Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jesus Rivera, Satoshi Murata, Maryam Sadat Hosseini, Adwait A. Trikanad, Robin James, Allison Pickle, Nicholas Yaraghi, Nana Matsumoto, Wen Yang, Dilworth Y. Parkinson, Harold S. Barnard, Pablo Zavattieri, Atsushi Arakaki, David Kisailus
Summary: Beetles use their elytra to protect their hindwings, with different species having evolved varying levels of protection to suit their environmental needs. Analysis reveals mechanical and microstructural differences in elytra among beetle species, impacting their hardness, stiffness, and resistance to mechanical stresses.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Xingyuan Zheng, Yumei Hu, Biwen Zhou, Jishun Li
Summary: Helical strands are widely used in engineering structures and understanding their bending behavior under multi-axial loads is crucial for optimization design. Inter-wire slippage and friction impact bending and damping properties, making evaluating bending stiffness a challenging task. This paper proposes an analytical approach to predict the hysteretic bending behavior of helical strands, considering wire slippage delayed by bending load and extending the method of integral for discrete contact regions to analyze realistic conditions of multi-layered strands.
APPLIED MATHEMATICAL MODELLING
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yingzhuo Lun, Jiawang Hong, Daining Fang
Summary: The strain gradient-induced inversion symmetry breaking in ferroelectrics drives asymmetric mechanical properties, such as the asymmetric contact stiffness, crack propagation, and bending expansion/shrinkage behavior. By establishing an electromechanical model based on the flexoelectric framework, this study successfully reproduces the experimentally observed asymmetric bending behavior in freestanding ferroelectric oxides, and reveals the underlying mechanism. In addition, the flexo-deformation effect is proposed as a universal mechanism for explaining the origin of the asymmetric mechanical properties in ferroelectrics, and predicts an unprecedented asymmetric torsion behavior.
JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICS AND PHYSICS OF SOLIDS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Feng Su, Yifeng Hu, Xiaoqin Zhu, Li Li
Summary: This study investigates the bending and low resistance drift of In2Se3/Sb composite multilayer films on a flexible substrate. The flexible film can still undergo phase transition even after being bent at different radius and frequency. The film demonstrates increasing crystalline resistance and widening band gap with the increase in bending times. Compared to the flat film, the stretched and pressed films exhibit lower resistance drift. This research provides a potential option for flexible information storage with low power consumption.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Jan Machacek, Jiri Hamacek, Jan Urbanek, Tomas Hlincik
Summary: The hot modulus of rupture (HMOR) is a test method for determining the bending strength of refractory products, following standards such as EN 993-7 or ISO 5013:1985. A proposed HMOR model utilizes the viscoelastic behavior of materials to describe the temperature dependence of strength. While simplified, the model aims to capture the physico-chemical processes in the material. It is applied to various refractory systems, including corundum, mullite ceramics, chamotte, refractory castables with alumina cement, and bauxite/SiC castables.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
X. Song, M. Lu, H. Wang, X. C. Wang, F. H. Sun
Summary: This study observed and compared the fracture behavior of different diamond films and investigated their fracture mechanics. The study found that factors such as diamond crystal structure, intrinsic stress, and surface roughness have an impact on the performance of diamond films.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ewa Witczak, Izabela Jasinska, Iwona Krawczynska
Summary: By changing the order of introducing weft threads, it is possible to adjust the mechanical strength and bending rigidity of multilayer woven fabrics. The experimental results confirmed that both the model and the order in which the weft threads were introduced into individual layers influence the performance of multilayer woven fabrics.
Article
Mechanics
Xindi Yu, Qicheng Zhang, Athina Kontopoulou, Giuliano Allegri, Mark Schenk, Fabrizio Scarpa
Summary: This study presents the behavior of the in-plane engineering elastic constants of beetle elytron plate (BEP) topologies and validates the models with simulations and experimental results. The obtained results will serve as a solid foundation for further research and application of BEP structures.
COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Matthew W. Hayward, Colin N. Whittaker, Emily M. Lane, William L. Power, Stephane Popinet, James D. L. White
Summary: This paper validates a non-hydrostatic multilayer method for studying tsunami hazards associated with underwater explosions. The numerical method accurately reproduces observed wave characteristics and identifies the relationship of extended initial troughs for negative disturbances. This research provides the foundation for future rigorous probabilistic hazard assessments.
