Layered Plates Research Articles

Trauma a major contributing factor of retronychia: Case series

IntroductionRetronychia is defined as a condition where the proximal nail plate grows into the proximal nail fold with the formation of multiple layers of nail plates. It relates to frequent microtrauma that affects the toenails, especially the big toe and it is less common on the fingernails. Case presentationCase 1: A 14-year-old female presented with nail growth stopped and painful swelling in her left hallux that did not respond to antibiotics. The patient had been traumatized at the same toenail. Retronychia was diagnosed, and nail avulsion was performed. Case 2: An 18-year-old man came with painful swelling and stopped growth in his right great toenail that did not improve with antibiotics. The patient had previously trauma the same toenail. Retronychia was diagnosed clinically, and nail avulsion was performed. Case 3: A 30-years-old woman presented with Inflammation and pain in her right toenail. She mentioned a previous trauma to her foot. Retronychia was diagnosed clinically and she underwent onychectomy. DiscussionRetronychia is a chronic nail abnormity based on unresolved chronic proximal paronychia caused by disintegrated nail growth and several generations of nail plate localization underneath the damaged nail. The most common reason for retronychia is trauma which also happens after repetitive micro-trauma. Clinical diagnosis is the basis of retronychia. Retronychia treatment varies between surgical treatment and conservative treatment. ConclusionThis paper highlights the importance of considering retronychia as a potential differential diagnosis in cases of chronic paronychia, and stresses the significance of early detection to prevent complications.

Overdamping of vibration resonances by liquid crystal elastomers

This work aims to compare the capability of vibration attenuation by standard elastomeric polymers, and by the new anomalously damping nematic liquid crystal elastomer. We use the most mainstream materials in both categories, and design two testing platforms: the ASTM-standard constrained layer plate resonance geometry, and the attenuation of resonances in a commercial device (electric drill) where the damping polymers were inserted into the casing. In the standard plate resonance testing, we find that LCE outperforms all standard damping materials, moreover, it brings the vibrating plate into the overdamped condition, which is unique for a non-fluid dissipative system. In the attenuation of high-frequency vibrations of a device, we also found LCE dissipates these vibrations much better, although we did not find the optimal insertion configuration for the damping polymer, and did not reach overdamping.

Flat double-layer metal-only metasurface with polarization-dependent operation in a C/X dual band

In this communication, a dual-band, orthogonal polarization transmission metasurface antenna operating at 6.5 GHz and 9.5 GHz is proposed. The element of this transmitarray is composed of only two identical layers of metal plates, with air medium filling the space between the upper and lower layers. Each layer has four sets of staggered I-slots, thus ensuring dual-frequency orthogonal polarization operation. Moreover the proposed element overcomes the challenge of achieving full 360-degree phase shift in dual-layer metal-only structures without any additional connecting elements. By altering the length of the slots, it can achieve a continuous full 360-degree phase shift while maintaining a transmission amplitude above −2 dB and exhibits co-polarized transmission in both bands. Then a prototype containing 16 × 16 elements is designed and fabricated to verify the feasibility of the design scheme. The measurement results, which are consistent with the simulation, demonstrate that the maximum gains of 24.85 and 27.64 dBi are obtained at 6.4 GHz and 9.4 GHz, with corresponding aperture efficiencies of 23.18% and 20.4% and a 3-dB gain bandwidth of 15.6% and 22.34%. The good transmission coefficients of the element and the dual-band capability make the design a competitive candidate for satellite and high-power applications.

Analysis of the thermomechanical behavior of a three-layer rectangular plate of the ceramic-metal-ceramic structure due to non-stationary convective heating

A rectangular isotropic layered plate is considered, which is convectively heated by the external environment. The thermal stress state of the plate is determined in two stages. At the first stage, the nonstationary temperature field is determined from the ratios of the non-stationary thermal conductivity problem. At the second stage, using the five-modal mathematical model of the shear theory of thermoelasticity, the parameters of the stress-strain state are determined.

Direct Epitaxial Growth of Polycrystalline MOF Membranes on Cu Foils for Uniform Li Deposition in Long-life Anode-free Li Metal Batteries.

