Small Elements Research Articles

Cyclic behaviours of superelastic shape-memory alloy plates joined by tungsten inert gas welding

The limitations of connection technology have long been an obstacle to constructing large-dimensional elements made of shape memory alloy (SMA). This is because techniques used to join small SMA elements (e.g., wires) may not be capable of joining the large-dimensional elements required for civil engineering structures. This study explored the feasibility of using tungsten inert gas welding to connect SMA elements. A welding technique was developed and tested on 2.5-mm SMA plates. Experimental studies used three measurement systems (including a smartphone-based digital image correlation system) to capture the cyclic behaviours of the specimens. The initial welded specimen exhibited stable flag-shaped behaviour with a desirable strength and ductility before the weld zone was activated (i.e., yielded). Subsequently, three additional specimens that had 70%, 50% and 30% reductions in the cross-section areas of the weakened segments were fabricated and tested. This weakening was performed to prevent activation of the weld zone and to concentrate any inelastic deformation in the base materials. The test results showed that all of the weakened specimens had desirable performances, showing the limited influence of the welding on cyclic properties. The 70% weakened element exhibited nearly the same behaviour as the unwelded specimen, but the large degree of weakening may result in uneconomical designs. The 50% weakened specimen achieved a good balance between the degree of weakening and delaying the failure. The 30% weakened specimen had a desirable performance, but the fracture occurred in the weld zone. These results successfully demonstrate the feasibility of using tungsten inert gas welding to create connections between large-dimensional SMA specimens, which will allow the production of larger-dimension and complex SMA elements in the future.

Machine learning classification can significantly reduce the cost of calculating the Hamiltonian matrix in CI calculations.

Hamiltonian matrices in electronic and nuclear contexts are highly computation intensive to calculate, mainly due to the cost for the potential matrix. Typically, these matrices contain many off-diagonal elements that are orders of magnitude smaller than diagonal elements. We illustrate that here for vibrational H-matrices of H2O, C2H3 (vinyl), and C2H5NO2 (glycine) using full-dimensional abinitio-based potential surfaces. We then show that many of these small elements can be replaced by zero with small errors of the resulting full set of eigenvalues, depending on the threshold value for this replacement. As a result of this empirical evidence, we investigate three machine learning approaches to predict the zero elements. This is shown to be successful for these H-matrices after training on a small set of calculated elements. For H-matrices of vinyl and glycine, of order 15 552 and 8828, respectively, training on a percent or so of elements is sufficient to obtain all eigenvalues with a mean absolute error of roughly 2 cm-1.

Ethanol-thermal synthesis of colloidal-CeFeMn mixed-oxide as efficient catalytic material for atmospheric ozone decomposition

Catalytic decomposition of ozone (O3) shows great potential in eliminating harmful pollutant. However, developing efficient catalysts for atmospheric O3 remediation remains challenging. To address this problem, we have designed an active dispersion liquid (colloidal-CeFeMn mixed-oxide) for atmospheric O3 decomposition. The results show that the amorphous CeFeMn mixed-oxide activated at 150 °C has a larger specific surface area and more surface active sites (oxygen vacancies) than those samples activated at 160 °C and 170 °C. It also exhibits superior O3 decomposition activity at room temperature. Furthermore, ethanol-thermal activation of a CeFeMn-citric acid complex yielded CeFeMn mixed-oxide with small size and high element disorder, resulting in abundant redox pairs and catalytic active sites for O3 decomposition. With the coverage of the aformentioned colloidal-CeFeMn mixed-oxide, the inert surface of ordinary objects could be easily converted into active surfaces, reducing surrounding O3 concentration by 20–30 μg·m−3. This study provides valuable insight into catalyst design and would help to promote the practical application of catalytic decomposition for eliminating atmospheric O3.

Impact of super-resolution and image acquisition on the detection of calcifications in digital breast tomosynthesis.

