for both strain-rate effects and plastic history. It is shown that even a very small initial porosity changes the wave front, decreases the Hugoniot while increasing the shock rise time, when compared to a void free material. Furthermore, quantitative comparisons between simulation results and plate impact data for both the AM and the wrought AF9628 steel are provided. The good agreement show that the model captures the impact response and illustrates the model capabilities to provide information on field variables that cannot be directly measured.Additive manufacturing (AM) of metals is rapidly advancing as a robust method for production of geometrically complex parts. To enhance understanding of material performance and open up additional application opportunities, dynamic characterization of newly printed alloys is required to validate their effectiveness. In this paper, we present results from plate impact testing of AF9628 steel, a newly developed high-strength low alloy martensitic steel for structural applications which require resistance to high-rate deformation. We put into evidence differences in the shock structure between the AM and the traditionally processed material. To gain understanding, we conduct fully-implicit finite element (FE) calculations in which we model both the launching of the impact plate and the impact between the two plates, respectively. An elastic/plastic damage model that accounts for the effects of the tension-compression asymmetry in plastic deformation and its influence on porosity evolution is used. The FE results reveal that even a very small amount of initial porosity leads to an increase in the shock rise time, explaining the observed trends. Furthermore, quantitative comparisons between simulation results and plate impact data for both the AM and the wrought AF9628 are provided. The good agreement show that the model captures the impact response and illustrates the model capabilities to provide information on field variables that cannot be directly measured.

Microstructural evolution and dynamic mechanical behavior of PM 2195 Al-Li alloy with resistance to shear instability in high strain rate deformation

The risk of adiabatic shear instability is common in traditional alloys covering high-strength steels, copper alloys and aluminum alloys during high strain rate deformation. However, the research on shear instability of 2195 Al-Li alloy prepared by powder metallurgy (PM) at high strain rates is still blank. The purpose is to explore its microstructure evolution and dynamic compression behavior. In this work, the 2195 Al-Li alloy prepared by PM amazingly demonstrates excellent resistance to shear instability at high strain rates during Split-Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) experiment. The microstructural evolution of grains and T1 (Al2CuLi) precipitate phase, and dynamic compression behavior of PM 2195 Al-Li alloy at various strain rates from 3000 s−1 to 9000 s−1 are investigated in detail employing correlative electron-backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). During high strain rate deformation, the alloy undergoes grain fragmentation and rotation, increasing dislocation density around the grains. When the strain rate is from 3000 s−1 to 7500 s−1, the Kernel Average Misorientation (KAM) value increases, indicating intensified localized strain. At a strain rate of 9000 s−1, a small number of grains are surrounded by nanocrystals (around 200 nm) that undergo stress release, while the average size of micrometer-sized grains is 0.81 μm. As the strain rate increases, the T1 phases in the alloy extends, vibrates, and fractures before dissolving in the matrix, while high-rate deformation promotes dislocation entanglement and defects, leading to the decomposition or ordering of precipitated phases through rapid plastic deformation. By virtue of energy dissipation strategy via the formation of nanocrystallines and dislocation behavior induced by the dissolution of T1 phases, the "positive-positive" effect is observed. The PM 2195 Al-Li alloy undergoes no shear failure even at the strain rate of 9000 s−1, showing great prospects in future applications in dynamic-loading conditions.

Microstructure effects on high velocity microparticle impacts of copper

Constitutive models can fail to predict high-rate deformation behavior due to their inability to account for microstructural effects. In part, this is because of a dearth of experimental benchmarking data in the high strain-rate, low pressure regime, since many high-rate experiments also probe a region of strong shockwaves, at which point microstructure effects no longer play a primary role. This work uses laser-induced particle impact testing to quantitatively study high velocity impacts of small, rigid alumina microspheres on flat copper substrates with varying amounts of initial cold work in the weak shock regime, but at very high strain rates up to ∼107s−1. Through paired experiments and numerical simulations, this work shows that the initial microstructure condition can have significant influence on dynamical mechanical properties in this range. Specifically, prior work hardening of the copper substrate leads to increased rebounding of the microparticles (i.e., less plastic dissipation in the impact) as well as smaller craters. Each of these experimental measurables can be converted into a strength measure, i.e., the dynamic yield strength or dynamic hardness, respectively, neither of which is well predicted consistently by existing constitutive laws. The general trend of hardening can be captured by such models by incorporating an existing “pre-strain,” suggesting that future calibration of the materials parameters may yield a good fit over a broader range of conditions. Our results emphasize the importance of reporting the microstructural condition in dynamic studies, as well as the necessity of accounting for these factors when formulating and optimizing constitutive models.

