Climate-driven variations in rainfall, infiltration, and temperature substantially alter matric suction and the hydro-mechanical response of geosynthetic-reinforced pile-supported (GRPS) embankments, yet no existing analytical model explicitly captures these coupled effects. This study first develops a Climate-Responsive Hydro-Mechanical (CRHM) framework that integrates an unsaturated soil arching formulation and a soil-geosynthetic interaction model into a single analytical framework for GRPS embankments. A new climate-suction interaction (CSI) index is introduced to capture how seasonal hydraulic forcing alters suction and, in turn, governs load transfer and system stability. Closed-form solutions integrating suction-dependent strength and stiffness are derived for arching efficacy, stress concentration ratio, geosynthetic tensile force, and differential settlement under transient climatic conditions. The framework is further extended to incorporate temperature effects through a temperature-dependent matric suction formulation, enabling the model to account for thermal-hydro-mechanical influences on soil strength and stiffness. Validation against full-scale field measurement shows excellent agreement between theoretical predictions and observed load redistribution and reinforcement tension. The results indicate that rainfall infiltration weakens soil arching, while evaporation-driven drying enhances suction. The proposed framework provides a physically consistent and computationally efficient analytical tool for climate-responsive design of GRPS embankments, bridging the gap between simplified analytical approaches and computationally intensive numerical simulations.

We show, analytically, that a static sine-Gordon soliton cannot exist in 1 + 1 non-dynamical de Sitter spacetime if α:= (m/H)2 < 2, where m is the mass parameter of the sine-Gordon theory and H is the Hubble constant. Conversely, we also show that static sine-Gordon solitons exist in 1 + 1 non-dynamical de Sitter spacetime if α >2. The above threshold is explained—qualitatively and to within an O(1) factor—using a heuristic argument involving the interplay of tensile force in the Lorentzian sine-Gordon soliton and the tidal force in de Sitter spacetime. A similar heuristic argument, which remains to be confirmed analytically, also suggests the existence of a threshold, (mV/H)2 ∼ O(1)mV/H)∼O(1), below which the tidal forces are too strong to permit the existence of a static't Hooft–Polyakov monopole in non-dynamical 3 + 1 de Sitter spacetime; mV is the mass of the vector boson. Linde has suggested that new inflation could have triggered secondary inflation at the core of a GUT (Grand Unified Theory) monopole even if the Hubble constant at or after the GUT phase transition was significantly smaller than the mass of the X boson. We present a heuristic argument, which suggests that the SO(3)'t Hooft–Polyakov monopole does not allow secondary inflation at its core when the inflationary background is weak. Based on the above, as yet analytically unconfirmed, heuristic argument for the SO(3)'t Hooft–Polyakov monopole, we conjecture that secondary inflation at the core of a GUT monopole is infeasible.

In recent years, geopolymer concrete has attracted a lot of attention since it is a sustainable and environmentally friendly material with a small carbon footprint. The geopolymer concrete's qualities, such as mechanical strength, durability, and resistance to severe conditions, are improved by the addition of inhibitors. In this study, we offer an abstract on how corrosion inhibitors affect the characteristics of geopolymer concrete. In the study, fly ash, GGBS activated with NaOH and Na2SiO3, and the corrosion inhibitors sodium chloride and sodium nitrite, were used to create geopolymer concrete. The strengths of compressive force, split tensile force, corrosion potential, and chloride penetration of geopolymer concrete were assessed. Results indicated that the characteristics of geopolymer concrete and can be a possible replacement for conventional concrete in the building sector. The addition of corrosion inhibitors to the geopolymer concrete enhances its properties, including durability, and resistance to harsh environments. This study is based on the effect of geopolymer concrete cured at ambient conditions. Properties like Compression test strength, Split Tensile Test Strength, and durability properties like chloride penetration, and accelerated corrosion penetration are evaluated. The results showed an improvement in the durability properties of geopolymer concrete and canbe a promising alternative to traditional concrete in the construction industry. Geopolymer concrete is produced from the geopolymerization process, in which molecules known as oligomers integrate to form geopolymer networks with covalent bonding. Its production expends less thermal energy and results in a smaller carbon footprint compared to Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) concrete. As such, it is pertinent for this review article to provide critical insight into therecent progress in research on the durability of geopolymer concrete. One significant outcome of the review is that the admixture of geopolymer concrete could be blended with additives such as micro- silica and fibers such as polypropylene fibers, to enhance its durabilityto replace OPC concrete in the construction industry

