Mechanical Properties Of Specimens Research Articles

Investigation on the mechanical properties of Bacillus subtilis self-healing concrete

In the process of research and development of self-healing concrete, it is observed that there are three main factors controlling the self-healing effect of concrete: first, the bacteria with repair ability and strong vitality; Second, the carrying capacity of the carrier and the matching degree with concrete; The third is the concentration of bacteria. This paper focuses on the mechanical properties of Bacillus subtilis self-healing concrete with sisal fiber, PVA, and expanded perlite as the carrier. To better study the mechanical properties of self-healing concrete caused by the carrier, the experiment adopts the design parameters of C30 concrete and conducts experiments on compressive resistance, flexural resistance, freeze-thaw cycle, and sulfate corrosion resistance to analyze the influence of different carriers on the mechanical properties of self-healing concrete, and obtains the best carrier. The concentration gradients of three groups of bacterial solution were set as 2od, 2.5od, and 3od, respectively, for comparison to avoid the influence of bacterial concentration. It compared the impact of bacterial solution concentrations on the specimen's mechanical properties, and the effect of carriers was also analyzed. The experimental results show that the mechanical properties of the specimen using 2.5od bacterial liquid concentration with PVA as the carrier have peaked. With the increase in bacterial solution concentration, the specimens' comprehensive mechanical properties increased first and then decreased. The compression resistance of the specimen with PVA is higher than that of the specimen with sisal fiber and expanded perlite. At the same time, the frost resistance and corrosion resistance of the PVA carrier specimen is also higher than that of the specimen with sisal fiber and expanded perlite carrier.

Laboratory investigation on physical and mechanical behaviors of granite after heating and different cooling rates

As an important formation of geothermal reservoirs, granite has very complex microstructure and strong heterogeneity which play an important role in the damage and failure mechanical behavior of granite under different temperatures and cooling rates. In order to better understand the influence of microstructure on the multiscale physical and mechanical properties of granite at evaluated temperatures and cooling rates, this paper conducted a series of macroscopic and microscopic experimental investigations on the granite samples after a heating with two cooling rates treatment. The results show that the failure mode changes from brittle to ductile at 400 °C which is the critical temperature for both macroscopic and microscopic properties. The physical and mechanical properties of specimen after air cooling treatment increase at 200 °C due to the transition of macropores into micropores. Transgranular cracks take place in feldspar at 400 °C and numbers of intergranular cracks develop inside all minerals at 500 °C. The number and width of microcracks in water-cooled samples are much greater than those of air-cooled simples. Based on these experimental investigations, a cross-scale characterization method of Young’s modulus is proposed by introducing a thermal damage factor into the Mori–Tanaka method to consider the thermal damage induced by the thermal treatment.

An Investigation of the Anisotropic Mechanical Properties of Additive-Manufactured 316L SS with SLM.

Selective laser melting (SLM) forms specimens that often exhibit anisotropic mechanical properties. Most existing research only explains that the mechanical properties of specimens perpendicular to the build direction are superior to those parallel to the build direction. In this paper, the mechanical properties of SLM 316L SS specimens with different surfaces and different directions are compared. Finally, it was found that the mechanical properties of specimens on Face 3 are stronger than those on Face 1 and Face 2, while the mechanical properties of specimens on Face 1 and Face 2 are similar. For specimens in different directions on the same surface, the mechanical properties of Face 1 and Face 2 exhibit clear anisotropy, while the mechanical properties of Face 3 tend to be isotropic. In this paper, the EBSD technique was used to analyze the specimens. It was found that the anisotropy of the mechanical properties of Face 1 and Face 2 are attributed to the presence of texture and columnar crystals in the sample. This paper can provide accurate and reliable material performance data for the practical application of SLM 316L SS, thereby guiding the optimization of engineering design and manufacturing processes.