Anode-free Li-metal battery (AFLMB) is being developed as the next generation of advanced energy storage devices. However, the low plating and stripping reversibility of Li on Cu foil prevents its widespread application. A promising avenue for further improvement is to enhance the lithophilicity of Cu foils and optimise their surfaces through a metal-organic framework (MOF) functional layer. However, excessive binder usage in the current approaches obscures the active plane of the MOF, severely limiting its performance. In response to this challenge, MOF polycrystalline membrane technology has been integrated into the field of AFLMB in this work. The dense and seamless HKUST-1 polycrystalline membrane was deposited on Cu foil (HKUST-1M@Cu) via an epitaxial growth strategy. In contrast to traditional MOF functional layers, this binder-free polycrystalline membrane fully exposes lithophilic sites, effectively reducing the nucleation overpotential and optimising the deposition quality of Li. Consequently, the Li plating layer becomes denser, eliminating the effects of dendrites. When coupled with LiFePO4 cathodes, the battery based on the HKUST-1 membrane exhibits excellent rate performance and cycling stability, achieving a high reversible capacity of approximately 160 mAh g-1 and maintaining a capacity retention of 80.9% after 1100 cycles.

Love wave propagation on nano-sized layered piezoelectric plate clamped on micropolar substrate

This research paper investigates the complex dynamics of Love wave propagation on a piezoelectric plate situated atop a micropolar elastic half-space having imperfect interface. The study delves into the multifaceted effects of flexoelectricity, micro-inertia, guiding layer thickness, and interfacial imperfection on the characteristics of Love waves. The electromechanical coupling factor which is significant in analyzing SAW device performances is also studied. Variable separable method is used to solve the governing equations and desired solution is obtained analytically. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of Love wave propagation in complex elastic structures and development of advanced sensors and communication technologies.

Prediction of non-magnetic metal sphere radius using real part slope of inductance

The existing eddy current measurement thickness technology is mainly for one or more layers of metal plate. However, in real life, the radius of spherical metal is also a critical parameter, so using an eddy current sensor to measure it is also an important research topic. In this paper, real part slope of inductance is used as the characteristic value to characterize the radius of the non-magnetic metal sphere. Compared with the traditional real part of inductance, the addition of slope improves the accuracy and stability of detection data. The experimental results show that the maximum error rate of radius measurement is less than 2%, and the overall data stability is good, which can meet the measurement requirements.

Preparation and tribological performance of Ni-SiC composite coating on 304 stainless steel through brush plating

The low hardness of 304 stainless steels makes them susceptible to wear, which increasing the probability of workpiece failure during actual use. In this study, a Ni-SiC composite coating was successfully prepared on 304 stainless steel using brush plating equipment, effectively enhancing the material's surface wear resistance. By characterizing the microstructure and properties of the composite plating layer, we determined the optimal process parameters for brushing Ni-SiC wear-resistant plating and revealed the wear mechanism of this protective layer. When the parameters for preparing the composite plating coating were adjusted to a voltage of 10 V, a relative motion rate of 8 m/min, a plating solution temperature of 50 °C and a SiC concentration of 15 g/L, the resulting wear-resistant plating coating exhibited an impressive microhardness value of 457 HV0.1 and a friction coefficient of 0.46. It was observed that the fatigue wear mechanism dominated in Ni-SiC composite coatings with a solution SiC concentration below 5 g/L, while oxidative and abrasive wear mechanisms were dominant in Ni-SiC composite coatings with solution SiC concentrations exceeding 10 g/L.

Stress transfer paths and damage modes of layered coal-rock mass under static loading

In order to explore the distribution characteristics of nonlinear mechanical behavior and the tendency of damage and failure of deep in situ coal-rock mass, a layered composite thin plate coal-rock mass model is established based on thin plate theory and finite element method. The continuity of interlayer stress and displacement is maintained by transfer matrix function, and the maximum shear stress is calculated by Mohr-Coulomb strength criterion. The distribution characteristics of stress, displacement, energy and maximum shear stress of coal-rock mass under static load are obtained. The analysis results are as follows : ① The torsional stress concentration areas of τxz and τyz are formed on the boundary of coal-rock interface, and the principal stress concentration areas of σx, σy and σz are formed in the center and center of the boundary, and the shear stress distribution of τxy is formed on the diagonal line. ② The maximum shear stress of the long axis has a strengthening effect on the shear failure, and each layer forms a stress state of alternating tension-shear-compression-shear. It first destroys in the middle of the coal-rock interface and boundary, and then destroys along the long side and short side. ③ The coal-rock mass presents a ′ X ′ -type shear zone along the radial and axial. The shear failure occurs first, followed by the principal stress compression failure. The cracks are preferentially developed in the direction perpendicular to the minimum principal stress, and the stepped ′ V ′ -shaped failure characteristics are formed under the action of shear and tensile stress.

