Composite Structures Research Articles

Reliability-based multi-objective optimization design of composite patch repair structure using artificial neural networks

Due to the parameter differences and the existence of random factors, the performance of composite repair structure shows a large dispersion. In order to obtain stronger, lighter and more reliable repair structure, multi-objective optimization design of carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) laminate repair structure is investigated by combining the reliability theory, artificial neural networks and the genetic algorithm. First, a 3D simulation model of the composite laminate patch repair structures is established using the 3D Hashin criterion and the cohesive region model. Then, the Latin Hypercube sampling (LHS) method is used to realize the random sampling, and the strength proxy model of the repair structure is established by using Back-propagation artificial neural network, further a multi-objective optimization model with tensile strength, reliability and weight as objective functions is built considering the design parameters and the random parameters. Finally, NSGAⅡalgorithm is used to solve the multi-objective optimization problem, and a set of solutions on the Pareto front surface are obtained, also the optimal design parameters of the composite repair structure meets the requirements is obtained.

Uniform multiple laminates interpolation model and design method for double–double laminates based on multi-material topology optimization

Double–Double (DD) laminates, incorporating a repetition of sub-plies featuring two groups of balanced angles, offer broad design flexibility together with the ease of design and manufacturing. In this work, a novel optimization design method is proposed for DD composite laminates based on multi-material topology optimization. First, the uniform multiple laminates interpolation (UMLI) model is proposed to describe the certainty of the stacking direction in multi-layer composite structures, inspired by the interpolation model in multi-material topology optimization. Specifically, the stiffness matrices of all alternative angle combinations of laminates are interpolated to form virtual laminates. The UMLI model eliminates the need for adding interlayer constraints during the optimization process. Then, the optimization problem is defined to minimize the compliance of the composite structures and is solved using the gradient-based optimization algorithm. Finally, the proposed method is applied to the design of the composite stiffened panel, the composite Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) wing, and the rear fuselage. The results demonstrate that the UMLI model and proposed optimization method have considerable potential in the angle optimization design of multi-layer structures.

Enhanced interfacial joining strength of joined high chromium gray cast iron/low carbon steel joint via graphite coating

Liquid-state bonding is one of the most crucial methods in joining dissimilar materials to manufacture composites with structural design. The high chromium gray cast iron (HCGCI)/low carbon steel (LCS) composite structure is attractive in mining industries due to its superior mechanical properties and low density. However, the decarburization of the faying surface of HCGCI leads to the formation of a coarse-grained brittle interlayer between HCGCI and LCS which seriously deteriorates the mechanical properties of welded joints. In this work, high chromium gray cast iron/low carbon steel composite was fabricated by diffusion bonding via graphite coating layer. The results showed that the graphite coating on the fusion surfaces prevented the decarburization of HCGCI and the growth of coarse grains which improved the bonding quality. The ultimate tensile strength and total elongation of the graphite-free sample are 335.6 MPa and 8.9%, respectively. In contrast, the ultimate tensile strength and total elongation of the graphite-contain sample are 435.6 MPa and 17.9%, separately. This work opens a new strategy for fabricating high chromium gray cast iron/low carbon steel composite, and the flexibility to achieve complex structures through liquid-state bonding is extended.

Influence of agglomeration and waviness phenomena on torsional oscillation of MWCNTs-reinforced composite rods

There are some inevitable challenges during the manufacturing of reinforced composite structures. Agglomeration of reinforcement and wavy reinforcement are in this category. These phenomena possess remarkable effects on the mechanical behavior of reinforced composite structures. In the current research, the effect of agglomeration and waviness of reinforcements on torsional dynamic characteristics of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) reinforced composite rods subjected to two various boundary conditions have been evaluated. Three dissimilar cross-section shapes have been considered to understand the effect of cross-section shapes on torsional behavior of MWCNTs-reinforced composite rods. A new form of Halpin-Tsai homogenization model has been exerted to estimate the material properties of composite structures. Additionally, Timoshenko-Gere theory in conjunction with the Hamilton’s principle has been employed to derive the partial differential governing equation of MWCNTs-reinforced composite rods. Afterward, the obtained equation was solved using an analytical approach. The precision of the methodology utilized has been evaluated against the results of previous studies documented in the literature. Ultimately, the effects of various significant parameters on the changes in natural torsional frequency have been analyzed and presented in a series of tables and figures. Based on the obtained results, the rectangular rod has the highest torsional frequency and also the effect of MWCNTs’ volume fraction depends on the consideration of waviness and agglomeration factors. At a greater volume fraction of MWCNTs, the agglomeration factor is more effective than the waviness factor and vice versa.