This study investigates the influence of key parameters—vehicle speed, weight, loading lane, and pavement roughness—on the Dynamic Amplification Factor (DAF) and ride comfort of a beam–arch composite continuous rigid-frame bridge under vehicle–bridge coupling. A six-span bridge is analyzed using a spatial beam-element model in ANSYS and a typical three-axle vehicle model is adopted to conduct the coupled dynamic response analysis. Based on the modal and structural characteristics of this bridge, key response indices are selected, including vertical displacement and bending moment at midspan, longitudinal displacement and bending moment at pier top, arch crown displacement, and tensile force in the long hanger. Control sections are identified in Span 4 (midspan, arch crown, long hanger) and at the top of Pier 16. The results demonstrate that pavement roughness significantly influences ride comfort, with the root mean square (RMS) value varying up to 107%, whereas the loading lane shows a negligible effect. Vehicle speed effects are divided into two distinct regimes: at 60 km/h and within 70–90 km/h, with dynamic responses in the higher speed range approximately 22% greater. Increasing vehicle weight raises the peak dynamic response by up to 77.68%, but does not lead to a proportional increase in DAF. Transverse loading eccentricity has a more pronounced impact on vertical bridge responses (>20% change) than on longitudinal responses (<10% change). Deterioration in pavement roughness elevates both dynamic response and DAF, with maximum increases reaching 27.97% and 28%, respectively.

Superior longitudinal strength of auxetic stents: A comparative numerical study.

To characterize the structural features and mechanical failure patterns of macular posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) using volume-rendered swept-source optical coherence tomography (OCT) and to analyze the forces governing cortical tearing versus vitreomacular separation. In this retrospective study, eyes with developing or recent macular PVD were imaged with swept-source OCT optimized for vitreous visualization by defocusing into the vitreous cavity. Volumetric datasets were processed and rendered three-dimensionally. Structural findings were analyzed descriptively and interpreted using vector-based mechanical modeling of cortical tensile forces and insertion geometry. Fifty-three eyes of 44 patients were imaged; 48 were evaluable. Circumferential tears of the posterior vitreous cortex were identified in 43 of 48 eyes (89.6%), including partial and complete tears. In a minority of eyes, detachment occurred without cortical rupture. The premacular bursa was preserved in partial tears and absent in complete tears. Measured insertion angles at the vitreomacular interface were shallow (<10°). Vector analysis demonstrated that at small insertion angles, the normal component of cortical tension is markedly attenuated (F⊥ = F sin θ), favoring cortical rupture at the insertion site over adhesive failure at the macula. Volume rendering demonstrated residual full-thickness cortical plaques adherent to the macular surface following tearing. Volume-rendered swept-source OCT demonstrates that macular PVD commonly involves circumferential cortical tearing. Mechanical analysis indicates that shallow insertion geometry favors cortical rupture as an initial failure mode, dissipating traction but leaving a residual cortical plaque that may contribute to subsequent epiretinal membrane formation.

Abstract The effect of beating on the paper performance of bagasse cellulose fibers was investigated by analyzing changes in morphological parameters (fiber length and fines content), physical properties (tensile strength, breaking length, and tensile force), water retention value (WRV), cellulose crystalline structure, and pore structure of the fibers. The results indicate that the fines content increased by 4.98 % at 80°SR compared with the unbeated sample. Tensile strength, breaking length, and tensile force increased with the beating degree. WRV also increased with beating, showing a rise of 62.89 % after the first refining stage. In contrast, the cellulose crystallinity first increased and then decreased with beating intensity, being 3.1 % lower at 80°SR compared with that at 13°SR. FTIR spectra indicated no significant changes in the functional groups of bagasse cellulose during the beating process. With increasing beating intensity, the pore size distribution gradually shifted toward larger pores, leading to an increase in the average pore volume.

