High Load-bearing Capacity Research Articles

Function-Oriented Applicability Evaluation of Technical Folding Based on Expert Knowledge

Technical folding systems are rigid, three-dimensional surface structures that can be folded at their joints. Due to their foldable structure, technical folding systems can produce lightweight structures that have a high load-bearing capacity and can also flexibly change their shape. In order to develop products with technical folding in a function-oriented product development process, a folding principle must be defined that realises the individual functions. Since there is hardly any expert knowledge on technical folding, in general, and on the use of the technical folding principle in particular, technical folding is not very widespread despite its promising properties. Therefore, there is a need for a software-supported evaluation of whether functions can be realised by the principle of technical folding. The software-supported applicability evaluation (EvalTech) developed here is based on case-based reasoning methods, as these can artificially simulate evaluations based on expert knowledge. The expert knowledge used for the evaluation includes functions, function structures and properties of known technical folding systems, which are compared with functions and function structures of the development task. EvalTech was successfully used in the development and realisation of a large-scale foldable cover for industrial robots.

Inverse-designed metastructures with customizable low dynamic stiffness characteristics for low-frequency vibration isolation

The quasi-zero stiffness (QZS) vibration isolator is considered to be an effective way to address the contradiction between high load-bearing capacity and low-frequency vibration isolation. However, the design of traditional QZS isolators with multiple components, brings about complexity in structure integration, while designing a structure that is compact and lightweight is required for many engineering applications, especially for aerospace engineering. In this study, inverse design was employed to achieve QZS characteristics of the curved beam system. The trajectory of the cross-section center of a curved beam was optimized by using the genetic algorithm. The present design strategy has the advantage of achieving customizable stiffness and load-bearing capability, as well as constructing multiple QZS regions. The harmonic balance method was employed to analyze the dynamic response of the metatructure, and a parameter analysis was conducted to assess its isolation performance. Numerical simulations were also used to validate the theoretical model in the time and frequency domains, respectively. It is demonstrated by experiment that the proposed metastructure can effectively isolate vibrations above 4.67 Hz, with a mass of only 3.2% of the its load-bearing capacity. The presented design strategy provides a feasible solution for the compact and lightweight low-frequency vibration isolators, particularly benefiting miniature devices, precision instruments, and aerospace applications where space and weight constraints are critical.

Antibacterial bone implants: Integration of TNTA and Se Micro patches

Metallic materials are traditionally used as implant materials for the effective treatment of bone-related disorders. Among these, titanium and its alloys are selected for fabricating orthopedic implant materials owing to their biocompatibility, exceptional corrosion resistance, lower elastic modulus, and high load-bearing capacity. However, the performance of titanium-based metallic implants is compromised by microbial infections and rigorous inflammatory conditions in post-implantation. Therefore, a biofilm-inhibiting surface is crucial for enhancing the efficacy of the implant. In this study, we focused on the fabrication of titania nanotube arrays (TNTA) using inorganic electrolytes, incorporating selenium onto the TNTA surface. Selenium-coated TNTA (Se-TNTA) retained its morphology, though with a reduced nanotubular diameter. XRD analysis revealed the existence of mixed crystalline anatase and rutile phases in the Se-TNTA. Raman and XPS analyses confirmed the presence of selenium in the forms of Se0 and selenate. Corrosion analysis demonstrated that the deposition of selenium on the surface hindered the movement of ions from the harsh simulated body fluid (SBF) solution. Additionally, biofilm formation on the Se-TNTA was significantly lower compared to the control and TNTA. Cell culture studies indicated that cell attachment and proliferation of MG63 and 3T3 fibroblast cells were enhanced on Se-TNTA.

Development and verification of material models in modeling of wave strain hardening and additive synthesis processes