NATURAL HAZARDS AND EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yongkang Xu, Lianbi Li, Yuan Zang, Jichao Hu, Zebin Li, Hong Chen, Guoqing Zhang, Caijuan Xia, Jeong-Hyun Cho
Summary: The controllably bent Si nanowires were achieved by using asymmetric growth with an electron beam evaporation system, where the degree of arc-bending depends on the deposition angle and thickness. The forward bending of the Si nanowires is attributed to lattice and thermal mismatch between Si and metallic materials, offering potential applications in fabricating desired nano-devices.
Article
Engineering, Marine
Haitao Hu, Jun Yan, Svein Saevik, Naiquan Ye, Qingzhen Lu, Yufeng Bu
Summary: This paper investigates the nonlinear bending behavior of multilayer helically wound copper conductors through experiments and numerical simulations. Sensitivity analysis of the structural parameters of the copper conductor is also performed. The research shows that copper conductor exhibits obvious nonlinear bending hysteresis behavior.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Eike Hoffmann, Rickmer Meya, A. Erman Tekkaya
Summary: Kinematic bending allows the production of highly flexible parts in terms of geometry, but challenges arise when producing profiles with asymmetric cross-sections in terms of springback and warping. Partial cross-sectional heating can reduce geometric deviations and improve the reduction of warping during bending. The newly developed analytical model predicts warping and bending moment, helping understand the effect of warping reduction through partial heating during plastic bending.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Satoshi Murata, Jesus Rivera, Naoya Hiyoshi, Wen Yang, Dilworth Y. Parkinson, Harold S. Barnard, Yasuyuki Arakane, David Kisailus, Atsushi Arakaki
Summary: This study investigated the changes in protein composition during the developmental processes of the elytra in the Japanese rhinoceros beetle. The researchers identified new protein groups that are likely related to the structural development of elytra, which could potentially contribute to the processing of green materials.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
ZiChen Huang, ZeZhou He, YinBo Zhu, HengAn Wu
Summary: In this study, a novel mechanical framework is proposed to quantify the nonplanarity and deformability of multilayer vdW materials. By constructing characteristic parameters and phase diagrams, the correlations between deformation distribution and structural and material properties are revealed, providing guidance for the design of vdW material-based devices.
JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICS AND PHYSICS OF SOLIDS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Kamalesh Tripathy, Mitradip Bhattacharjee
Summary: The use of an intermediate low-modulus material in a multilayer structure provides the advantage of reducing surface strain and improving the flexibility of the substrate. Computational modeling shows that the proposed design significantly reduces surface strain, and a temperature sensor patch fabricated on the designed substrate exhibits minimal resistance change during cyclic bending deformations.
IEEE SENSORS JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Livia Zapponi, Rachele Nieri, Valentina Zaffaroni-Caorsi, Nicola Maria Pugno, Valerio Mazzoni
Summary: This study assessed the attractiveness of vibrational signals in increasing the effectiveness of pheromone traps for the brown marmorated stink bug. The results showed that the bimodal vibrotrap was highly attractive for the bug, and the optimized vibrational signal significantly improved its effectiveness.
JOURNAL OF PEST SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andrea Pedrielli, Maurizio Dapor, Konstantinos Gkagkas, Simone Taioli, Nicola Maria Pugno
Summary: The manufacturing of high-modulus, high-strength fibers is crucial for high-end applications. Carbon nanotubes are ideal candidates for these fibers, but their mechanical performance at the macroscale is limited due to low load transfer. This study investigates the mechanical properties of twisted nanotube bundles with interstitial single carbon atom linkers using molecular dynamics simulations. The results show a significant interplay between twist and linker percentage, and highlight the limitations of two different force fields in describing these systems.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Luca Cecchini, Stefano Mariani, Marilena Ronzan, Alessio Mondini, Nicola M. Pugno, Barbara Mazzolai
Summary: By studying the hierarchical structures and anatomical features of Geraniaceae seeds, researchers have successfully designed a bioinspired soft robot using biodegradable and hygroscopic polymers. This robot can move and adapt like natural seeds, reaching high torque and lifting capabilities.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
S. Signetti, A. Heine
Summary: The dynamic impact loading of metals involves energy conversion and temperature increase. The fraction of kinetic energy converted to heating depends on the impact velocity, with low velocities resulting in plastic work contributing to 100% of heating and high velocities converting about 50% of kinetic energy to internal energy. This study uses molecular dynamics simulations to explore the intermediate regime where traditional simulation methods fail to provide reliable predictions.