A virtual clinical trial (VCT) method is proposed to determine the limit of calcification detection in tomosynthesis. Breast anatomy, focal findings, image acquisition, and interpretation (n = 14 readers) were simulated using screening data (n = 660 patients). Calcifications (0.2-0.4 mm3) were inserted into virtual breast phantoms. Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) acquisitions were simulated assuming various acquisition geometries: source motion (continuous and step-and-shoot), detector element size (140 and 70µm), and reconstructed voxel size (35-140µm). VCT results were estimated using multiple-reader multiple-case analyses and d' statistics. Signal-to-noise (SNR) analyses were also performed using BR3D phantoms. Source motion and reconstructed voxel size demonstrated significant changes in the performance of imaging systems. Acquisition geometries that use 70µm reconstruction voxel size and step-and-shoot motion significantly improved calcification detection. Comparing 70 with 100µm reconstructed voxel size for step-and-shoot, the ΔAUC was 0.0558 (0.0647) and d' ratio was 1.27 (1.29) for 140µm (70µm) detector element size. Comparing step-and-shoot with a continuous motion for a 70µm reconstructed voxel size, the ΔAUC was 0.0863 (0.0434) and the d' ratio was 1.40 (1.19) for 140µm (70µm) detector element. Small detector element sizes (e.g., 70µm) did not significantly improve detection. The SNR results with the BR3D phantom show that calcification detection is dependent upon reconstructed voxel size anddetector element size, supporting VCT results with comparable agreement (ratios: d' = 1.16 ± 0.11, SNR = 1.34 ± 0.13). DBT acquisition geometries that use super-resolution (smaller reconstructed voxels than the detector element size) combined with step-and-shoot motion have the potential to improve the detection of calcifications. Calcifications may not always be discernable in tomosynthesis because of differences in acquisition and reconstruction methods. VCTs can identify strategies to optimize acquisition and reconstruction parameters for calcification detection in tomosynthesis, most notably through super-resolution in the reconstruction. • Super-resolution improves calcification detection and SNR in tomosynthesis; specifically, with the use of smaller reconstruction voxels. • Calcification detection using step-and-shoot motion is superior to that using continuous tube motion. • A detector element size of 70µm does not provide better detection than 140µm for small calcifications at the threshold of detectability.

Construction of Rotation Channels for Pathogens Using the Repacking Method of Elements from Metamaterial Penetrated By Ultraviolet C Radiation

Our proposal involves a novel approach to fluid decontamination, targeting substances like aerosols, infected water, blood, and plasma. We aim to achieve this by employing a combination of repacking methods involving both large and small elements within a metamaterial. This strategy is formulated to generate rotational pathways that enhance the movement of pathogens in regions with elevated ultraviolet C radiation, specifically at a wavelength of around 260 nm. Through the utilization of two key mechanisms, repacking and centrifugal manipulation, we plan to create a groundbreaking decontamination method. In this procedure, we optimize the contact area by repacking a foundational structure made up of transparent spheres with smaller ones. Concurrently, we design helical channels resembling those found in centrifuges to manipulate pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and aerosols within regions exposed to heightened ultraviolet C radiation. Our research reveals that as we reduce the size of the repacked components within the transparent metamaterial, the centrifugal force acting upon them intensifies. This effect directs pathogens and aerosols toward the evanescent region of the metamaterial, where the concentration of ultraviolet C radiation is elevated.

Compact Millimeter-Wave Array With Wide-Angle Scanning for Mobile Phones

This paper describes a compact four-element wide-angle scanning millimeter-wave array for mobile phones. The wide-angle scanning array with four elements is achieved with a small element spacing of 0.3λ0. Two critical difficulties for the compact array with 0.3λ0 spacing are the realization of the small element and the mutual coupling reduction between each element. For the small antenna element, a modified quarter-wavelength shorted patch antenna element working at the 25.5-27.5 GHz is designed. The coupled shorted structure and coupled feeding structure of the element is designed to reduce the H-plane cross-polarization level (XPL) which is a key drawback of quarter-wavelength shorted patch antenna. For the mutual coupling of the four-element array with 0.3λ0 spacing, three compact neutralization lines (NLs) are applied to reduce the mutual coupling to better than -15 dB. Finally, the proposed compact four-element array only occupies a small size of 1.14λ0 × 0.3λ0, which is the smallest mm-wave four-element array in the open literature. Also, the proposed array can scan from -60° to 60° with a peak gain of 9 dBi, a gain fluctuation less than 1.3 dB, a good sidelobe level, and an acceptable cross-polarization level. The proposed mm-wave array with the superior performance of a small array size and wide beam scanning is promising for modern mobile phones.