Fluorescence sensor based on Methionine-Modified silver nanoparticles located on Fe-BTC metal–organic framework (Meth-AgNPs@Fe-BTC) for trace detection of fenitrothion pesticide in aqueous samples

This research introduces a new “turn-on mode” fluorescence sensor for the detection of fenitrothion (FNT) pesticide in various samples. The sensor is constructed using a porous metal–organic framework (Fe-BTC) as a template to locate silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and methionine amino acid (Meth). Methionine acts as a bridge, facilitating the interaction between FNT and AgNPs, which subsequently results in the release of AgNPs from the composite structure. The physicochemical properties of the synthesized Meth-AgNPs@Fe-BTC composite were analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and elemental mapping (MAP) analysis. The sensing system is based on tracking the fluorescence of the synthetic composite in such a way that the intensity of the fluorescence of the composite increases in the presence of different concentrations of fenitrothion (FNT). The effective parameters on the sensor signal, including composite dosage, pH, sonication and reaction time were investigated and optimized. The calibration graph, under optimal conditions, exhibited linearity in the concentration range of 2–95 nM for FNT, with a limit of detection of 1.9 nM. The suggested sensor was successfully validated by analyzing FNT in several real water samples and fruit juices. This research presents a significant technical achievement in the development of a fluorescence sensor for the detection of FNT, offering a sensitive and reliable method for environmental monitoring and public health preservation.

Droplet trampoline surface for regulating contact time of a bouncing droplet across a wide spectrum of Weber numbers verified by in-situ observation

The dynamic superhydrophobicity of metallic surfaces is crucial for anti-icing and anti-adhesion in the fields of aerospace and transportation. Generally, fabricating micro/nanostructures on metallic surfaces is an effective method for facilitating rapid detachment of droplets, and the micro/nanoscale composite structure can significantly reduce the solid–liquid contact area. Meanwhile, the exploration of the correlation between solid–liquid contact time and the spacing of microstructures across a wide range of Weber numbers is of great significance. In this study, it is observed that the contact time of a bouncing droplet on microstructures with small spacing exhibits a notable correlation with the Weber number. This observation challenges the prevailing understanding that the contact time of a bouncing droplet is commonly perceived as independent of the Weber number, equated to the impact velocity. Increasing the structure spacing appropriately proves advantageous in preventing pinning effect, consequently reducing the duration of solid–liquid contact. Subsequently, a regulatory diagram is generated to demonstrate the correlation between contact time and the dual dimensions of the structure spacing and Weber number. Specifically, a novel theory for predicting the contact time based on the Weber number has been established, which reveals the unconventional correlation and enriches the knowledge of droplet dynamics.

Efficient layerwise multiphysics spectral element model for delaminated composite strips with PWAS transducers

Efficient structural element-based models are essential for fast simulations of wave propagation in composite structures for model-based and physics-informed data-driven structural health monitoring. This article introduces the first efficient multiphysics time-domain spectral structural element for wave propagation analysis of beam and panel-type composite structures with piezoelectric transducers (patch or full layers) containing delaminations. A general framework is presented to model multiple delaminations and transducer patches located arbitrarily. The intact host and patch transducer-bonded laminates and sub-laminates between delaminations are modelled separately using an electromechanically coupled efficient layerwise zigzag theory (ZIGT) for kinematics and a piecewise quadratic variation for the electric potential across piezoelectric layers. The high-order spectral element (SE) features a virtual electric node to model equipotential surfaces of piezoelectric transducers apart from the usual physical nodes having mechanical and internal electric degrees of freedom. A hybrid point-least squares continuity approach is employed to maintain continuity at the intersections of delaminated sub-laminates or the patch-bonded laminate with the host laminate. The model’s performance in capturing electroelastic waves’ interaction with delamination is examined with reference to the conventional finite element (FE) solution based on the ZIGT, continuum-based FE solutions, and the SE solution based on a non-layerwise version of the laminate theory. Finally, the model is used to examine the impact of interfacial location and size of delaminations on wave propagation behaviour.