Transcriptomics reveals that NAD(P)H affects the development of the Zig-zag eel (Mastacembelus armatus ♀) × Spiny eel (Sinobdella sinensis ♂) hybrid offspring leading to low hatching rates

Zig-zag eel (Mastacembelus armatus (2 n = 48)) and Spiny eel (Sinobdella sinensis (2 n = 48)) are two species of the Mastacembelidae family commonly found in southern China. Hybridization between the two has a very high deformity rate and a very low hatching rate. In order to investigate the reasons for this, the first hybridization between M. armatus and S. sinensis was carried out using artificial insemination, and the embryonic development of the hybrid offspring was examined using microphotography, and the malformations of the hybrid offspring were investigated by transcriptomics. The experiments showed that the average egg production was 4265.7 ± 322.94 (Mean ± SD), the average fertilization rate of hybrid offspring was 98.67 ± 0.58 % (Mean ± SD), the hatching rate was 12.06 ± 3.44 % (Mean ± SD), the deformity rate was 98.15 ± 3.21 % (Mean ± SD), and the embryonic development successively went through the five main stages of fertilized egg, egg cleavage, embryo formation, organogenesis, and exertion of membranes. Transcriptomics showed that the expression of NAD(P)H-related enzyme activity DEGs was increased, and many DEGs related to cell signaling molecule transmission and metabolic regulation are enriched in KEGG pathways, such as IL-17 signaling pathway, Osteoclast differentiation, TNF signaling pathway and MAPK signaling pathway. etc. The major types of DEGs corresponded to those coding for proteins. This study suggests that the high malformation rate in hybrid offspring may be caused by impaired synthesis of proteins during embryonic development.

Cut-resistance of elastic high-performance composite yarn

Soft and lightweight personal protective equipment for civil or military use that is made of cut-resistant textiles is usually rigid and heavy, less elastic or flexible. Insertion of elastane fiber during the fabrication of rigid textiles seems to be working, but actually is not. Therefore, it presents a severe challenge in achieving an appropriate balance among elasticity, flexibility, and protection. To address this issue, an elastic cut-resistant composite yarn is fabricated by single wrapping ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene around elastic Spandex. The effects of wrapping parameters (including the twist, spindle speed, and yarn combination) on yarn elasticity and coverage are investigated to achieve a perfect wrapping, and the cut-resistance of the composite yarn is evaluated by using a self-improved AUTOGRAPH universal testing machine. It demonstrates that the cutting process of the composite yarn consists of four stages, the cut modulus and yarn elasticity are highly correlated with yarn structure and wrapping process parameters. The optimizing coverage and cut-resistance are achieved when the twist is 750 t/m, which is also with a high elastic recovery rate (79.79%) and low plastic deformation rate (10.11%). Groups of parallelized composite yarns with varying densities are fabricated by self-improved sample holders to simulate the cut-resistant weaving fabrics with different weaving densities, of which the cut-resistance is evaluated. The resistance against cutting varies significantly among different groups, which is directly proportional to their densities. Finally, two types of elastic cut-resistant fabrics with different structures are woven from fabricated elastic cut-resistant composite yarns practically. Both weft-backed weave and the double-layer weave fabrics have good flexibility and protection, of which the cut-resistance is level 1 and level 2, respectively. Thus, the composite yarn has an excellent elasticity and maintained cut-resistance, which is an ideal material for the production of highly elastic protective textiles.