Synthesis and characterization of some Cr-Zr and Cr-Zr-O nanostructures

The co-depositions of Cr-Zr and those of Cr-Zr-O coatings of 500 nm thick were made using magnetron sputtering in continuous mode, in a circular enclosure with a volume of 0.05 m3 evacuated prior to the deposition process under 10-6 mbar vacuum conditions. Silicon and Carbon substrates measuring 12x15mm were used for deposition. The topology of all of the CrZr and CrZrO2 coatings deposited on silicon and carbon substrates have been investigated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) at three magnifications: 1000x, 5000x and 10.000x. For all of the coatings deposited on Silicon substrates, at all three magnifications, was observed very smooth surfaces with only small topological elements. In some samples, few droplets of around 100nm can be observed. The appearance of particulates is caused by the arching events that occur at target surface during the deposition proces and are more pronounced during reactive sputtering. The coatings deposited on the Carbon substrate show more morphological features as these substrates have a lower grade surface polish finish as to sliced Silicon wafers; the deposited film tends to follow the substrate topology and cracks can be seen on the surface. Were investigated the mechanical properties of the samples of Cr+Zr, respectively Cr+Zr+O2 using The Bruker Hysitron TI 980 TriboIndenter which allows to extrapolate mechanical properties such Young’ s Modulus (YM) and Hardness (H). The experimental results obtained through nanoindentation studies, show: In the absence of oxygen during deposition ( Zr-Cr structures), the Young’s Modulus and Hardness are influenced by the concentration ratio of the two components Cr and Zr, i.e., there is the practical possibility of adjusting the two parameters YM and H by correspondingly changing the concentrations of the components of the structure . In the case of the Cr+Zr+O2 structures, for sample where the concentration of Chromium is maximum and the concentration of Zirconium is minimum, the presence of Oxygen causes a decrease for YM and respectively a decrease for H (in this case Cr-O bonds are predominant). In the case of sample in which the concentration of Zirconium is maximum and the concentration of Chromium is minimum, in the presence of Oxygen (now the bonds Zr-O being predominant), an increase for YM and an increase for H are observed. The crystalline structure was investigated using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) method, using a setup composed of a diffractometer equipped with a Cu-Kα X-ray sourse, with a specific wavelength of 0.154nm, in a Bragg-Bretano type geometry. In the case of the Cr-Zr sample, diffractograms show that only the peaks corresponding to the Si substrate are visible, highlighting the amorphous character of the structure. Also, the measurements reveal the amorfous character of the Cr-Zr-O sample. In order to highlight the effect of the element Cr together with Zr and O, the diffractogram of the ZrO2 sample and diffractogram of Cr-Zr-O sample are examinated for comparison. Considering the application of these materials in dentistry, the 2 wide amorphous strips in the case of ZrO2 sample and amorfous character found in the case of Cr-Zr-O sample, could correspond to the adhesive used to attach the veneer to the tooth of such structures. From this perspective, it can be stated that the presence of the Cr element in the Cr-Zr-O structure widens the possibility of its use as an adhesive to attach the veneer to the tooth.

Decoupling and Wide-Angle Scanning Design of a Millimeter-Wave Phased Array Using Square-Ring Metasurface

A wide-angle scanning millimeter-wave (mm-wave) phased array using square-ring metasurface (SRMS) is presented in this letter. SRMS not only improves the element gain owing to enhancing the radiation efficiency and directivity of the antenna element, but also decreases the mutual coupling between elements as a partially reflective surface. Due to the reduced mutual coupling, both the active impedance matching and the total efficiency of the proposed array are significantly improved. Further, thanks to the improved active impedance matching and the small element spacing of 0.43 λ <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">0</sub> (λ <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">0</sub> is the wavelength at the center frequency of 27 GHz in free space), the 3-dB scanning angle of the proposed array is significantly extended. Measured results show that the phased array achieves a wide 3-dB scanning angle greater than ±68° over a wide operating band of 24. 11-29.68 GHz (20.7%), which is very suitable for 5G mm-wave terminal applications.

The Effect Addition of (Silicon and Silver) and Heat Treatments to the Alloy Properties (Copper - Nickel - Tin)

Copper-Nickel-Tin alloys have been recently developed by Hardening due to spinodal decomposition. The (Cu - 9Ni - 6Sn) system has shown promise in this direction and has been used to develop several high strength compositions. It is well known the fact that small element additions significantly modify phase transformation characteristics, the effect of adding Silicon or Silver on the Spinodal hardening in (Cu - 9Ni - 6Sn) alloy was studies close to the Spinodal cusp temperature. The presence of Silver also increased the ductility of alloy at the expense of some hardness. The effects of trace elements additions have been observed in this work with a view to improve high strength alloys as substitutes to the Copper – Beryllium alloys. The results obtained from the current research proved that adding a small amount of alloying elements with a percentage (1%) of silicon or silver to the base alloy (Cu - 9% Ni - 6% Sn), led to the stability of the mechanical properties resulting from the stability of the microstructure due to Heat treatment for hardening (Spinodal decomposition).