Bio-inspired widening concrete using cellulose nanofiber to enhance multiscale Fiber–Matrix interface

The cracking issue at the bonded interface due to the differing shrinkage performances of newly poured concrete and existing concrete poses a significant threat to the safe service of composite structures. Inspired by the musculoskeletal system, we propose the use of multiscale hybrid reinforced concrete materials, incorporating basalt fiber (BF), polypropylene (PP) fiber, and cellulose nanofiber (CNF), for bridge widening structures. Experimental investigations were carried out to assess the bond splitting tensile strength, diagonal shear strength, crack resistance, development of drying shrinkage deformation, and the propagation behavior of restrained shrinkage-induced cracks in both new and old concrete reinforced with single and hybrid combinations of BF, PP fiber, and CNF. The microstructure, phase composition, and pore structure evolution of BF, PP fiber, and CNF-reinforced concrete were observed and analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric and derivative thermogravimetric analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance, and mercury intrusion porosimetry. The results indicate that the incorporation of BF, PP fiber, and CNF exhibits excellent synergistic effects, improving the bond and shrinkage performance of the concrete interface. As the CNF content increases, the macro fiber–matrix interface improves. This bio-inspired work will contribute to the development of strong, tough, and sustainable concrete for bridge widening structures.

Enhanced solar-to-steam conversion efficiency using CuO-polyaniline yolk-shell structures

Herein, the low-cost copper oxide was encapsulated in the polyaniline (PANI) structure forming a yolk-shell (YS) platform which can provide a large surface area and sufficient active sites and enhance light scattering in its hollow space or voids, both of which can significantly improve the near-full usage of solar energy. The fabrication of the YS structure was assisted with a soft template (hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide, CTAB) which the removed by the acidic etching process producing uniform voids through the composite structure. Moreover, the etching process using an acidic medium resulted in the formation of the PANI emeraldine salt which is beneficial for the salt-resistant properties of the composite. The encapsulated CuO@void@Es-PANI showed an outstanding rate of water evaporation of 1.91 kg m−2 h−1 and a corresponding high Solar-to-Steam conversion efficiency of 98.9 % under the irradiation of 1 sun compared to that of the normal mixed CuO/PANI (1.53 kg m−2 h−1 and 81.3 %). Meanwhile, the same high evaporation flux was approximately obtained after a continuous 72 h even in high saline water or contaminated seawater.

Experimental and numerical investigation on the failure behaviors of laminates with various shaped cutouts under tensile loading

Composite structures in aircraft often contain many cutouts, and failure of these structures is prone to occur near the edge of cutouts. Therefore, the failure behaviors of laminates with various shaped cutouts should be carefully investigated. To this end, experiments and numerical simulations are employed to investigate this issue. The tensile tests of composite laminates with circular, elliptical, square, and rectangular cutouts were carried out. Digital image correlation was utilized to capture the strain fields around the cutout. Combining the strain failure criterion and the modified exponential damage variables a three-dimensional progressive damage model was established, which can accurately predict the peak loads of composite laminates with diverse cutouts. All errors between the experimental and numerical results are less than 10 %. The experimental and numerical results indicate that the shape of the cutout has a great influence on the peak loads. As the ratio of major axis to minor axis (a/b) is increased from 1 to 5, peak loads obviously increase for the laminates with elliptical cutouts. Experimental results show that the average peak load of the laminates with elliptical cutout (a/b = 4) is 20.0 % higher than that of the laminates with circular cutout (a/b = 1). The dispersed distribution of high strains near the edge of the cutout results in an improvement of bearing capacity. As the ratio of length to width (l/w) in rectangular cutouts is increased from 0.5 to 3, peak loads are also improved obviously, because experimental results show that the average peak load of the laminates with rectangular cutout (l/w = 0.5) is 12.3 % lower than that of the laminates with square cutout (l/w = 1). Therefore, to improve the peak loads, it is very necessary to select the proper ratios of a/b and l/w. The above conclusions can serve as a reference for the design of composite structures.