Experimental study on the axial compression behavior of circular steel tube short columns under coastal environmental corrosion

This study adopts experimental, numerical, and algorithmic methods to investigate the compressive behavior and failure mode of corroded circular steel tube short columns. The study establishes an equivalent relationship between electrochemical accelerated corrosion and natural coastal corrosion environments. The effects of current intensity, sodium chloride concentration, and energizing time on corrosion equivalent duration and mechanical properties of specimens are analyzed. The results demonstrate that the ultimate bearing capacity and energy absorption capacity of the specimens are significantly reduced with increasing current intensity and energized time. However, the NaCl concentration has minimal effect on the mechanical properties of the specimens. After natural corrosion in a coastal area with medium salinity for 19.2 years, the ultimate bearing capacity, ductility, initial stiffness, and energy absorption capacity of circular steel tube short columns decreased by 49.5 %, 63.1 %, 48.9 %, and 85.6 %, respectively. A novel corrosion pit generation algorithm is suggested to accurately simulate the distribution of corrosion pits and determine the ultimate bearing capacity of circular steel tube short columns. This algorithm demonstrates improved accuracy and stability compared to traditional simplified methods. Subsequently, a corrosion pit random generation model is developed using this method, and the accuracy of the finite element model is validated against experimental results. Furthermore, the impact of the diameter thickness ratio on the ultimate bearing capacity of corrosion specimens is thoroughly analyzed.

Designed fabrication of lightweight SiC(Hf, rGO) bulk composites derived from Hafnium-modified precursors for hypersonic vehicle components

Demand for SiC-based polymer-derived ceramics (PDCs) employed as hypersonic vehicle components with light weight, high strength, excellent high-temperature/ablation resistance is increasingly urgent. Herein, bulk SiC(Hf, rGO) nanocomposite PDCs were fabricated via re-pyrolyzing ball-milling blends of unique SiC(Hf, rGO)p/polyhafniumcarbosilane-vinyltriethoxysilane-graphene oxide (PHVG). Highly cross-linked PHVG can effectively optimize compact formability and improve ceramic yield. In-situ formed HfO2 embedded in ceramic network toughens microstructure, while interfacial HfOSi increases structure disorder to improve high-temperature properties. As demonstrated, SiC(Hf, rGO) modified by 3 wt.% Hf and re-pyrolyzed at 1300 °C possess good mechanical performances including hardness (5.83 GPa), fracture toughness (4.29 MPa·m1/2), compressive strength (181.83 MPa) and flexural strength (46.55 MPa). More interestingly, self-healing HfO2(HfSiO4)/SiO2 protective layer emerging during 20 min surface ablation test at 1300 °C, timely covers defects and avoids destructive structure, thus retains stable structure and mechanical properties of specimens. Such nanocomposites can promote uses in thermal protection systems (TPS) for hypersonic vehicles against extreme high-temperature environments.

An Experimental Investigation of the Effects of Block Proportion on Bimrocks, Considering Different Block-to-Matrix Strength Ratios.

The rock block proportion is one of the most important factors affecting the mechanical properties of bimrocks. Under different block-to-matrix strength ratios, the influence of rock block proportion is different. To explore the influence of rock block proportion on the mechanical properties of specimens under different block-to-matrix strength ratios, a new indoor test method for making bimrocks was proposed. A uniaxial compression test and a direct shear test were carried out on specimens with different rock block proportions. The results show that this method can control the block-to-matrix strength ratio well, and the influence of rock block proportion is obviously different under different block-to-matrix strength ratios. The strong matrix sample will decrease significantly after reaching the peak compressive strength, while the weak matrix will decrease slowly after reaching the peak strength. The rock block proportion is negatively correlated with the uniaxial compressive strength of strong matrix samples (the reduction was 12.53%) and is positively correlated with the uniaxial compressive strength of weak matrix samples as a whole, but it changes when block proportion is more than 50%. With the increase in normal stress and rock block proportion increases from 30% to 60%, the shear failure zone of the weak matrix sample increases, and the cracks are inclined, while the strong matrix sample has more secondary cracks. The results of this study also show that the effect of volumetric block proportion (VBP) on the internal friction angle and cohesion of the sample is less related to the block-to-matrix strength ratio.