Characterisation of hydrophone sensitivity with temperature using a broadband laser-generated ultrasound source

In this work, we present a novel method for characterising the relative variation in hydrophone sensitivity with temperature, addressing a key aspect of measurements in the field of ultrasound metrology. Our study focused on a selection of miniature ultrasonic hydrophones commonly used in medical applications. The method is based on using water as a temperature-sensitive laser-generated ultrasound (LGUS) source for calibration, allowing for flexible characterisation across a wide temperature range. The measurements were performed using both the LGUS method and the established self-reciprocity method. Our results demonstrate good agreement within 5% between the two methods, validating the effectiveness of the LGUS approach. We found that the sensitivity of the tested hydrophones exhibited low temperature dependence less than −0.2% per ∘C within the studied temperature range from 17 ∘C up to 50 ∘C. The presented LGUS method offers greater flexibility than current approaches as it allows for characterisation of membrane hydrophones with small element sizes and non-electrical transducers. By combining the relative sensitivity variation obtained through the LGUS method with the standard calibration at room temperature, absolute values of hydrophone sensitivity can be determined. The expanded uncertainty of our measurements, which was evaluated at temperature intervals of 8 ∘C, was determined to be on average 10%. Our work provides valuable insights into the temperature dependence of hydrophone sensitivity and lays the foundation for further investigations in this area. The LGUS method holds promise for future enhancements, such as increased bandwidth of the LGUS source and frequency domain analysis, to explore the frequency dependency of sensitivity variation with temperature.

An arbitrarily high order unfitted finite element method for elliptic interface problems with automatic mesh generation

We consider the reliable implementation of high-order unfitted finite element methods on Cartesian meshes with hanging nodes for elliptic interface problems. We construct a reliable algorithm to merge small interface elements with their surrounding elements to automatically generate the finite element mesh whose elements are large with respect to both domains. We propose new basis functions for the interface elements to control the growth of the condition number of the stiffness matrix in terms of the finite element approximation order, the number of elements of the mesh, and the interface deviation which quantifies the mesh resolution of the geometry of the interface. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the competitive performance of the method.

Soil-Cement Matrices for Additive Construction: 3D Printing System Validation and Printing Tests

Soil as a building material is gaining renewed interest from academia, and the construction sector, mainly for fabricating low-environmental impact homes. The fabrication of houses with soil using traditional methods such as adobe, cob, and rammed earth dates back to ancient times. However, emerging construction technologies, such as 3D printing, can be compatible with this material for building purposes. The article presents the validation of a 3D printing system for construction applications and the evaluation of soil-cement matrices' printability. First, the paper defines the printing parameters through experimental testing on soil matrices. Then, the article evaluates the printability of soil-cement matrices through filament printing and stacking tests. The results show that the 3D printing system prototype can fabricate small and medium-sized elements with soil matrices after correctly defining the pumping speed, printing speed, and layer height. Furthermore, experimental printing test results demonstrate that soil-cement matrices can be easily extruded and stacked; however, their printability capacity is strongly affected by the total water content and printing speed. This research highlights the suitability of soil-cement mixtures for additive manufacturing, a promising outcome that can facilitate the construction of homes in remote areas using 3D printing systems.

A Finite-Element Method for Enhancement Issues of Frame of Battery Operated Ridge Planter with Drip Line Installer

Using distinct partial differential equations, complicated structures breaks down into small elements using the computational approach known as finite element analysis (FEA). Engineers in agriculture can investigate the behavior of numerous input products using numerical simulation based on the FEA technique in order to enhance the design of any machine without constructing a prototype. The current study employed the FEA technique to develop and simulate the frame of a battery-operated ridge planter with a drip line installer. A static structural test was performed through using the FEA technique in the ANSYS version 15.0 workbench software, and a 3D-CAD model of the frame of a battery-operated ridge planter with drip line installer was made using the Solid Works software. To determine the force necessary in the universal testing machine and the applied forces, respectively, on the frame, a specific fixture has been generated.&#x0D; Total deformation was measured at 23313 mm, and the simulation revealed that the maximum shear stress, equivalent stress, normal stress, stress intensity, and strain energy were, respectively, 8.40 MPa, 16.68 MPa, 16.4 MPa, 16.8 MPa, and 3.55 MPa at 1817.5 N of total load acting on the frame.&#x0D; The stress values are within the material's yield strength, it was also observed. The FEA methodology was discovered to be a way for creating and simulating the frame of a battery-operated ridge planter with drip line installer that is very effective and scientific.