ABSTRACT Gabions are one of the important slope protection forms for reinforced soil slopes. However, the seismic performance of this type of reinforced soil slope has not been clearly investigated. In this study, a scaled shaking table test was conducted on a reinforced soil slope model with gabions as surface protection under different seismic waves. The acceleration response, slope deformation, earth pressure, and tensile force distribution in the geogrid of the slope model were systematically studied to evaluate its performance under seismic action. The results showed that under the action of Wenchuan (WC) and EI Centro (EI) waves, the height-dependent amplification and surface-amplification phenomena coexisted in the reinforced soil slope, while the WC wave exerted a stronger influence on the acceleration response. Both peak and residual horizontal displacements of the slope surface increased with rising input peak ground acceleration (PGA) and elevation. Larger displacements accompanied by a relatively weaker recovery capability were observed in the slope under the WC wave compared to the EI wave. The slope crest settlement exhibited nonlinear dynamic responses with four distinct stages. The final slope top contour line presented an arc-shaped distribution and the EI wave-induced settlement trends aligned with WC wave behaviors. The dynamic vertical earth pressure responses across the slope exhibited a consistent pattern as the input PGA and seismic waves changed. The tensile force growth trend across geogrid positions displayed three stages based on the input PGA. Additionally, the tensile force induced by the WC wave exceeded that induced by the EI wave.

Tensile Force Applied Prior to Cutting Affects Knot Security in Small-Caliber Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Suture.

Abstract During spacecraft development and testing, internal equipment often needs to be repeatedly installed and removed. To enhance heat dissipation, thermal grease is applied between some equipment and the spacecraft structure. However, thermal grease exhibits high adhesion, and forcibly pulling the equipment away from the mounting surface generates large tensile forces that can easily damage the spacecraft’s primary structure. For thin-walled components, the peel force exerted on the structural surface during removal must be strictly controlled. To address this challenge, we propose a robotic disassembly method that incorporates force-feedback control to safely remove components bonded with thermal grease. The strategy is as follows: (1) The robot pulls the equipment along the normal direction of the mounting surface until the tensile force reaches a preset value Fs. (2) Using real-time force feedback, the robot continuously adjusts its position normal to the surface to maintain the tensile force at approximately Fs. (3) Simultaneously, in the plane parallel to the mounting surface, the robot drives the equipment in a reciprocating motion until the component separates from the spacecraft structure. Experimental validation and parameter optimization show that, compared with direct vertical pull-off, the proposed method reduces the required tensile force by more than 83%. The maximum peel force is limited to 1.67 N/cm, fully complying with the requirements for controlled removal peel force on spacecraft structure.

Foam-formed aramid aerogels reinforced by nanocellulose: distinct roles of bacterial and carboxylated cellulose nanofibers in tailoring strength and thermal insulation.

Review of crack arresters performance in sandwich structure impact response

With increasing coal mining depth, coal bumps-disasters that severely compromise mine safety-have garnered growing attention in the mining industry. Among these, coal bump sliding-type coal bumps cause significant structural damage and pose serious safety hazards. Analysis of damage patterns indicates that such sliding typically originates from insufficient strength at the coal-rock interface. To address this issue, bolt support technology has been proposed to enhance the reinforcing capacity of roadway support systems at this critical interface. The arrangement angle of the bolts significantly affects the reinforcement of the interface. This study uses ABAQUS software to simulate and analyze the stress-strain and bearing characteristics of bolts at support angles of 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°. The simulation results show that at support angles of 30° and 45°, the bolt fails primarily due to tensile forces, while at 60° and 90°, failure is mainly caused by shear forces. The higher load-carrying capacity of the bolt under tensile damage, compared to shear damage, indicates stronger reinforcement of the interfaces. The research findings were implemented in the return airway of a working face at a coal mine. Field observations during roadway excavation in the test section revealed relatively minimal roof separation. Compared to the conventional support system, the cumulative sidewall displacement was reduced by 28.6% during excavation and by 51.9% after mining commenced, while roof separation remained consistently low. These results confirm that the proposed bolt support technology significantly improves control of the surrounding rock mass in roadways.

We study two cross-linked polymer systems in the strong stretching regime. The first consists of two polymers sharing one endpoint, with the other two endpoints coupled by a harmonic potential. Within the weakly bending approximation, we analyze the tensile elastic response for freely jointed or wormlike chains; for the latter, the approximation applies either at large tension or at moderate tension with large persistence length (rodlike limit). We obtain analytic expressions for the force-extension relation and for the longitudinal and transverse mismatch of the cross-linked endpoints. In the thermodynamic limit, the cross-link does not affect the tensile elasticity, but it significantly suppresses transverse fluctuations, effectively forming a loop structure. The second system is a polymer necklace in the thermodynamic limit, composed of two strongly stretched polymers interconnected by a regular sequence of reversible cross-links. Using an analogy with a two-dimensional system of concatenated Gaussian loops ("Gaussian slinky"), we calculate the mean fraction of cross-linked sites as a function of the tensile force and find weak and strong binding regimes connected by a crossover. For shallow binding potential wells (compared with k_{B}T), we employ a continuum description and exploit the mapping between directed polymers and a two-dimensional quantum particle to analytically determine the crossover behavior and the mean transverse separation between the two polymer chains. Overall, these results clarify that terminal cross-linking under strong tension primarily modifies transverse fluctuations while leaving longitudinal elasticity essentially unchanged, leading to an effectively additive stiffening of the composite tensile response. Moreover, the cross-link-induced modification of transverse fluctuations turns out to be independent of the microscopic polymer model (freely jointed versus wormlike).