Effect of Ni interlayer on microstructure and mechanical properties of Sn-based alloy/steel bimetallic materials via liquid-solid compound casting

Tin-based alloys have been widely used as an excellent bearing material. However, preparing of Tin/steel bimetallic materials with sound metallurgical interfaces has proven challenging. Importantly, a large number of brittle intermetallic compounds inevitably form at the interface, affecting the material's bonding properties. In this study, an electroplated Ni layer was used for the first time as an intermediate layer in Tin/steel bimetallic composites. It solves the problems of steel surface oxidation and poor wettability. Additionally, the introduction of the electroplated Ni layer impedes the formation of brittle phases, thereby improving interfacial bond strength. The results show that the Tin/steel interface of the Ni interlayer consists mainly of a large number of Ni3Sn4 phases rather than the commonly known FeSn2 phase. A thin layer of residual Ni plating also exists between the steel and the diffusion layer. Furthermore, the properties of Ni3Sn4 and FeSn2 phases were calculated using first-principles calculations. A Tin/steel bimetallic interface achieved a maximum shear strength of 58.63 MPa in the presence of the Ni intermediate layer. At that time, the residual thickness of the Ni layer was 1.5 μm, and the thickness of the diffusion layer was 4.8 μm.

Oxidation behavior and structural damage mechanism of LaMgAl11O19 dual-ceramic thermal barrier coating with varying thickness of Al plating layer

Previous results clearly confirmed that the presence of an Al plating layer promotes the development of a dense Al2O3 barrier layer when exposed to high temperatures. This enhances the structural stability and improves the oxidation resistance of the dual ceramic coating. In the work, a continuous study was conducted to investigate the effect of varying Al plating layer thickness on the high-temperature oxidation characteristics of a CoCrNiAlY–YSZ–LMA dual ceramic coating. The results indicate that, compared to samples lacking Al layers, all Al-coated samples exhibit dense surface morphology, effectively inhibiting the permeation of O2. This results in slower growth of the TGO and minimal elemental diffusion. However, significant differences are observed in structural damage. Al layers of 5 μm and 10 μm thickness show slight local fracture damage and good structural stability. In contrast, the 15 μm Al-coated samples experience more severe structural fracture damage within the YSZ layer, including transverse cracking. These potential oxidation and structural damage mechanisms of the coatings with varying Al plating layer thickness were systematically discussed.

Numerical study on structured sandwich panels exposed to spherical air explosions

There is a need to develop innovative protective shield structures to withstand extreme loads, such as impact and blast loading. Sandwich structures that absorb significant kinetic energy as strain energy through plastic deformation offer superior protection. This study conducts a numerical analysis of structured sandwich protective structures subjected to airblast loads using finite element modeling. First, an experimental result from the literature was used to validate and verify finite element models of an architected sandwich structure modeled in Abaqus/Explicit software. Second, parametric studies were conducted on sandwich structures with additional layers of insert plates and newly proposed core topologies for viable shield protection against airblast loading. The finite element analysis results indicated that, under the same impulsive load, the control sandwich panel exhibited higher kinetic energy, demanding a proportionally larger internal energy. Conversely, sandwich structures with additional inner core insert plates dissipated the imposed kinetic energy more efficiently, due to the inelastic plastic deformation of the proposed core configurations. Moreover, the energy absorption capacity and back sheet displacement time-history were significantly improved by dense-hierarchical inner core configurations. Additionally, the parametric study analysis showed that increasing the number of insert plates and designing the core topology of cellular walls to be redundant, dense-hierarchical, and braced against buckling significantly reduced core collapse mechanisms such as folding, buckling, and crushing. However, despite these benefits, a reversed effect on the areal specific energy absorption index was observed.

In situ p-block protective layer plating in carbonate-based electrolytes enables stable cell cycling in anode-free lithium batteries.