Additive Manufacturing of 17-4PH Alloy: Tailoring the Printing Orientation for Enhanced Aerospace Application Performance

Additive manufacturing (AM) is one of the fastest-growing markets of our time. During its journey in the past 30 years, its key to success has been that it can easily produce extremely complex shapes and is not limited by tooling problems when a change in geometry is desired. This flexibility leads to possible solutions for creating lightweight structural elements while keeping the mechanical properties at a stable reserve factor value. In the aerospace industry, several kinds of structural elements for fuselage and wing parts are made from different kinds of steel alloys, such as 17-4PH stainless steel, which are usually milled from a block material made using conventional processing (CP) methods. However, these approaches are limited when a relatively small element must withstand greater forces that can occur during flight. AM can bridge this problem with a new perspective, mainly using thin walls and complex shapes while maintaining the ideal sizes. The downside of the elements made using AM is that the quality of the final product is highly dependent on the build/printing orientation, an issue extensively studied and addressed by researchers in the field. During flight, some components may experience forces that predominantly act in a single direction. With this in mind, we created samples with the desired orientation to maximize material properties in a specific direction. The goal of this study was to demonstrate that an additively manufactured part, produced using laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), with a desired build orientation has exceptional properties compared to parts produced via conventional methods. To assess the impact of the build orientation on the LPBF parts’ properties, one-dimensional tensile and dynamic fracture toughness tests were deployed.

Statistical fluid mechanics: Dynamics equations and linear response theory

The statistical nature of discrete fluid molecules with random thermal motion so far has not been considered in mainstream fluid mechanics based on Navier–Stokes equations, wherein fluids have been treated as a continuum breaking into many macroscopically infinitely small (but microscopically large enough) mass elements with their motion only characterized by center-of-mass velocity. Here, we provide a Statistical Mechanical approach to address fluid dynamics by considering statistical velocity distribution of discrete molecules within macroscopically infinitely small volume elements as well as their center-of-mass velocity. Dynamics equations governing the evolution of physical variables have been proposed, Green's functions have been obtained, and the linear response theory has been applied to study physical situations with external heat perturbation. It is found that the propagation of heat, center-of-mass motion, and sound are intrinsically integrated in Statistical fluid dynamics. This work lays down the foundation for applications of Statistical fluid mechanics.

Two-step techniques for accurate selection of small elements in VR environments

One of the key interactions in 3D environments is target acquisition, which can be challenging when targets are small or in cluttered scenes. Here, incorrect elements may be selected, leading to frustration and wasted time. The accuracy is further hindered by the physical act of selection itself, typically involving pressing a button. This action reduces stability, increasing the likelihood of erroneous target acquisition. We focused on molecular visualization and on the challenge of selecting atoms, rendered as small spheres. We present two techniques that improve upon previous progressive selection techniques. They facilitate the acquisition of neighbors after an initial selection, providing a more comfortable experience compared to using classical ray-based selection, particularly with occluded elements. We conducted a pilot study followed by two formal user studies. The results indicated that our approaches were highly appreciated by the participants. These techniques could be suitable for other crowded environments as well.

REFLECTIONS ABOUT THE CRAFTSMANSHIP OF MAKING IRON AND STEEL WEAPONS IN GEORGIA

Metallurgy has always played an important role in the almost 4000-year history of Georgia's statehood. Its specificity, development, ups and downs and new reincarnations in other times and places, over and over again, is the main plot of this article. The metallurgical centers of South Georgia (the Lower Caucasus Range) are considered the birthplace of iron metallurgy in the world and throughout the ancient era played a leading role in the markets of the then world. However, during the Middle Ages, Georgian metallurgy was forced to hide in the Northern Mountains to keep away from aggressive invaders, and suffered from a limited ore base and isolation. The article attempts to analyze and clarify iron deposits in Georgia, which may have been used by ancient metal masters. In addition, those small elements were established that were added to iron to produce high-quality steel, and later Damascus steel in Georgia.