BACKGROUND: The creation of competitive machine parts capable of withstanding standard and increased operational loads is an urgent task in mechanical engineering. Developing additive synthesis technologies together with strengthening technologies make it possible to create such products with high load-bearing capacity. However, to improve the efficiency of these technologies, it is necessary to create theoretical models of the processes taking place. The article presents the results of the first stage of creating complex theoretical models of the combined 3DMP process and wave strain hardening (WSH) required for designing technological processes for manufacturing engine parts and brake systems of automotive equipment. . AIMS: Creation and assessment of the adequacy of material models used in finite element modeling of additive synthesis processes with subsequent hardening. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Theoretical models of the material were created in the ANSYS software package, which allows for multidisciplinary calculations. The experimental data required for preparing the models were obtained by testing tensile samples manufactured using standardized methods. The hardness of materials was studied using a KB 30S automatic hardness tester. The adequacy of additive synthesis modeling was assessed based on the distribution of temperature fields. The adequacy of material models for the VDU process was assessed based on the sizes of individual plastic indentations and the distribution diagrams of the depth and degree of hardening in the surface layer. RESULTS: Theoretical models of the following materials were developed: steel, stainless steel, bronze alloy, titanium alloy, aluminum alloy. The theoretical data obtained from the modeling results have a high level of significance. The studies were conducted for various thermal (in the range from +20ºС to +800ºС) and deformation modes. Graphical results of theoretical and experimental studies allow us to obtain a qualitative assessment of the processes under study with the required accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: As a result of the assessment of the adequacy of the developed models, it was established that the discrepancy between the empirical and theoretical data does not exceed 7.4%. The obtained models of materials are statistically significant and can be correctly applied in further studies.

Analyzing heat transfer performance of ARCH lattice microchannel heat exchanger fabricated using selective laser melting

Lattice structures are emerging as highly effective heat exchange mediums in exchangers and radiators due to their low weight, high specific stiffness and strength, and extensive surface area. These attributes render them particularly suitable for enhancing heat transfer efficiency while maintaining a lightweight and structurally sound design. Certain applications, such as hot stamping, demand both high heat transfer performance and significant load-bearing capacity. Arch micro-strut (ARCH) lattice is a kind of high load-bearing lattice. Currently, there is a gap in the research on its heat transfer performance. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the heat transfer and mechanical performance of additively manufactured ARCH lattice structures. Deionized water (DI water) was selected as the working fluid in this study. The analysis spans various relative densities, inlet velocities, array orientations, and gradient configurations, employing both experimental and simulation approaches. The results of this study reveal that as relative density increases, the pressure drop gradually rises, while the convective heat transfer coefficient increases before stabilizing. The pressure drop reaches a maximum of 348 kPa at 4 m/s, 40 % relative density, and the convective heat transfer coefficient reaches a maximum of 13,805 W/m2·k at 4 m/s, 20 % relative density. At a relative density of 20 %, the convective heat transfer coefficient reaches its maximum at the same inlet velocity. Specifically, at an inlet velocity of 4 m/s, the convective heat transfer coefficient for a 20 % relative density is 115 % higher than that at 0 %. The maximum Von Mises stress and deformation decrease progressively as relative density increases, from 980.72 MPa to 236.05 MPa, suggesting a substantial enhancement in the compressive properties of the structure. Additionally, a higher inlet velocity results in an enhanced convective heat transfer coefficient. The convective heat transfer coefficient increased by an average of 2300 W/m2·k when the flow rate increased from 1 m/s to 4 m/s. The anisotropic nature of ARCH lattice structure significantly affects mechanical properties and heat transfer efficiency, with the heat transfer coefficient being higher at the inlet along X-direction compared to Z-direction, and a lower pressure drop in X-direction. The gradient structure is shown to effectively address the non-uniform heat dissipation requirements of various components. Specifically, decreasing gradient (DG) configuration offers superior heat transfer performance under similar pressure drop conditions, while increasing gradient (IG) configuration provides better temperature uniformity. Overall, ARCH lattice structure demonstrates superior performance compared to face-centered cubic with vertical strut (FCCZ) structure, with an efficiency index approximately 200 % higher than that of FCCZ structure.

Life Cycle Assessment and Experimental Mechanical Investigation of Test Samples for High-Performance Racing Boats

This paper investigates the environmental impact and mechanical performance of two composite sandwich structures, named Series 1 and Series 2, used in high-performance racing boats. Mechanical tests, including four-point bending and drop impact tests, were performed. It was found on a general basis that Series 2 has higher load-bearing capacity and limited deflection. Series 1, which has a higher density, was able to absorb more impact energy but was more susceptible to damage. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was conducted to evaluate the environmental impact associated with the materials, considering also the testing phase, which plays an important role in the life cycle of materials and structures for advanced marine applications. In addition, two performance indexes were introduced to correlate the mechanical and environmental properties of the analyzed materials. This study emphasizes the importance of considering the testing phase in LCA, as the energy-intensive nature of mechanical testing contributes significantly to the overall environmental impact. The introduced indexes allow for a more comprehensive understanding of the balance between mechanical performance and environmental sustainability. The findings suggest a trade-off between mechanical performance and sustainability, calling for further research into recyclable composites and greener manufacturing processes to balance these competing priorities.