Composite Materials For Creation Of Anti-Icing Elements And Other Aircraft Systems

The relevance of the development is related to the safety of aircraft flights, which is significantly affected by aircraft icing. The reliability of the anti-icing system (AIC) is a prerequisite for all modern aircraft, as well as for high-altitude unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Icing of aircraft and UAVs is a very urgent problem, as evidenced by a large number of foreign publications and patents on proposals for methods of removing ice from metal and composite structures using nanomaterials. Icing can lead to a decrease in the lifting power of the aircraft and an increase in drag, and also affects the operation of the aircraft controls, reduces visibility from the cockpit, increases vibration and load on individual elements of the airframe, and negatively affects the operation of engines

Synergistic Action of Rutin-Coated Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: Targeting Biofilm Formation Receptors of Dental Pathogens and Modulating Apoptosis Genes for Enhanced Oral Anticancer Activity.

Oral diseases are often associated with bacterial and fungal pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, and Candida albicans. This research explored a novel approach to addressing these pathogens by synthesizing zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) coated with rutin (RT), a plant-derived compound. The synthesized ZnO-RT NPs were comprehensively characterized using UV-Vis spectrophotometer, SEM, and EDAX techniques to confirm their structural composition. The antioxidant potential was assessed through free radical scavenging assays. Additionally, the antimicrobial activity of ZnO-RT NPs was evaluated using a zone of inhibition assay against oral pathogens. Molecular docking studies with the Autodock tool were performed to elucidate the interactions between RT and the receptors of oral pathogens. The findings demonstrated that ZnO-RT NPs exhibited robust free radical scavenging activity. Furthermore, they showed significant antimicrobial activity with a minimal inhibitory concentration of 40 μg/mL against oral pathogens. ZnO-RT NPs also displayed dose-dependent anticancer effects on human oral cancer cells at concentrations of 10, 20, 40, and 80 μg/mL. Mechanistic insights into the anticancer activity on KB cells revealed the upregulation of apoptotic genes. This study underscores the promising potential of ZnO-RT NPs for dental applications due to their strong antioxidant, anticancer, and antimicrobial properties. These nanoparticles offer a hopeful prospect for addressing oral pathogen challenges and enhancing overall oral health.

Purification and catalysis of choline dehydrogenase from Escherichia coli

Choline dehydrogenase (CHDH) is a membrane-bound enzyme belonging to the glucose-methanol-choline (GMC) oxidoreductase superfamily, which is characterized by a crucial FAD-binding domain essential for catalytic function. CHDH catalyzes the oxidation of choline to betaine aldehyde, which is further oxidized to betaine, a vital osmoprotectant and methyl donor for cellular physiology and metabolism. However, the detailed catalytic mechanism of CHDH still remains poorly understood. In our investigation, we gained purity E. coli CHDH samples in DDM (n-dodecyl-β-D-maltoside) and SMA (styrene maleic acid) copolymer respectively and examined their structural composition and catalytic activity separately. Our findings demonstrated the effectiveness of SMA, commonly employed for extracting transmembrane proteins and can preserve the natural bio-membrane environment surrounding the enzyme, in extracting peripheral membrane proteins like CHDH here, which lacks transmembrane helices. CHDH exhibited a trimeric conformation in SMA, whereas it existed as monomers in DDM, as determined by our negative staining analysis. Our experiments also revealed that highly pure E. coli CHDH could only oxidize choline to betaine aldehyde but failed to further oxidize betaine aldehyde to betaine as determined by the biochemical and enzymatic reaction kinetic assays. In addition, the enzyme in SMA displayed greater catalytic activity compared to that in DDM. Furthermore, we confirmed the crucial role of His473, which is hypothesized to be a critical site for substrate binding from our structural comparative analysis between CHDH and its highly homologous choline oxidase, in the catalytic activity of the enzyme through gene mutation. Our work also sheds light on CHDH’s contribution to cellular osmotic tolerance through gene knockout. This research enhances our better understanding of CHDH within cellular biochemistry and metabolic pathways.