Cultural and educational work in the Red Army during the Great Patriotic War (22.06.1941–09.05.1945): the first attempts to study the problem undertaken in the Soviet historiography in hot pursuit

In the Soviet, post-Soviet and modern Russian historiography of the beginning of the 21st century, it was established that the system of party and political work successfully functioned in the Red Army during the Great Patriotic War (22.06.194109.05.1945). Its integral element was (albeit with a relative degree of independence) cultural and educational work. Moreover, in the Soviet historical science, their research was held in the category of priority, which cannot be said about the post-Soviet historiography. The author of the paper has made an attempt to consider the history of studying the problem of cultural and educational work in the Soviet historical science during the Great Patriotic War, figuratively speaking, in hot pursuit. In the coverage of the topic indicated in the title of this paper, the following circumstances are fully taken into account: the conditions for the performance of the first works, determined by the emerging military-political situation, and the process of restructuring of the Soviet historical science during the war; a small number of historiographical and historical sources that were published in the chronological framework indicated above; the absence of works that would correspond strictly to academic canons, the presence of a certain chronicle on them on the subject of the feat of the Soviet people in the fight against Nazi Germany and its satellites; the absence of a proper historiographical understanding of our topic. The paper is made from the standpoint of modern theoretical and methodological approaches, in the key of a lapidary historiographical review (with small elements of conciseness). Consequently, there are no copyright claims to the completeness of the coverage of the problem.

Unravelling the Genetic Enigma: Exploring the Molecular Basis of Heterosis

Heterosis, the phenomenon where hybrid offspring exhibit superior traits compared to their inbred parents, has captivated scientists for decades due to its immense potential for crop improvement. Unravelling the molecular basis of heterosis has remained a challenge, but recent advancements in genomic and molecular techniques have shed new light on this intriguing phenomenon. This review paper provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying heterosis. We delve into the intricate interplay of genetic factors and regulatory networks that contribute to the manifestation of heterosis. Genomic studies have revealed structural variations, such as rearrangements and copy number variations, which may play a crucial role in hybrid vigour. Furthermore, we explore the dynamic nature of gene expression patterns during hybridization, highlighting the activation of novel gene networks and the modulation of epigenetic mechanisms. Transcriptomic analyses have identified key genes and pathways associated with heterosis, shedding light on the intricate molecular interactions that drive the superior performance of hybrids. Additionally, we discuss the emerging role of small RNAs, transcription factors, and regulatory elements in orchestrating heterosis. These molecular players act as conductors in the genetic symphony of hybrid vigour, fine-tuning gene expression and facilitating the coordinated functioning of diverse biological processes. Understanding the molecular basis of heterosis holds immense promise for crop improvement and sustainable agriculture. By leveraging this knowledge, breeders can harness the full potential of hybrid breeding to develop high-yielding and resilient crop varieties. This review aims to inspire further research and collaboration in unravelling the mysteries of heterosis, paving the way for innovative strategies to enhance global food security and agricultural productivity.

Topological Avenue for Efficient Decontamination of Large Volumes of Fluids via UVC Irradiation of Packed Metamaterials.

Nowadays, metamaterials application enjoys notoriety in fluid decontamination and pathogen annihilation, which are frequently present in polluted fluids (e.g., water, blood, blood plasma, air or other gases). The depollution effect is largely enhanced by UVC irradiation. The novelty of this contribution comes from the significant increase by packing of the total surface of metamaterials in contact with contaminated fluids. Packed metamaterial samples are subjected to UVC irradiation, with expected advantages for implant sterilization and long-term prevention of nosocomial infections over large clinical areas. The novel aspect of the investigation consists of a combination of big and small elements of the metamaterial to optimize the above effects connected with fluids and irradiation. The big elements allow the radiation to penetrate deep inside the fluid, and the small elements optimally disperse this radiation toward deeper regions of the metamaterial. A packing scheme of smaller, in-between large metamaterial spheres and fibres is proposed for promoting enhanced depollution against pathogen agents. It is demonstrated that the total surface of metamaterials in contact with contaminated fluids/surface is significantly increased as a result of packing. This opens, in our opinion, new auspicious perspectives in the construction of novel equipment with high sensibility in the detection and decontamination of microorganisms.