The Cr/Cr2N multilayer coating with high load-bearing capacity and thermal shock resistance

By utilizing the multi-arc ion plating (MAIP) technique, multilayer coatings with varying Cr/Cr2N ratios and uniform thicknesses were deposited onto a nitrided Cr–Ni–Mo–V steel substrate. The evolution of microstructure and mechanical properties was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and micro-Vickers hardness testing. The load-bearing capacity of the multilayer coatings with varying modulation ratios was comprehensively evaluated through Vickers indentation tests with a 10-kgf load, Rockwell hardness testing with a 150-kgf load, and scratch tests with loads of 60 and 100 N. The coating with a Cr/Cr2N layer modulation ratio of 0.2/0.4 μm exhibited a hardness of 1385 HV and an adhesion strength of 91 N. Under a 10 kgf load, this coating also demonstrated excellent fracture toughness, and did not exhibit any radial cracks in the Vickers indentation. Subsequently, a thermal shock test, involving quenching from 900°C water to 25°C, was conducted on the coating with the best comprehensive performance. The multilayer coating with high load-bearing capacity could withstand 52 thermal shock cycles before delamination occurred. Failure analysis further confirmed that the multilayer coating with enhanced load-bearing capacity effectively resisted thermal shock.

Analysis of Force Distribution and Motion Characteristic of Hybrid-Driven Tensegrity Parallel Mechanism

Abstract Tensegrity parallel mechanisms is a novel spatial structure composed of cable-based and rigid-based chains, which is characterized by lightweight, multi-stability, high precision, good stiffness, and high load-bearing capacity. This paper focuses on the six-degree-of-freedom tensegrity parallel mechanism, analyzing its static equilibrium and presenting the force equilibrium equations. A model for cable tension distribution optimization is established, utilizing different P-norm objective functions to optimize the distribution of tension in cables and rigid links, discussing the reasons for unreasonable tensions in the system. Under given constraints on the motion pairs of the mechanism, the workspace of the mechanism is plotted, and factors influencing the size of the workspace are analyzed. Finally, the singularity of the mechanism is addressed based on the Jacobian matrix, demonstrating the feasibility of reaching the space volume by the mechanism. It has certain reference significance for the configuration theory and analysis methods of tensegrity parallel mechanisms and rigid-flexible coupling mechanisms, and provides a reference for the further promotion and application of mechanisms.

Thermal and mechanical analysis of thermal break structure in balcony with basalt fiber reinforced polymer

Thermal break structure is an effective design to reduce building energy consumption in balcony. The traditional stainless-steel bars or other FRP components reinforced thermal break structures can't enable both mechanical performance and thermal insulation concurrently because these materials are difficult to have low thermal conductivity and high mechanical properties at the same time. This paper proposes to use basalt fiber reinforced polymer (BFRP) to construct the thermal break structure due to the high load-bearing capacity and thermal insultation of BFRP. The thermal performance of the structure is systematically verified through three-dimensional simulation. Influence of thermal break widths, loading point positions, shear reinforcement forms and reinforcement types on the mechanical properties of the structure is investigated. The results show that BFRP can significantly reduce the linear heat transfer transmittance while ensuring structural mechanical properties. A larger thermal break width leads to the low load-bearing capacity of the structure. Lower BFRP compressive reinforcements need enough diameter to provide compressive strength and shear reinforcement forms can significantly increase the mechanical properties of the thermal break. Upper tensile reinforcements can be selected depending on the stiffness and insulation requirements in practical engineering. Based on experimental results, force transfer mechanism is analyzed and the rationality of the structural design is identified. The maximum length of the cantilever slab without shear reinforcement forms is approximately 2.94 m when meets the serviceability limit state. The results suggest that newly designed BFRP thermal break structure can effectively solve thermal bridge problems in balcony.

Additive technologies for improving the strength and deformation characteristics of plastic washer joints of wooden structures