Intrusive mechanism of the 2018 Sierra Negra Galápagos eruption, constrained by 4D tomographic images

Understanding the mechanisms of magma intrusion underpins our ability to interpret geophysical monitoring signals at volcanoes and thus issue reliable forecasts of future activity. The basaltic caldera volcanoes of the western Galápagos Islands, Ecuador, exhibit exceptionally high rates of deformation driven by shallow magma accumulation and migration. However, the nature and evolution of magma storage at these volcanoes is poorly constrained by earthquake hypocentre locations or geodetic inversions. Here we show that transient variations in seismic velocity before, during, and after the 2018 eruption of the Sierra Negra volcano track the accumulation of magma in a shallow sill complex and the emplacement of a lateral flank intrusion. A four-dimensional tomographic technique applied to the P-wave arrivals of local earthquakes provides high spatiotemporal resolution of changes in the physical properties of the shallow volcanic system. In the month before the eruption, the expansion of a low-velocity zone above the sub-caldera sill complex coincides with caldera uplift and near-surface fracturing, driven by persistent shallow magma accumulation. A new low-velocity anomaly appeared progressively in the western flank of the volcano in the days after the onset of the eruption, coinciding with the opening of a curved sill that supplied magma to secondary eruptive fissures. The anomaly disappeared as the curved sill deflated after the initial opening, despite it remaining the conduit for magma from the caldera complex to the flank fissures. Low velocities across the shallow caldera after the end of the eruption likely result from rapid inflation due to recharge with fresh magma from depth. These results indicate a previously unknown complexity to the magmatic plumbing system at Sierra Negra and suggest velocity changes resulting from an interplay of thermal and stress perturbations.

Site-specific probabilistic seismic hazard analysis in Nuweiba, Gulf of Aqaba, Egypt: Combining area source model and active faults

Gulf of Aqaba in Eastern Egypt is characterized by significant seismic activity and high deformation rate, making it a major source of destructive earthquakes in the region. While previous studies have produced probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA) maps for the region, they have not adequately accounted for active faults or site response in their calculations. This study introduces a newly developed seismic source model for the Gulf of Aqaba, considering area source, active fault source, and a combination of both models to improve seismic hazard assessment for the region. The study incorporates the previously measured average shear-wave velocity for the upper 30 m (Vs30), fundamental frequency (F0), and amplification factor (A0) at some selected sites in Nuweiba city. Accordingly, site-specific PSHA is carried out for the bedrock condition (Vs30 = 800 m/s, according to the Egyptian Building Code) and for the surface of soft sediments using F0, A0, and Vs30. Uncertainties in slip rate, maximum magnitude, and recurrence model are accounted during PSHA computation. Ground motion parameters such as peak ground acceleration (PGA) and spectral acceleration (SA) for various probabilities of exceedance in 50-year lifetime are calculated for both rock site conditions and soft sediments. The maximum calculated PGA and SA are 0.65 g and 1.25 g, respectively, for a 10% probability of exceedance over 50 years at bedrock conditions.

Mechanical Behaviour of Photopolymer Cell-Size Graded Triply Periodic Minimal Surface Structures at Different Deformation Rates.

This study investigates how varying cell size affects the mechanical behaviour of photopolymer Triply Periodic Minimal Surfaces (TPMS) under different deformation rates. Diamond, Gyroid, and Primitive TPMS structures with spatially graded cell sizes were tested. Quasi-static experiments measured boundary forces, representing material behaviour, inertia, and deformation mechanisms. Separate studies explored the base material's behaviour and its response to strain rate, revealing a strength increase with rising strain rate. Ten compression tests identified a critical strain rate of 0.7 s-1 for "Grey Pro" material, indicating a shift in failure susceptibility. X-ray tomography, camera recording, and image correlation techniques observed cell connectivity and non-uniform deformation in TPMS structures. Regions exceeding the critical rate fractured earlier. In Primitive structures, stiffness differences caused collapse after densification of smaller cells at lower rates. The study found increasing collapse initiation stress, plateau stress, densification strain, and specific energy absorption with higher deformation rates below the critical rate for all TPMS structures. However, cell-size graded Primitive structures showed a significant reduction in plateau and specific energy absorption at a 500 mm/min rate.