Abstract The volar lunate facet fragment in distal radius fracture is known to be at risk of secondary displacement after volar plate fixation. Loss of fixation of the fragment can lead to wrist dysfunction. A 47-year-old male presented 7 months after volar locking plate fixation for a distal radius fracture with left wrist pain and radiographic malunion of the volar lunate facet. Computed tomography demonstrated pronated and ulnarly displaced healing, with the original plate positioned too radially to support the fragment. Arthroscopy-assisted intra-articular osteotomy was performed, followed by placement of the volar locking plate at the distal and ulnar aspect of the radius. A volar radioulnar ligament suture technique was added to counteract ulnar traction forces. The pronated and ulnarly displaced fragment was adequately reduced, and symptoms improved without any complications. At 1-year follow-up, reduction was maintained and functional scores normalized. A recent anatomic study has demonstrated that tensile forces acting on the volar lunate facet fragment are greater in the radioulnar direction than in the sagittal plane. This finding is consistent with previous reports showing that the volar lunate facet fragments tend to displace ulnarly with pronation. Therefore, conventional volar locking plates intended to provide buttress support may not be sufficient to maintain fixation. Suturing the volar radioulnar ligament to the volar plate may counteract the traction force acting on the volar lunate facet fragment in the ulnar direction. By combining this technique with the intra-articular osteotomy and placing the plate in the optimal position, we were able to achieve and maintain stable fixation of the volar lunate facet fragment.

The Yes-associated protein YAP belongs to the TEAD (TEA/ATTS domain) transcriptional co-activators that shuttle between the cytoplasm and the nuclear compartment. YAP and its paralog TAZ (transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif) play essential roles in the Hippo pathway to control tissue and organ size. In addition, YAP is critically involved in numerous cellular processes such as differentiation, proliferation, cell migration, and cancer metastasis, as well as mechanotransduction and cytoskeletal dynamics. The actin cytoskeleton controls YAP activity in multiple ways via tensile forces, cell density and cell-cell adhesion as well as shear stress or other biomechanical cues. Here we discover YAP as a novel G-actin binding protein. We identify three high-affinity YAP actin binding sites involving critical residues within the N-terminus of YAP. Moreover, actin binding to YAP is necessary for its transcriptional activity and function, such as during cell density control. Mutation of the three actin-binding residues results in a loss of nuclear YAP co-activator function towards TEAD, while actin binding to YAP is required for TEAD target gene regulation. Our data point towards the formation of a dynamic TEAD/YAP/actin ternary complex necessary for transcription.

The hypothesis of large deformations is a working condition assumed for restricted structural systems, and it finds specific applications in engineering practice. Problems involving cables are found in this context. The study of cables is a relevant topic for the Brazilian and global industry because they are essential elements for modern life. In particular, the study of their vibration arouses special interest because cables are used, among numerous applications, for the transmission of electrical energy. In this condition, they are subject to environmental excitations, which can represent a source of resonance. The vibration of a cable always occurs in the deformed configuration of the system, therefore under the influence of the loadings. Two are the loadings to which cables are usually subjected. The first is its own weight, the second is an axial force that allows the system to exist and keeps the cable tensioned in its working condition. Even with an applied tensile force, systems composed of cables can exhibit large deformations depending on the geometric and materials conditions to which they are subjected to. The tensile force modifies the stiffness of the system and, consequently, its natural vibration frequencies. In the context of what has been described, the present work aims to study the vibration of a structural system formed by a cable, assuming the hypothesis of large deformations. The adopted model will be that of a simply supported beam at its ends and subjected to both loads, one uniformly distributed due to the self-weight of the structural element, and a tensile force, which will be applied in conjunction with the first one, under the condition assumed for the deformed state of the cable. The analytical method to be employed for determining the vibration frequency is based on the Rayleigh method, for which the shape function will be obtained numerically by solving the exact elastic line of the beam model. For this, the differential equations that characterize that hypothesis will be solved using the Runge-Kutta method for the boundary conditions of the problem, in the Mathcad environment.