'Anode-free' Li metal batteries offer the highest possible energy density but face low Li coulombic efficiency when operated in carbonate electrolytes. Here we report a performance improvement of anode-free Li metal batteries using p-block tin octoate additive in the carbonate electrolyte. We show that the preferential adsorption of the octoate moiety on the Cu substrate induces the construction of a carbonate-less protective layer, which inhibits the side reactions and contributes to the uniform Li plating. In the mean time, the reduction of Sn2+ at the initial charging process builds a stable lithophilic layer of Cu6Sn5 alloy and Sn, improving the affinity between the Li and the Cu substrate. Notably, anode-free Li metal pouch cells with tin octoate additive demonstrate good cycling stability with a high coulombic efficiency of ~99.1%. Furthermore, this in situ p-block layer plating strategy is also demonstrated with other types of p-block metal octoate, as well as a Na metal battery system, demonstrating the high level of universality.

Research on hydrogen distribution of electroless nickel plating on aluminum-based silicon carbide composites

Abstract Aluminum-based silicon carbide composite materials have the characteristics of high thermal conductivity, low thermal expansion, and good dimensional stability. Therefore, the composites are widely used in space microwave component shell products. In order to meet the functional requirements of conductivity, welding, and heat dissipation when applied to antenna microwave components, aluminum-based silicon carbide composite materials need to be chemically plated with nickel, which introduces hydrogen, thus requiring research on hydrogen release and control. Here, SEM, XRD, and other methods are used to characterize the microstructure of aluminum-based silicon carbide substrate and nickel plating layer. There are certain pore structures in both the substrate and plating layer, providing a place for hydrogen storage. The experimental method of hydrogen microprinting has been used to characterize the distribution of hydrogen. The results showed that the hydrogen distribution pattern in aluminum-based silicon carbide nickel plating is as follows: after nickel plating on aluminum-based silicon carbide, hydrogen is distributed in the nickel plating layer and the shallow substrate under the coating; with the extension of time, hydrogen spontaneously diffuses to the deep substrate; hydrogen is mainly distributed in the Al matrix and less on SiC particles.

A new method for joining Incoloy825/X65 composite plate by laser and CMT welding

Incoloy825/X65 composite plate had good application in the submarine transporting pipelines due to combination of the high resistance to Cl− corrosion and preferred mechanical properties. But the enrollment of Fe into Ni layer deteriorated the corrosion resistance in welding the transition layer of composite plate. In view of this, the paper respectively adopted the laser welding on the Ni layer without filler metal and then the swing arc CMT welding with steel filler metal as a transition in order to inhibit the Fe into Ni layer. The results showed the laser welding bead on Ni layer with uniform and fine γ microstructure ensured the better corrosion resistance. The CMT welding controlled the dilution rate under 6 % through optimizing the welding speed and swing frequency of arc. Finally, the tensile strength of transition weld was up to 500 MPa surpassing the base metal of 490 MPa. The clad bead with charge transfer resistance of 756 kΩ·cm2 satisfied general submarine pipeline anti-corrosion requirement.

Computational model of the human cochlea with motion of the layered osseous spiral lamina.

In the base of the human cochlea, the partition anatomy is distinct from the commonly recognized anatomy of laboratory animals. The human features a radially wide, osseous spiral lamina (OSL) and a soft-tissue bridge region that connects the OSL to the basilar membrane proper. In addition to the basilar membrane, the human OSL and bridge move considerably. We investigated the complex cochlear partition in human emphasizing the layered structure of the OSL with a finite element model. Model results were calibrated with experimental measurements of motion from optical coherence tomography. The box model contained two fluid chambers separated by a cochlear partition and a helicotrema. Model geometrical and material properties either came from literature, measurements, or were tuned to produce a frequency-place map for the passive human cochlea as well as motion results similar to experimental measurements. The model motion results of the cochlear partition were similar to experimental results mostly within 5 dB but with differences at the high frequencies in both magnitude and phase beyond the best frequency. Around the best frequency location, the radial profile of cochlear partition motion was generally similar in both shape and magnitude. Sensitivity analysis, changing material-property parameters of the middle layer where the cochlear nerve fibers run between the layers of OSL plates, produced small changes in the model response and also showed negligible stress compared to the outer OSL plates. These results suggest that the layered OSL anatomy is favorable as a conduit and protection for the nerve fibers while simultaneously functioning as a mechanical lever.