Energy-based modeling of rate-independent hysteresis and viscoelastic effects in dielectric elastomer actuators

Dielectric elastomer (DE) transducers are known to exhibit a rate-dependent hysteresis in their force-displacement response, which is commonly attributed to the viscoelastic behavior of elastomer materials and compliant electrodes. In the case of DE materials characterized by low mechanical losses, such as silicone, the mechanical hysteresis often turns out to be practically rate-independent in the low frequency range (sub-Hz), whereas rate-dependent hysteretic effects only become relevant at higher deformation rates. Most of the existing literature focuses on describing DE hysteretic losses using viscoelasticity theory. This approach results in relatively simple dynamic models, which are not capable of describing rate-independent hysteretic behaviors. In this work, we propose a control-oriented modeling framework for both rate-dependent and rate-dependent hysteresis occurring in uniaxially loaded DE actuators. To this end, classic thermodinamically-consistent modeling approaches for DEs are combined with a new energy-based Maxwell-Lion formalization of the hysteretic losses. The resulting dynamic model comprises a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations, and is capable of simultaneously describe geometric dependencies, large deformation nonlinearities, electro-mechanical coupling, and rate-independent and rate-dependent hysteretic effects. To deal with the large number of involved parameters, a novel systematic identification algorithm based on quadratic programming is also proposed. After presenting the theory, the model is validated based on experiments conducted on a silicone-based rolled DE actuator. Its superiority compared to classic DE viscoelastic models is quantitatively assessed.

Дослідження відносних деформацій міжуламкового регенерату в моделях різних варіантів остеосинтезу кісток гомілки з переломами в середній третині у дітей з недосконалим остогенезом та незавершеним ростом

Introduction. Osteogenesis imperfecta is a genetic pathology that leads to a violation of the processes of formation of collagen fibers, formation of bone matrix and its mineralization and, as a result, to the formation of bone tissue with low strength properties. The most promising means of stabilizing bone fragments under this condition are intramedullary fixators of various designs. Aim. To investigate the relative deformations of the interfragmentary regenerate under the influence of various types of loads in models of the tibia with fractures of both bones in the middle third and their osteosynthesis using intramedullary rods of various designs in children with osteogenesis imperfecta and incomplete growth. Materials and methods. Mathematical modeling of options for osteosynthesis of tibia bones with a fracture in the middle third in children with osteogenesis imperfecta was performed. Two variants for tibial osteosynthesis were modelled: a rod without rotational stability; rod with rotational stability. Osteosynthesis of the fibula was not modelled in all variants. The stress-strain state of the model under the influence of vertical compressive, bending and torsional loads, as well as the magnitude of the relative deformations of the interstitial regenerate, were studied. The results. A “growing” intramedullary shear with rotational stability provides essential advantages in the case of torsional loads. The presence of rotational stability makes it possible to ensure two times lower values of relative deformations of interfragmentary regenerates compared to osteosynthesis with a rotationally unstable rod. Under compressive and bending loads, both rods showed almost identical results of relative deformations of bone regenerates. High rates of deformation of interfragmentary tibial regenerates are due to the lack of longitudinal axial stability of both rods, which is the basis for the possibility of increasing their length during the growth of the patient. Conclusions. The use of osteosynthesis with intramedullary rods, which increase during the treatment of tibial fractures in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta, does not ensure a sufficient level of stability for the fixation of bone fragments under compression and bending loads, which leads to the greatest deformations of bone regenerates. A rod with rotational stability provides advantages in resistance to torsional loads, which is determined by twice lower relative deformations of interfragmentary regenerates. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.

Finite Element Analysis of Changes in Deformation of Intraocular Segments by Airbag Impact in Eyes of Various Axial Lengths.

We studied the kinetic phenomenon of an airbag impact on eyes with different axial lengths using finite element analysis (FEA) to sequentially determine the physical and mechanical responses of intraocular segments at various airbag deployment velocities. The human eye model we created was used in simulations with the FEA program PAM-GENERISTM. The airbag was set to impact eyes with axial lengths of 21.85 mm (hyperopia), 23.85 mm (emmetropia) and 25.85 mm (myopia), at initial velocities of 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 m/s. The deformation rate was calculated as the ratio of the length of three segments, anterior chamber, lens and vitreous, to that at the baseline from 0.2 ms to 2.0 ms after the airbag impact. Deformation rate of the anterior chamber was greater than that of other segments, especially in the early phase, 0.2-0.4 ms after the impact (P < 0.001), and it reached its peak, 80%, at 0.8 ms. A higher deformation rate in the anterior chamber was found in hyperopia compared with other axial length eyes in the first half period, 0.2-0.8 ms, followed by the rate in emmetropia (P < 0.001). The lens deformation rate was low, its peak ranging from 40% to 75%, and exceeded that of the anterior chamber at 1.4 ms and 1.6 ms after the impact (P < 0.01). The vitreous deformation rate was lower throughout the simulation period than that of the other segments and ranged from a negative value (elongation) in the later phase. Airbag impact on the eyeball causes evident deformation, especially in the anterior chamber. The results obtained in this study, such as the time lag of the peak deformation between the anterior chamber and lens, suggest a clue to the pathophysiological mechanism of airbag ocular injury.