Restoration of medial soft-tissue restraint is essential in the surgical treatment of lateral patellofemoral instability. While anatomic medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFLR) has become the preferred technique, non-anatomic procedures such as vastus medialis advancement (VMA) are still used in selected clinical scenarios. However, controlled biomechanical data comparing these techniques remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the tensile behavior of VMA and MPFL reconstruction using a cadaveric biomechanical model. Ten fresh-frozen human cadaveric knees were mounted in a custom-designed biomechanical testing apparatus that simulated physiological quadriceps loading. Progressive lateral force was applied to reproduce patellar dislocation, and the failure load of the native medial patellofemoral ligament was recorded. Specimens were then randomized into two groups: MPFL reconstruction (n = 5) and vastus medialis advancement (n = 5). Tensile testing was repeated following each procedure, and the forces required to produce 10, 20, 30 and 40mm of lateral patellar displacement were measured and analyzed. Following reconstruction, the MPFLR group demonstrated numerically higher tensile force values at 10, 20, and 30mm of lateral patellar displacement compared with the native condition, whereas the VMA group exhibited lower tensile force values across this physiologically relevant displacement range. At 40mm displacement, which exceeds physiological patellar translation and reflects failure behavior rather than functional stability, a reduction in tensile force was observed in both groups. Overall, mean tensile force values tended to be higher in the MPFLR group than in the VMA group; however, no statistically significant differences were observed between the two techniques in either the medial soft-tissue injury induction test or the post-reconstruction tensile rupture test (p > 0.05 for all comparisons). In this cadaveric biomechanical study, medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction and vastus medialis advancement demonstrated different construct behavior patterns, with no statistically significant differences in the tensile force required to achieve lateral patellar displacement.

Metal–polymer hybrid joints are gaining importance as they combine high structural rigidity with a low weight. Additive manufacturing processes such as the laser powder bed fusion process (L-PBF) enable the production of complex metallic lattice structures that allow for form-fitting force transmission between the metal and polymer as mechanical interlock elements. In this work, metal–polymer hybrid compounds with additively manufactured transition zones are systematically investigated and mechanically evaluated. Three different lattice geometries (z4A, z8A, z8V) were fabricated from maraging steel (1.2709) using L-PBF and then hybridised with injection moulding using polypropylene (PP C7069-100NA). Mechanical characterisation was performed by tensile tests according to DIN EN ISO 527, in combination with statistical analyses and an analytical serial three-spring model to determine the homogenised elasticity modulus of the transition zone. The results show significant geometry-related differences in tensile strength, maximum force, and effective stiffness. The A-shaped transition zone geometry (z4A) achieves the highest mechanical performance and up to 82% of the tensile strength of the pure polymer, while the V-shaped transition zone geometry (z8V) has significantly lower load-bearing capacities. Variance analysis shows a dominant geometric influence with effect strength of η2 ≈ 0.99. The analytically predicted stiffness values match the experimental results within 5–10%. This work demonstrates a reproducible, simulation-sparse approach to the analysis and design of metal–polymer hybrid connections.

This study characterized Lygodium circinnatum (Nito), a natural fiber native to the Philippines, using a factorial design of experiments to determine the optimal alkali treatment for enhancing its chemical and mechanical properties. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) was applied at varying concentrations (2%, 8.5%, and 15%) and soaking times, with conditions evaluated using Minitab 18 software. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to assess crystallinity index (CI), identifying 2% NaOH and 0.50-hour soaking as the most effective combination, yielding the highest CI. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed a reduction in non-cellulosic compounds after treatment. Morphological changes were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which revealed smoother surfaces and reduced impurities. Mechanical tests showed increased tensile strength and tensile force, although a slight decrease in cross-sectional area was noted, attributed to the loss of surface material. These results demonstrate that mild alkali treatment significantly improves Nito fiber's structural integrity and performance. The study provides a scientific basis for optimizing natural fiber treatment and highlights the potential of Nito fiber in developing sustainable, high-performance materials for use in various engineering and industrial applications, including composites and biodegradable products.