Effect of the Sizing Removal Methods of Fiber Surface on the Mechanical Performance of Basalt Fiber-Reinforced Concrete

In this study, comprehensive analyses were used to evaluate the physical and chemical properties of basalt fibers, employing a variety of instruments. Additionally, heat treatment and solvent treatment methods were used to eliminate the sizing present on fiber surfaces. The heat treatment process involved determining the optimal temperature and duration required to remove the sizing from the basalt fibers. The appearance, chemical composition, and crystal structure of the original fibers were examined, including those subjected to heat treatment and those treated with solvents. These treated fibers were then incorporated into concrete to create basalt fiber-reinforced concrete (BFRC) specimens for mechanical tests, which assessed their compressive, flexural, and splitting tensile strengths. The results revealed that heat treatment at 300 °C for 180 min effectively removed the sizing on the basalt fibers, and the heat-treated basalt fibers exhibited uniform dispersion inside the BFRC specimens. In addition, solvent treatment primarily removed the soluble components of the sizing. The mechanical properties of specimens with sizing-removed basalt fibers were better than the specimens with original basalt fibers and the benchmark specimens. Crucially, the mechanical test results demonstrated that BFRC incorporating heat-treated basalt fibers exhibited a superior mechanical performance compared to BFRC incorporating original fibers or fibers subjected to the solvent treatment.

Examining the properties, behaviour in firing and potential application of coal mine overburden for stoneware ceramics

Purpose. A binary mixture of a ceramic body was studied, incorporating overburden from a coal mine site in Bontang, East Kalimantan, Indonesia. This overburden material has been tested for the manufacture of stone-ceramic body. Methods. The initial characterization of overburden materials includes testing the chemical composition by XRF analysis and mineral content by XRD analysis on raw materials and overburden exposed to high temperature. The composition of ceramic specimens is a mixture of 85% overburden material and 15% fine sand. Firing temperatures in the range of 900-1100°C were applied to the ceramic body specimen. Then, ceramic properties, such as physical color, plasticity, shrinkage, water absorption and density were analyzed. Findings. The results show that the ceramic specimen experiences densification when exposed to high temperature in this range, which in turn contributes to low water absorption and high flexural strength. This ultimately results in low water absorption below 1.0% at 1100°C, which is favorable for stoneware type of ceramics. The mechanical properties of specimen at 1000°C is in accordance with stoneware body standard. In addition to this, it is believed to be more energy efficient, since the low firing temperature is sufficient to achieve the stoneware specification. Originality. The binary clay-based ceramic have been tested using coal mine overburden and river sand with a high Fe2O3 content. Together with the presence of alkali oxides and calcium in the raw materials, this can potentially reduce the use of fluxing agent. A comprehensive study has been conducted on the characteristics, firing effect and application of stoneware. Practical implications. Some ceramic prototypes from this result were also made using a rotary technique and heated in this temperature range. Since overburden is generally considered to be backfill material, the selective clay material application for ceramics can provide the potential to stimulate local product innovation by utilizing easily available overburden materials.

Application of New Al-Si Welding Filler with High Concentration of Copper and Magnesium: High-Temperature Strength and Anti-Corrosion Mechanism.

Currently, the primary commercial aluminum alloy fillers used are 4043 and 5356. However, when welded with high-strength work pieces like 6061 and 7075 aluminum alloys, the strength of weld beads significantly lags behind that of the original welded material. Both 4043 and 5356 aluminum alloys cannot be strengthened through heat treatment. The strength difference between the weld bead and base material doubles after heat treatment. In this study, an Al-Si-Cu-Mg alloy (SCM) filler modified using a heat-treatable A319 aluminum alloy was employed to investigate the post-welding microstructural and mechanical properties of specimens under room- and high-temperature conditions and after prolonged exposure in a saltwater environment (3.5 wt.% NaCl). The aim was to demonstrate that commercial aluminum alloy fillers could be substituted with a high-silicon aluminum alloy boasting excellent solidification and mechanical properties. The results revealed that, after heat treatment of the weld bead, dendrites were not eliminated, but the tensile strength increased to 310 MPa, closely matching that of commercial 6061 aluminum alloy. The strength of the weld bead remained higher than 250 MPa in high-temperature (240 °C) and saltwater environments. These findings underscore the potential application of this material.