Design and mechanical response analysis of asphalt steel plastic pavement structure

In order to further study the mechanical properties of new asphalt steel plastic (ASP) pavement and explore optimal ASP pavement structures, this study analyzed the bottom tensile strain of asphalt mixture layer, the bottom tensile stress of steel plate layer, the bottom tensile stress of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) layer, the top vertical compressive strain of subgrade and deflection. The results show that when the pavement structure adopts an 8 cm thick SMA layer, a 0.5 cm thick insulation layer, a 20 cm thick ABS layer, and 0.6 cm, 1.0 cm and 1.2 cm thick steel plate layers respectively, the mechanical properties of the ASP pavement are relatively good. The variation in the thickness of the steel plate layer has a greater impact on the bottom stress of steel plate layer. For the same pavement structure, when the dynamic load increases from 0.5 MPa to 0.9 MPa, the maximum values of the design indexes are linearly related to the dynamic load values. Under the static load, the shear stress generated in the steel plate layer is significantly lower than that in asphalt and ABS layers. The new asphalt steel plastic pavement has good mechanical properties and great application potential.

Hygrothermal effect of bio-inspired helicoid laminate plate for strengthening damaged RC beam

This study investigates the influence of moisture and Thermo-hygroscopic influence on bio-inspired helicoidally laminated composite plates (BHLC) for strengthening damaged reinforced concrete (RC) beams. Borrowing inspiration from nature’s design principles, BHLC plates represent a novel approach to rehabilitation. An analytical approach based on deformation compatibility is employed, assuming constant shear and normal stresses across the adhesive layer within the framework of linear elasticity. BHLC plates are implemented to restrict crack propagation within the RC beam. The analytical methodology considers equilibrium and deformation compatibility across all components: the concrete beam, BHLC plate, and adhesive layer. A parametric study explores the sensitivity of interfacial stresses to parameters such as laminate and adhesive stiffness, plate thickness, and helicoidal layup configuration. The results reveal a significant influence of these factors on the magnitude of maximum interfacial shear and normal stresses. This study establishes a foundation for future analyses of damaged RC beams strengthened with BHLC plates, potentially leading to advancements in rehabilitation methodologies and improved crack propagation modeling in RC beams.

Rubber compounds made of modified ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) for laminated bearings with excellent anti-peel strength

In order to enhance the design life of laminated rubber bearings in the field of highway bridges in the plateau region, a novel laminated bearing was made by the modified ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber that combines both low-temperature and ageing resistance properties in this work. The modified EPDM also exhibit a high anti-peel strength with reinforced steel plate layer. Experimental and numerical investigations were carried out to evaluate the mechanical properties and failure conditions for the EPDM laminated bearing. The results indicate that the bearing with different shape factors exhibit good mechanical properties, and its key performance parameters such as compressive modulus and shear stiffness meet the requirements of the current specification for highway bridges. Meanwhile, we have established a quantitative relationship between the proportion of void area and the total local shear strain for EPDM laminated bearing, and found that when the proportion of void area reaches more than 32 %, some of the performance indexes of the bearing will exceeds the design limit. The above research results can be used as an important criterion for evaluating the performance of modified EPDM bearings.

Design and optimization of a novel porous plate oil–gas separator

In the oil-injection compressor system, it is necessary to separate the lubricating oil by sequentially applying the mechanical separator and the separating filter element, however, the oil–gas separation filter has disadvantages such as short service life, high cost, and great environmental pollution. In this paper, a porous plate separator is proposed to achieve the coalescence of small oil droplets, and then the larger droplets can be removed by mechanical collisions driven by turbulence flow in the separator. This device is designed to be used after the primary separator, in the hope of replacing the separation filter element. The structure of the porous plate oil–gas separator is constructed through the staggered arrangement of two porous plates, and the two-phase flow characteristics in the separator are simulated through the Euler-Lagrangian method with the droplet’s behavior of collision and breakup considered. The hole diameter, hole distance, plate distance, and inlet velocity are the key parameters of the separator, and these parameters are combined through the orthogonal design method to form several different structures and working conditions. The results of range analysis and pressure difference distribution under different layers are analyzed comprehensively, so the best combination is determined in terms of particle size growth rate, oil separation efficiency, and pressure loss. The designed structure is machined, and a test bench is set up, so the performance of the porous plate separator is experimentally tested. It is found that the simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental data, and the best simulated conditions are also verified by the experiment. When the inlet velocity is 0.2 m·s−1, the optimal scheme is suggested as follows: Hole diameter = 1.5 mm; Hole distance = 3 mm; Plate distance = 1 mm; plate layers = 40.