Quantitative Nondestructive Evaluation of Cold Spray Manufactured Aluminum Alloy 6061 and Copper Samples

Cold spray (CS) is a solid-state process for depositing thick layers of material via the successive high-velocity impact of powder particles onto a solid surface, which leads to high rates of deformation, interparticle bonding, and coating build-up. Although CS is finding commercial utilization in non-load-bearing repair and coating applications, clear nondestructive characterization procedures are necessary to realize its potential in load-bearing structural applications. In this study, the viability of electrical conductivity and through thickness ultrasound wave velocity measurement methods was studied to serve as a means for nondestructive quantitative measurement for quality control in CS and potentially other additive manufacturing (AM) methods. Eddy current, ultrasound, porosity, hardness, and uniaxial tensile strength tests were conducted on CS deposited layers of aluminum alloy 6061 and copper on aluminum alloy 6061 and commercially pure copper substrates, respectively. CS gas dynamic parameters were intentionally and systematically varied to result in corresponding discrete differences in mechanical properties of deposits. Ultrasound measurements of longitudinal wave velocity and eddy current electrical conductivity measurements showed good correlation with process conditions, microstructural characterization results, and destructive mechanical tests (hardness, tensile). The results of this work show that ultrasound wave velocity and electrical conductivity correlate well with increased particle impact velocity in CS deposited aluminum and copper blocks, which evidently show an incremental decrease in porosity, increase in hardness, and increase in tensile strength. The outlined ultrasound and eddy current nondestructive testing methods present effective means for quantitative assessment of cold spray deposited structures while intact with the substrate.

High-Strength Copper/Silver Alloys Processed by Cold Spraying for DC and Pulsed High Magnetic Fields

High-strength, high-conductivity copper/silver-alloyed materials were prepared by cold-spray (CS) manufacturing. For DC high-field application at room temperature, bulk Cu/Ag (5% vol. Ag) alloys with high mechanical properties and high electrical conductivity can be obtained by CS and post-heat treatments. For pulsed-field application at liquid nitrogen temperature, bulk Cu/Ag (5% vol. Ag) alloys serve as precursors for room-temperature wire drawing. The Cu/Ag-alloyed bulk CS deposit presents a high yield strength of about 510 MPa with a corresponding electrical resistivity of 1.92 µΩ·cm (at 293 K). The Cu/Ag-alloyed wires show a very high ultimate tensile strength (1660 MPa at 77 K or 1370 MPa at 293 K) and low electrical resistivity (1.05 µΩ·cm at 77 K or 2.56 µΩ·cm at 293 K). Microstructural studies via STEM allow us to understand this very high level of mechanical strength. The results evidence that materials developed by CS exhibit very high mechanical properties compared to materials prepared by other routes, due to the high velocity of the deposited particles, which leads to high initial deformation rates and specific microstructural features.

Geometric effects on impact mitigation in architected auxetic metamaterials

Lightweight materials used for impact mitigation must be able to resist impact and absorb the maximum amount of energy from the impactor. Auxetic materials have the potential to achieve high resistance by drawing material into the impact zone and providing higher indentation and shear resistance. However, these materials must be artificially designed, and the large deformation dynamic effects of the created structures must be taken into consideration when deciding on a protection concept. Despite their promise, little attention has been given to understanding the working mechanisms of high-rate and finite deformation effects of architected auxetic lattice structures. This study compares the static and dynamic elastic properties of different auxetic structures with a honeycomb structure, a typical non-auxetic lattice, at equivalent mass and stiffness levels. In this study, we limit the investigation to elastic material behavior and do not consider contact between the beams of the lattices. It is demonstrated that the equivalent static and dynamic properties of individual lattices at an undeformed state are insufficient to explain the variations observed in impact situations. In particular, the initial Poisson’s ratio does not determine the ability of a structure to resist impact. To gain a thorough comprehension of the overall behavior of these structures during localized, high rate compression, the evolution of the elastic tangent properties under compression and shear deformation was monitored, leading to a more profound understanding. Observations made in one configuration of stiffness and mass are replicated and analyzed in related configurations.