Mechanical properties of seawater volcanic scoria aggregate concrete-filled circular GFRP and stainless steel tubes under axial compression

Abstract In this study, the properties of seawater volcanic scoria aggregate concrete (SVAC)-filled circular stainless steel (SFCST) and glass fibre-reinforced plastic (GFRP) tubes (SFCGT) were investigated. Ten groups were considered and 30 specimens were prepared, including four different parameters: the concrete type (SVAC and ordinary concrete [OC]), outer tube type (GFRP and stainless steel tubes), concrete strength (C30 and C40), and tube thickness (0, 3, and 4 mm). The typical influences of the SVAC and outer tube on the mechanical properties of specimens were then analysed. The research findings show that the strength and ductility of the SFCGT and SFCST are significantly higher than those of plain SVAC. The peak strain and strength enhancement factor of the SFCGT and SFCST increase with an increase in the tube thickness, and the concrete strength has a detrimental impact on the toughness of the specimen. Unlike in the confined OC specimens, a sudden decrease is observed in the stress–strain curves of the SFCGT and SFCST owing to the changes in the deformability of the SVAC. Generally, the strengths of the SFCGT and SFCST specimens are 10.3% lower and 4.1% higher than those of the confined OC specimens, respectively. Finally, analytical models of the strength and stress–strain curves considering the influences of the SVAC and passive confinement were established, and numerical simulations were performed to provide a basis for the practical application of the SFCGT and SFCST.

Modeling and experimental investigation of fiber orientation in cast and 3D-printed cementitious composites

Fiber orientation is process-related and has significant impacts on material performance. However, existing studies only consider the impact of individual factors on the fiber orientation, either boundary impacts or flow field impacts. This work aims to study fiber orientation by considering the combined impact of these two factors. Analytical models were first constructed, which revealed that when the flow of material is negligible, fiber orientation is impacted by the boundary conditions. When the flow field is non-negligible, fiber orientation is affected by the direction of flow streamlines. Specimens were then prepared using fluorescence image processing and μ-computed tomography scanning for fiber orientation analysis. The results indicate that fiber orientation could be controlled by varying boundary constraints and flow fields. Mechanical results reveal that when the designed condition achieves directional-orientated fibers, the mechanical property of specimens could be enhanced with the applied stress direction being the same as the fiber orientation. This work provides a novel insight to tailor fiber-reinforced cementitious material properties by designing the boundary constraints and flow fields in the cast and printing processes.

Mechanical properties and constitutive model of Q345GJ thick steel plate in China

The Q345GJ steel plate is a common Chinese product that has an increasingly wide usage in civil engineering. However, previous research on Q345GJ steel plates with thicknesses of no less than 60 mm is limited, especially the systematic cyclic loading tests, causing an inadequate understanding of the cyclic behaviour and corresponding constitutive parameters of thick steel plates. To further investigate the mechanical property of Q345GJ thick steel plates and fill the gap of test databases, layered specimens obtained from five different thickness positions of the 60-mm and 100-mm thick Q345GJ steel plates were tested under monotonic tension and five cyclic loading protocols. The mechanical properties of specimens in different thickness positions were compared and analysed. Moreover, parameters of the Chaboche cyclic constitutive model were calibrated and then validated by finite element analysis (FEA). Results indicated that the surface-layer specimens exhibited greater strength and lower ductility than the middle-layer specimens. Furthermore, the hysteretic curves of all the specimens were plump, where the energy dissipation of the surface-layer specimens was greater than that of the middle layer, particularly for the 100-mm thick plate. Based on the test results and calibrated parameters of the Chaboche constitutive model, significant isotropic softening characteristics were observed for all thickness positions. Following the tests and analysis, the cyclic constitutive model calibrated in this study was verified to support further numerical simulations.

Influence of a stop in the process of melting on mechanical properties of specimens from the Co‒Cr‒Mo alloy made by SLM technology

Influence of a stop in the process of melting on mechanical properties of specimens from the Co‒Cr‒Mo alloy made by SLM technology

Mechanical Properties of Metallocene Linear Low-Density Polyethylene Mulch Films Correlate with Ultraviolet Irradiation and Film Thickness

Mulching technology has created a major problem of agricultural plastic pollution. This is because the mulch is severely degraded by UV (ultraviolet) irradiation and the mechanical properties deteriorate, which makes mechanical recycling or manual recycling difficult. This study was conducted on m-LLDPE (metallocene linear low-density polyethylene) mulch films. The difference in mechanical properties of specimens in the TD (transverse direction) and PD (parallel direction) was investigated, and the changes in the mechanical properties after UV irradiation were compared. Finally, an initial mulch mechanical property evaluation model was developed to adapt to different recovery machines and crop agronomic requirements. The results suggest that the mechanical properties of m-LLDPE mulch films were strongly influenced by the film thickness, and also showed directional differences in tensile and tear properties. After UV irradiation, the mechanical properties of the specimens were enhanced after a short period of time, but the overall trend was a non-linear decay which gradually slowed down with time.