Introduction. Modern wooden structures are mostly connected by mechanical working joints. To increase the reliability of nodal joints, various kinds of washers can be pressed, inserted, or glued into the wood of the elements, thus ensuring the transmission of forces from one element to another. Joints on glued washers can transfer significant forces on a relatively small area of mutual contact, which is due to their high loadbearing capacity. Thus, the gluing of steel washers in places of increased stress concentration during force transfer ensures a significant redistribution of buckling/cracking stresses over a larger area of the connected parts. However, steel washers are highly corrosive, so additional measures are required to protect metal parts from corrosion or to replace the material with the composites. The results of full-scale tests of the samples with glued-in plastic washers are used to consider the ways of increasing the strength and deformation characteristics of the plastic washer material by applying additive technologies.Aim. To increase the load-bearing capacity of the wooden structure joints by increasing the strength and deformation characteristics of the glued washer material.Materials and methods. A method for full-scale tests of wooden specimens with glued fiberglass washers is presented. The wooden elements are made of second grade pine, while the washers are of REC Formax and REC Friction plastics. The test was performed in compression along the fibers, with control of vertical shear deformations. The methods of increasing the strength and deformation characteristics of plastic washers by using additive technologies are considered.Results. Using the data of full-scale tests the diagrams of sample deformations on glued plastic washers are drawn, the obtained results are analyzed. The sufficiently high plasticity of washer materials is established. The ways for increasing the strength and deformation characteristics of plastic washers, particularly by reinforcing the plastic washers is suggested.Conclusions. In order to increase the load-bearing capacity of the joints on the glued fiberglass washers, the reinforcement of plastic using additive CFC printing technologies and the use of different reinforcing fiber materials is adopted.

A novel 3D composite auxetic sandwich panel for energy absorption improvement

In recent years, great research value has been attributed to sandwich structures as energy-absorbing components in structural protection due to their lightweight advantages. However, research on improving the energy absorption of sandwich structures by studying 3D sandwich cores is rare. Therefore, this work proposes a 3D re-entrant four-pointed star sandwich panel (RFSP) to enhance energy absorption. Grille sandwich panels (GSP) and re-entrant sandwich panels (RSP) serve as the control groups. The results show that the 3D RFSP has higher load-bearing capacity and stable deformation. Moreover, its cores compact later, which improves energy absorption. The EA of the RFSP is 1.49 times that of the GSP and 2.96 times that of the RSP. The SEA of the RFSP is 1.17 times that of the GSP and 2.33 times that of the RSP. The structure proposed in this manuscript can be applied to automotive crash beams and components of soft robots, among other applications. Furthermore, the design of 3D sandwich structures is also beneficial for the design of prefabricated sandwich panels.

Microstructural evolution and mechanical performance of friction stir spot welded ultrafine carbide-free bainitic steel: Role of dwell time

This study focuses on unraveling the role of dwell time on microstructural evolution, mechanical performance, and failure characteristics of friction stir spot welded ultrafine carbide-free bainitic steel. Results clarify that the microstructures of the different weld zones exhibit a receptive behavior to extended dwell time, by which not only coarser martensite is acquired within the stir zone (SZ), thermo-mechanically affected zone (TMAZ), and fine-grain heat affected zone (FGHAZ) but also sub-critical heat affected zone (SCHAZ) experiences a more pronounced tempering. Applying a dwell time of 3 s is sufficient to make an ample bonding width containing refined martensite, being effective in retarding the crack propagation, and in turn, delivering a joint with the highest load-bearing capacity. However, enlarging the bonding width at dwell times beyond 3 s fails to provide higher peak loads owing to the formation of coarse martensite within the SZ. The failure modes of the welds are classified into two distinct modes: interfacial and partial pullout. The reduced upper sheet thickness (∼685 μm) paves the way for crack propagation along the thickness direction, allowing for partial pullout failure to occur.

Evaluating the effects of cement asphalt emulsion paste as a grouting material on the fatigue and thermal contraction properties of semi-flexible asphalt composite pavement

Semi-flexible asphalt (SFA) composite pavement is widely used in pavement engineering for its high load-bearing capacity, enhanced durability, impermeability, and resistance to fuel and oil spillage. However, its cracking resistance remains a concern, influenced by repeated vehicle loads and thermal contraction stresses. This study investigates the impact of cement asphalt emulsion paste as a grouting material on SFA’s fatigue and thermal contraction. SFA specimens were grouted with cement paste (CP) containing 20%, 40%, and 60% asphalt emulsion. These specimens were subjected to indirect tensile strength, resilient modulus, and fatigue tests, along with evaluation of thermal contraction behavior using coefficient of thermal contraction. Results indicated that adding asphalt emulsion to CP enhances the flexibility and ductility of SFA but reduces its indirect tensile strength and stiffness modulus. A mathematical model was introduced to predict the resilient modulus based on indirect tensile strength tests. The fatigue analysis demonstrated significant difference in fatigue resistance between SFA and AC16 materials. Incorporating asphalt emulsion also improved SFA’s thermal contraction behavior.