Effect of 3D-Printed Honeycomb Core on Compressive Property of Hybrid Energy Absorbers: Experimental Testing and Optimization Analysis.

This paper presents an innovative method of constructing energy absorbers, whose primary function is to effectively transform kinetic energy into strain energy in events with high deformation rates. Hybrid specimens are proposed considering thin-walled windowed metallic tubes filled with 3D-printed hexagonal honeycombs made of PET-G and ABS thermoplastic. The patterned windows dimensions vary from 20 × 20, 20 × 30, 15 × 20 and 15 × 30 mm2. Although using polymers in engineering and thin-walled sections is not new, their combination has not been explored in this type of structure designed to withstand impacts. Specimens resist out-of-plane quasi-static axial loading, and test results are analyzed, demonstrating that polymer core gives the samples better performance parameters than unfilled samples regarding energy absorption (Ea), load rate (LR), and structural effectiveness (η). An optimization procedure using specialized software was applied to evaluate experimental results, which led to identifying the optimal window geometry (16.4 × 20 mm2, in case) and polymer to be used (ABS). The optimized sample was constructed and tested for axial compression to validate the optimization outcomes. The results reveal that the optimal sample performed similarly to the estimated parameters, making this geometry the best choice under the test conditions.

Ultrafast Bi-Directional Bending Moisture-Responsive Soft Actuators through Superfine Silk Rod Modified Bio-Mimicking Hierarchical Layered Structure.

Development of stimulus-responsive materials is crucial for novel soft actuators. Among these actuators, the moisture-responsive actuators are known for their accessibility, eco-friendliness, and robust regenerative attributes. A major challenge of moisture-responsive soft actuators (MRSAs) is achieving significant bending curvature within short response times. Many plants naturally perform large deformation through a layered hierarchical structure in response to moisture stimuli. Drawing inspiration from the bionic structure of Delosperma nakurense (D. nakurense) seed capsule, here the fabrication of an ultrafast bi-directional bending MRSAs is reported. Combining a superfine silk fibroin rod (SFR) modified graphene oxide (GO) moisture-responsive layer with a moisture-inert layer ofreduced graphene oxide (RGO), this actuator demonstrated large bi-directional bending deformation (-4.06±0.09 to 10.44±0.00cm-1) and ultrafast bending rates (7.06cm-1s-1). The high deformation rate is achieved by incorporating the SFR into the moisture-responsive layers, facilitating rapid water transmission within the interlayer structure. The complex yet predictable deformations of this actuator are demonstrated that can be utilized in smart switch, robotic arms, and walking device. The proposed SFR modification method is simple and versatile, enhancing the functionality of hierarchical layered actuators. It holds the potential to advance intelligent soft robots for application in confined environments.

Numerical and Experimental Analysis of Quilling-Inspired Metamaterials

In the current paper is presented the behaviour of a quilling-inspired metamaterial with a nonlinear response to deformation loads. The art of paper quilling relates on curved shapes, circles and spirals that generate 3D multi-layered structures that have the ability to auto-sustain. The study started with models of self-sustaining structures created through paper quilling techniques, further serving as base models for generating 3D metamaterials that resulted in spiral shape layers. These structures have demonstrated the capacity to withstand substantial loads, resulting in high deformation rates and instant shape recovery. The samples of metamaterial have been subjected to compressive loads and the results have been collected through three different methods: experimental testing, digital image correlation and numerical analysis. The purpose of this approach was to find a methodology to investigate the mechanical behaviour of these structures, namely the initial stiffness of the metamaterial. Using these methods of data collection and validation of the results, offers the possibility to research in detail the metamaterial inner structure and to predict the nonlinear displacement generated inside each cell of the layer.

Treatment of plasma coatings by laser remelting

The article analyzes the effect of reflow and thermal cycling by laser beam on the structure and properties of plasma eutectic coatings. The facts of carbon diffusion into the solid phase at a distance of 150-200 microns with a laser pulse duration of 4 ms have been established. This is due to the high deformation rates that occur in the zone of thermal influence under pulsed laser action. This effect is aimed at increasing both the surface and volumetric strength of the sprayed coatings.