Influence of specimen size and density variation in the foam rise direction on the compressive behavior of PVC foams

Mechanical properties governing the localized deformation mechanisms, apparent elastic modulus and their correlation to specimen geometry in polymeric foams are important phenomena that are not well understood. Despite the well-studied density variation in Functionally Graded Foams (FGF), density variation in the foam rise direction of conventional foams has not received adequate attention in the current literature. The influence of specimen size and density variation on the deformation mechanisms and mechanical properties observed in the rise direction of H-series rigid PVC foams were experimentally investigated in this study by considering four distinct specimen sizes and five nominal densities. PVC foams with different nominal densities exhibited various density variation patterns, in a range of 2.6–26.3 % variation, in the foam rise direction which were found to govern the polymeric foams’ localized deformation mechanisms and the post-yield stress drop-off behavior. The plateau stress was observed as most sensitive to the foam density; specimens with higher densities exhibited up to 19 % higher plateau stress within the foam panel with a 200 kg/m3 nominal density. While specimen thickness significantly influenced the loading elastic modulus. Intermittent unloading-reloading cycle testing was conducted on thick and thin specimens to characterize the influence of specimen thickness on the apparent elastic modulus. The influence of thickness on the unloading elastic modulus was negligible, for example, reducing the specimen thickness from 25.40 mm to 6.35 mm decreased the loading and unloading elastic moduli by 39 % and 7 %, respectively, for PVC foams with a nominal density of 200 kg/m3. Therefore, the unloading elastic modulus should be utilized in future studies for more accurate cross-comparison between the mechanical properties of specimens with significantly different thicknesses.

Quasi-Static Investigations of 240-Bloom Gelatine for Ballistic Tests

The paper presents the results of investigations of ballistic gel properties in quasi-static conditions. Specimens were prepared using the 240 Bloom gelatine, which was determined by product availability. Tests were carried out making use of a material testing machine to estimate the influence of gel share on stress-strain characteristics. Considered values of a gel mass content were equal to 10, 12, and 14%. Assumed parameters were determined on the material calibration stage conducted with steel balls with a diameter of 4.5 mm. The most significant influence of a gel content on mechanical properties of specimens were observed for a share of 10% and 12%. The conducted preliminary tests are a part of investigations aimed at assessment if it is possible to calibrate the ballistic gel making use of mechanical characteristics obtained in quasi-static tests without shooting.

An Investigation of Printing Parameters of Independent Extrusion Type 3D Print Continuous Carbon Fiber-Reinforced PLA

Fused filament fabrication (FFF) technology is highly favored by various industries as the simplest and most commonly used technology in additive manufacturing. The embedding of continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites (CFRTC) is a great help to compensate for the mechanical properties of FFF-printed specimens. In this paper, the optimal printing parameters of printed specimens containing continuous carbon fiber-reinforced PLA were investigated by the Taguchi method, full factorial analysis, and the tensile test. Fiber printing layer thickness and fiber printing speed are significant factors. After excluding the influence of fiber overlap, the optimal printing parameters were obtained. When the thickness of the fiber printing layer is 0.05 mm, the speed of the fiber printing nozzle is 250 mm/min, and the temperature of the fiber printing nozzle is 210 °C, the maximum tensile stress of the sample is 189.52 MPa. In this paper, the maximum tensile stress of the specimen printed by different printing parameters can be doubled, which shows the influence of printing parameters on the mechanical properties of the specimen. Compared with the specimen using pure PLA printing, the increase was 703.5%. Then the failure mechanism of 3D-printed CFRTC specimens with different layer thicknesses was investigated by using microstructural morphology and tensile fracture interfacial property analysis. The influence of layer thickness parameters on the interfacial bonding force was revealed. Through analysis, it is found that the lower the thickness of the specimen printing layer, the better the interface bonding force of the specimen, and the minimum layer thickness suitable for FFF independent extrusion printer is found.