Optimization of Rafter and Frame structures

Objective. Trusses and frames are widely used in the design and construction of buildings and structures, since they have high load-bearing capacity and rigidity. At the same time, they have a significant mass. In order to reduce the mass and cost of rafter and frame structures, this article develops optimal design and calculation schemes using steels of different strengths. Method. The study is based on the theory and methods of design optimization. By studying the features of the frame and truss operation, the most loaded elements of the structures are determined. In accordance with this, steels of different strengths are selected, which ensures a decrease in the mass of the structure and its cost. Comparing various design and calculation schemes, the optimal distribution of steels of different strengths along the span of the structures is proposed. Result. The developed design and calculation schemes make it possible to reduce the mass and cost of frames and trusses by optimally distributing steels of different grades. Conclusion. The proposed solutions can find application in the practice of designing and constructing metal structures. Structural schemes of trusses and frames have been developed, where steels of different strengths are used, which in terms of weight and cost compare favorably with corresponding structures made of steels of the same strength (one grade).

Research on magnetic fluid precise localized lubrication thrust cylindrical roller bearing with low-friction micro-vibration and high load-bearing capacity

Abstract As the magnetic field that is difficult to be distributed in the existing magnetic fluid thrust cylindrical roller bearing structure, it is more difficult for the magnetic fluid to be evenly distributed inside the bearing raceway with the axial localized lubrication, which seriously affects the engineering application of the magnetic fluid bearing. To solve the magnetic field control problem that the magnetic fluid is uneasy to be accurately localized and adsorbed, a new type of magnetic fluid thrust cylindrical roller bearing is designed in this study, which shows good characteristics of low-friction, micro-vibration and high load-bearing capacity. The seat-ring is set as an annular raceway that can be used for magnetic fluid storage and matching with the roller lubrication system, and an annular permanent magnet is designed as an external magnetic field source to be placed below the annular raceway to adsorb the magnetic fluid on the friction surface. The structure design of the axial magnetic fluid localized lubrication bearing is reasonable, which is especially suitable for precision instruments with strict operating-conditions and precision-lubrication.

Exploring the potential of coal derived graphite as next generation lubricant additive for multifunctional applications

In the present study, the friction and wear characteristics of steel/steel contact under reciprocating sliding conditions were investigated using composite mixtures made from Polyalphaolefin 4 (PAO4) as base oil lubricant and North Dakota lignite-derived graphite (LG) as high-value carbon additive. The results show that addition of 1 wt% LG to PAO4 led to a reduction in the friction coefficient and wear volume by ∼15 % and ∼13 %, respectively. In addition, the oxidation induction time (OIT) at 160 °C was increased by ∼29 %, which further indicates good stability of the formulated composite lubricant against oxidative degradation. The primary wear mechanism on AISI 52100 steel flat and counter-body was found to be abrasive wear under high-contact stress reciprocating sliding conditions, where tribo-oxide films of 100–200 nm were observed on the wear tracks of 52100 steel surfaces using focused ion beam scanning transmission electron microscopy (FIB-STEM). Furthermore, cross-sectional analysis of the wear track of AISI 52100 steel revealed that 1 wt% of LG additive reduced the thickness of the sub-surface deformation zone by 44 %, which indicates higher load-bearing capacity and improved wear resistance.

Optimisation of Beam Member Loading

Introduction. The I-beams are deemed to have the highest load-bearing capacity. However, in practice, due to wide spreading and affordability of pipe-rolling products, the tubular beams are being used quite often. The load-bearing capacity of these beams should be compared under the condition of their equal mass per running meter. An I-beam according to the GOST R 57837-2017 with the mass of running meter equal to 194 kg and a pipe according to the GOST 33228-2015 with the mass of 194 kg/m have been compared. The load-bearing capacity of an I-beam was almost twice as high as that of a tubular beam. The data about the concrete filled steel tubular (CFST) beams, including the ones with the prestressed concrete core at the bottom, is also provided. In such beams, a steel pipe works as an external reinforcement — exo-reinforcement. The load-bearing capacity of the CFST beams is quite considerable taking into account their low cost and good processability. The present research aims at increasing the load-bearing capacity of the tubular beams, which will expand the range of the construction products.Materials and Methods. The geometric optimisation and mental experiment methods have been used. The idea of using the fluid filling material for a tubular beam is based on the well-known property of fluid — its almost complete incompressibility. The maximum volume of a geometric long body with the rectilinear generatrix of lateral surface (for a given lateral surface) is reached if its cross-section has the shape of a circle, which corresponds to a round pipe.Results. A tubular beam with the fluid filling material (a hydraulic beam) is a round pipe blanked off at both ends, completely filled with fluid (without air pockets). When a hydraulic beam is loaded, its lateral surface tends to deform. Consequently, the internal volume of the pipe tends to decrease. However, since fluid is incompressible, its volume doesn’t decrease, which, in turn, prevents the pipe from deformation.Discussion and Conclusion. In a hydraulic beam, due to fluid, the entire load is distributed relatively evenly over the whole internal surface of a beam. The load-bearing capacity of a hydraulic beam has been estimated, which is five times higher than that of an I-beam and ten times higher than that of a tubular beam.