Structure and Properties of the Electroexplosive Coating of the TiB2-Ag System after Electron Beam Treatment

A coating of the TiB2-Ag system was formed through the use of sequential operations of electroexplosive spraying and electron beam processing. The values of electrical conductivity (62.0 MS/m), Vickers microhardness (0.251-0.265 GPa at the point of measurement on a silver matrix and 25-32 GPa at the point of measurement at inclusions of boride phases), nanohardness (4.48 ± 0.76 GPa) were determined), Young’s modulus (116±29 GPa), wear parameter under dry friction-sliding conditions (1.2 mm3/N • m) and friction coefficient (0.5). Switching wear resistance during accelerated tests was 7000 on and off cycles with an electrical resistance of 10.01 - 11.76 LiOhm. The thickness of the coatings is 100 microns. The coatings are formed by a silver matrix with inclusions of titanium borides located in it with three types of sizes: nanocrystalline, submicrocrystalline and microcrystalline. Quantitatively, in the structural composition among titanium borides, titanium diboride and silver (56 wt. %) are formed predominantly (41 wt. %), while other titanium borides account for 3 wt. %. Structural transformations are described using complementary methods of X-ray phase analysis, scanning and transmission electron microscopy.

Simultaneously enhancing the EMI shielding performances and mechanical properties of structure–function integrated CF/PEEK composites via chopped ultra-thin carbon fiber tapes and interfacial engineering with MXene

The functionalization of carbon fiber reinforced poly(ether-ether-ketone) (CF/PEEK) structural composites with high electromagnetic interference shielding efficiency (EMI SE) has important engineering application in the fields of aviation and aerospace. However, the simultaneous enhancement of interfacial properties and EMI SE in the CF/PEEK composite remains a significant concern. To address this issue, we have employed a continuous impregnation approach that involved synthesizing PFEEK as a binder and then utilizing mechanical spreading technology to prepare chopped ultra-thin CF tapes as the reinforcement phase. Subsequently, we deposited 2D MXene (Ti3C2Tx) on the CF tape surface to endow the interface properties and EMI SE for the CF/PEEK composites. As a result, when the MXene content was 1.0 mg/ml, the flexural strength, flexural modulus, and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of the obtained CF/PEEK composites achieved 17.6 %, 13.3 % and 36.6 % enhancement higher than that of the virgin CF/PEEK composites, respectively, which may be owing to the elevated interfacial properties via the hydrogen bonds, physical entanglement, π-π interactions, and mechanical interlocking with the incorporation of PFEEK and MXene. The optimal ILSS value and specific EMI SE/t value of the CF/PF-M1/PEEK composites can reach 113.7 MPa and 80.8 dB/mm, respectively. The enhancement in the EMI SE can be attributed to the enhancive reflection, the increased polarization losses, and multiple interlayer reflections of EM waves facilitated by the incorporation of MXene and multi ultra-thin CF/PF-MXene layers. This approach resulted in a structure–function integrated CF/PEEK composite, which holds promising application prospects across various cutting-edge domains.

Minilateralism and pathways to institutional progression: alliance formation or cooperative security governance?

ABSTRACT Even as essential definitional and conceptual issues related to ‘minilateralism’ remain unresolved, conjecture has arisen as to the future trajectories of established institutions, such as the Trilateral Strategic Dialogue (TSD), AUKUS, and the Quad. – Could they evolve into formal military alliances over time, or serve as the foundation of a new organisation aimed at providing regional security governance? To systematically evaluate such contingencies this article traverses a set of interrelated conceptual issues relating to minilateral institutionalisation. It seeks to differentiate minilaterals in terms of their ‘hybridity’ both in structural composition and functionality, and ascertain what this implies for their institutional progression. This process assists us in identifying on what grounds minilaterals might potentially evolve into a more formalised institutional paradigm – either (i) a military alliance or (ii) a cooperative security governance organisation. This foregoing conceptual apparatus is then brought to bear of on the case studies above to draw out clues as to their prospective institutional development pathways. The article concludes that, while such putative institutional transformations remain conceivable, in none of the cases is a particular pathway preordained. Instead, minilaterals may simply continue to adapt within the parameters of their present institutional boundaries.

Microchannels-enabled Vertical Alignment of Hexagonal Boron Nitride in Silicone Rubber Composites to Achieve High Through-plane Thermal Conductivity

Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) with high vertical alignment in polymer composites is necessary to improve through-plane thermal conductivity (TC) for thermal management applications. However, how to achieve simple, efficient and precise control of h-BN vertical alignment in polymer composites remains a challenge. Herein, a novel concept of inducing vertical alignment of h-BN in silicone rubber (SR) composites via controlling flow patterns in specially designed microchannels was proposed. The extremely strong elongational and shear stresses provided by the narrow section of the microchannels induced h-BN to align perpendicular to the flow direction. In the subsequent channel, the weak shear stress manipulated h-BN to form a ladder structure in the SR composites, including the vertical core layer and horizontal skin layer. Such ladder structure not only improved the through-plane TC of SR composite but also prevented overheating in the face of local heat sources. Moreover, the obtained SR composites exhibit a through-plane TC of 5.08 W/mK at 34.3 vol % h-BN loading when the horizontal skin layer was removed, indicating excellent heat transfer efficiency for thermal management application. We believe that this work would strengthen both scientific and technological cognition of the filler alignment during polymer composites processing.