Influence of injection molding parameters, melt flow rate, and reinforcing material on the weld‐line characteristics of polypropylene

AbstractIn this work, the relation of injection molding parameters to the mechanical properties of various polypropylene grades is investigated to find the optimal processing parameters to minimize weld‐line effects like reduced mechanical and/or optical performance. Injection molded test specimens of five polypropylene grades with different melt flow rates were characterized for their mechanical behavior and compared with equal‐shaped specimens with a colliding weld line in the middle of the specimen. For the production of these weld‐line specimens, a special mold was used and injection molding parameters were systematically varied, tensile (ISO 527‐2) and impact (ISO 179‐1/1eU) properties were measured, and statistical analyses were performed to gain insight on the correlation between melt flow rate and weld‐line behavior. It showed that mechanical properties of specimens with weld lines can be influenced by the processing parameters, but the effect is limited. Positive correlations were found between tool temperature and tensile modulus and strength. Polypropylene grades with low melt flow indexes seem to be more susceptible to weld‐line‐induced property reductions. In a second test series similar to the pure PP investigations, glass‐fiber‐ and talc‐filled PP were used to gain insight into the weld‐line behavior of PP composites. In addition to mechanical characterization, optical and scanning electron micrographs were taken of the weld‐line areas. It was found that the reinforcing particles align along the melt flow front in the weld‐line area. As a result, the mechanical performance of weld‐line specimens is poor. Injection molding parameters were found to have only a small effect.

Damage characteristics of hybrid fiber reinforced concrete under the freeze-thaw cycles and compound-salt attack

This paper presents an experimental investigation on the damage characteristics and microstructures of hybrid fiber reinforced concrete (HFRC) subjected to the freeze-thaw（F-T）cycles and compound- salt attack. The effect of steel fiber content and steel-polypropylene fiber hybridization on the apparent morphology, mass loss, relative dynamic elastic modulus (RDEM), mechanical strengths in terms of compressive and flexural strengths were studied. The damage mechanism was explored based on an analysis of pore structures of specimens. The results showed that the F-T cycle has adverse effect on the physical and mechanical properties of specimens. The addition of fibers alleviates the damage degree of concrete, and the fiber hybridization shows more pronounced effect. Results from the porosity analysis indicate the pore sizes of 1.2HFRC are mainly distributed within 40 nm and those of OC are within 60 nm. The volume of larger pore size of 1.2HFRC increases less than the others after salt F-T cycles. Finally, based on Weibull distribution function, evolution equations for the salt-frozen damage of HFRC are developed by a combination of strength attenuation and RDEM degradation. The research results provide theoretical basis and reference for the practical application and building maintenance of fiber reinforced concrete.

Thermomechanical Simulation of Heat-Affected Zones in Nickel-Free High Nitrogen Stainless Steel: Microstructural Evolution and Mechanical Property Studies

Three different Heat Affected Zones (HAZ) in hot rolled Nickel Free High Nitrogen Stainless Steels (NFHNSS) based on three different peak temperatures were physically simulated using Gleeble Simulator to investigate microstructural evolution and structure-property correlation. Optical microscopy revealed that the austenite grains are recrystallized in the simulated heat affected zone in the peak temperature range of 750 oC to 1050 oC. Extent of recrystallization of grains and nucleation of precipitates varied with peak temperatures. TEM characterization showed the presence of Cr2N precipitate having an average particle size in the range of 300 nm to 395 nm in the simulated HAZ were confirmed by Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED) analysis. Precipitation kinetics of Cr2N were simulated using Thermo-Calc were found to correlate well with experimental values. Mechanical properties of specimens taken from three different HAZ were evaluated for tensile strength and hardness. Variation in strength of the different specimens has been discussed using various strengthening models. Fractography analysis was also carried out to understand the effect of peak temperature on fracture behaviour. Transition in fracture patterns in NFHNSS from ductile to mixed mode was observed for different specimens.