Study on Characteristics of Soil Profile Stability Indexes in Sakita

This research examines the suitability of soil as infrastructure which can help in the classification and identification of its properties for ideal engineering structures. Sakita, an area in Gesse III as a case study, is a virgin land, allocated for residential buildings. The need to investigate the soil profile in the report area prompted these studies as its physical properties are used for classifying its various engineering applications. These properties indicate qualitative behaviors of soil when subjected to various types of loads. Apart from physical/visual observation made of the soil, trial pits were dug to depths of 0.5m, 1.0m, 1.5m, 2.0m, and 2.5m respectively and disturbed soil samples were taken for tests. The disturbed soil samples obtained were analyzed for grading including mechanical sieve analysis, specific gravity, plastic limit, liquid limit, and bulk density tests. The resistances of the cone against penetration, compaction, consolidation, and permeability properties were also assessed. The detected geotechnical properties varied significantly with depth, except for specific gravity, which did not vary significantly at 0.5 m with depth. Soil samples from all pits consist mainly of poorly sorted gravel and sand with little fineness. They contain a medium- to coarse-grained fraction of sand on average above 85%. The puncture resistance obtained from the cone puncture test ranges from 100 knm2 to 950 knm2. The average safe bearing capacity estimated for the footing using a factor of safety of 3 at a depth of 1 m was not less than 473 km2 anywhere in the study area. The samples from the three locations generally have good compaction parameters, medium to high permeability, and low compressibility. The highest load-bearing capacity is associated with the lateralized basement ceiling. This means that the safety depth for placing infrastructure foundations in the prescribed research area (Sakita) is the depth where it meets the lateralized basement.

Tough, Slippery, and Low-Permeability Multilayer Hydrogels Modified by Anisotropic Fiber Membrane for Soft Tissue Replacement.

Hydrogels with sustained lubrication, high load-bearing capacity, and wear resistance are essential for applications in soft tissue replacements and soft material devices. Traditional tough or lubricious hydrogels fail to balance the lubrication and load-bearing functions. Inspired by the gradient-ordered multilayer structures of natural tissues (such as cartilage and ligaments), a tough, smooth, low-permeability, and low-friction anisotropic layered electrospun fiber membrane-reinforced hydrogel was developed using electrospinning and annealing recrystallization. This hydrogel features a stratified porous network structure of varying sizes with tightly bonded interfaces, achieving an interfacial bonding toughness of 1.6 × 103 J/m2. The anisotropic fiber membranes, mimicking the orderly fiber structures within soft tissues, significantly enhance the mechanical properties of the hydrogel with a fracture strength of 20.95 MPa, a Young's modulus of 29.64 MPa, and a tear toughness of 37.94 kJ/m2 and reduce its permeability coefficient (6.1 × 10-17 m4 N-1 s-1). Meanwhile, the hydrogel demonstrates excellent solid-liquid phase load-bearing characteristics, which can markedly improve the tribological performance. Under a contact load of 4.1 MPa, the anisotropic fiber membrane-reinforced hydrogel achieves a friction coefficient of 0.036, a 219% reduction compared with pure hydrogels. Thus, the superior load-bearing and lubricating properties of this layered hydrogel underscore its potential applications in soft tissue replacements, medical implants, and other biomedical devices.

High load-bearing metastructure for controlling surface Rayleigh waves

Artificial metamaterials for controlling surface Rayleigh waves have been extensively studied in recent years. However, practical engineering applications of metamaterials are still limited when they lack high load-bearing capacity. For this reason, a new metamaterial called a high-load-bearing metastructure is presented, which is designed by generalized Snell’s law. The wide-bandgap performance for surface Rayleigh waves and the high load-bearing capacity of the proposed metastructure are realized by using traditional engineering materials, which provide a more flexible reference in practical engineering applications. This work can open new avenues for controlling the propagation of surface Rayleigh waves.