3D structural insights into the effect of N-glycosylation in human chitotriosidase variant G102S

BackgroundN-glycosylation is a key post-translational modification critical for protein function and stability. Chitotriosidase-1 (CHIT1), belonging to glycoside hydrolase family 18, is clinically utilized as a biomarker of Gaucher disease. A G102S variant is common in some populations, but the implications of this missense mutation on CHIT1 function and in disease pathology are unknown. We have investigated the effects of the G102S mutation on the N-glycosylation, structure, and activity of CHIT1. MethodsThree recombinant CHIT1 proteins, wild-type (WT), G102S, and N100Q + G102S double mutants, were expressed, purified, and analyzed for glycosylation using SDS-PAGE, MALDI-MS, PNGase F treatment, and lectin blotting. NMR and LC-MS/MS were employed to characterize glycan structures. Enzymatic assays and molecular dynamics simulations were used to assess the effects of mutations on CHIT1 function and dynamics. ResultsThe G102S mutation introduced a new N-glycosylation site at N100, confirmed by SDS-PAGE and MALDI-MS, and the composition of the N-glycan structures was verified by lectin blotting, NMR, and MS. Both G102S and N100Q + G102S proteins exhibited reduced catalytic efficiency compared to WT. Molecular dynamics simulations suggested that G102S mutation induces significant structural changes and reduces stability, particularly without N-glycan, likely impairing substrate binding and enzymatic activity. ConclusionOur findings indicate that the common G102S mutation affects the structure and function of CHIT1, partially by introducing a new N-glycosylation site. They provide a foundation for further research on the impact of N-glycosylation on its hydrolase activity and structural dynamics, with potential implications for understanding the role of CHIT1 in Gaucher disease.

Area-based composition predictions of materials fabricated using simultaneous wire-powder-directed energy deposition

Functionally graded materials are an emergent method for designing components with programmable site-specific material properties. These materials are typically fabricated using metal additive manufacturing tools by simultaneously feeding multiple wire and/or powder feedstocks at various rates to achieve spatial composition change. The wire-powder-directed energy deposition (WP-DED) technique is of particular interest for many functionally graded material applications by balancing the low raw materials cost of wire with the high resolution of powder. However, feeding wire and powder are inherently different processes since all extruded wire enters the melt pool, while much of the blown powder is scattered, which makes determining the composition of the build challenging. In this study, we devise a simple area-based measurement method for estimating the composition of WP-DED structures. WP-DED single beads are printed using 309L stainless steel wire and commercially pure Fe powder at five wire feed rates (0.5, 0.75, 1.00, 1.25, 1.50 mm/mm) and five powder feed rates (2, 4, 6, 8, 10 rpm). Characteristic defects including interface gaps and macrosegregation (lack of mixing) tendencies are examined. High powder feed rates (8, 10 rpm) result in interface gaps at all wire feed rates, but smooth deposition and complete mixing is achieved at low powder feed rates, particularly with lower wire feed rates as well. The area-based composition measurement method is within ±20% of energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy measurements for all samples, showing its effectiveness as a rapid composition estimate for WP-DED materials development.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Cylicocyclus ultrajectinus (Ihle, 1920)

In this study, the mitochondrial genome of Cylicocyclus ultrajectinus (Ihle, 1920) was sequenced for the first time using next-generation sequencing technology, and its compositional characteristics, structure, and phylogenetic relationship with other strongylid nematodes were analyzed by biological software. The results showed that these sequences contained 12 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes, and 2 non-coding regions, all exhibiting a significant AT bias. Phylogenetic studies showed that C. ultrajectinus formed a distinct branch form other Cylicocyclus nematodes. This study contributes to the mitochondrial genome database of Strongylidae, laying a foundation for genetic variation, molecular classification, and evolutionary studies of strongylid nematodes.