JOURNAL OF DYNAMIC BEHAVIOR OF MATERIALS
(2023)
Correction
Engineering, Mechanical
Stefano Signetti, Andreas Heine
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF IMPACT ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Mechanics
Cosimo Brondi, Nicolo G. Di Novo, Nicola M. Pugno, Giuseppe Mensitieri, Massimiliano Fraldi
Summary: The spread of respiratory diseases through saliva droplets can be affected by the water evaporation process, which influences virus viability. The drying time of virus-laden droplets is influenced by environmental conditions, physical properties, and wetting regime. By simulating the evaporation behavior and drying time of aqueous sodium chloride droplets and a surrogate virus (MS2) under different wetting regimes and ambient conditions, the importance of wetting regimes on evaporation behavior and drying time was revealed.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Federica Ongaro, Federico Bosia, Nicola M. Pugno
Summary: Suture joints play a crucial role in the mechanical properties of biological structures, but their effects on vibration attenuation and dynamic loads are not well understood. This paper investigates the dynamic response of periodic layered media with suture joints using an analytical approach. The results show that the suture geometry and material properties have a significant influence on the system, and the addition of hierarchy can widen the bandgaps and shift them to higher frequencies. A synergy between hierarchy and structure is also observed, providing superior wave attenuation levels. These findings suggest a potential design concept for bioinspired devices with efficient and tailorable wave attenuation properties.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY A-MATHEMATICAL PHYSICAL AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Giuseppe La Fauci, Mariafederica Parisi, Alessandro Nanni, Lorenzo Crosetta, Nicola M. Pugno, Martino Colonna
Summary: We have developed and tested a device using non-Newtonian fluids to reduce tangential impact energy in helmets. The best results were achieved with a shear thickening fluid based on borurated silicones, which was used to fill a pad designed for impact energy dissipation. The pad, composed of a case containing the fluid and a movable rigid pin, was inserted between two EPS layers of a motorcycle helmet. Tests showed a 14% reduction in brain injury criterion compared to a standard helmet, indicating the effectiveness of the pads in attenuating tangential impacts. The system can be easily implemented in existing helmets with minimal modifications.
SMART MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES
(2023)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
M. Parisi, T. Allen, M. Colonna, N. Pugno, O. Duncan
Summary: Auxetic closed cell foams and highly viscoelastic foams have the potential to improve impact protection. The study found that auxetic foams outperformed unconverted foams during severe impacts, exhibiting a reduced peak force and increased indentation resistance. However, infusing the auxetic foams with shear thickening gel had minimal impact on the reduction in peak impact force, potentially due to low and non-uniform levels of infusion.
SMART MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Stefano Mariani, Luca Cecchini, Alessio Mondini, Emanuela Del Dottore, Marilena Ronzan, Carlo Filippeschi, Nicola Maria Pugno, Edoardo Sinibaldi, Barbara Mazzolai
Summary: Combined photothermal-hygroscopic effects enable novel materials actuation strategies based on renewable and sustainable energy sources such as sunlight. Plasmonic nanoparticles have gained considerable interest as photothermal agents, however, the employment in sunlight-driven photothermal-hygroscopic actuators is still bounded, mainly due to the limited absorbance once integrated into nanocomposite actuators and the restricted plasmonic peaks amplitude (compared to the solar spectrum). Herein, the design and fabrication of an AgNPs-based plasmonic photothermal-hygroscopic actuator integrated with printed cellulose tracks are reported (bioinspired to Geraniaceae seeds structures).
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Rani F. El Hajjar, Alessandro Pegoretti, Alexander Movchan, Paolino De Falco, Nicola M. Pugno
Summary: A mountain bike carbon reinforced polymeric frame broke into two pieces while cycling over a grass meadow at a speed of 25 km/h, causing the rider to dislocate their shoulder. The study reveals the presence of multiple existing and spreading macroscopic defects, such as wrinkles, voids, and delaminations, resulting in low mechanical properties of the frame. Numerical dynamic simulations suggest that defect-resonance interaction is a contributing factor to frame weakening. The paper highlights the need for new scientific and technological advancements in designing carbon fiber reinforced plastic frames for mountain bikes, emphasizing the importance of eliminating pre-existing defects and proposing flaw tolerant solutions inspired by nature.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Astha Dixit, Manojit Das, Himanshu Singh, Sushanta Kumar Panda, Nicola M. Pugno, Nirmal Kumar Katiyar, Chandra Sekhar Tiwary
Summary: This study employed fused deposition modeling (FDM) printers to model and fabricate octopus-inspired suction cups. The compressive test proved that the inside cavity plays a significant role in enhancing strength due to stress distribution and is represented as a robust biomimetic design. The findings demonstrate that the naturally evolved octopus structure exhibits superior compressive strength, enhanced energy absorption, and the ability to generate negative pressure, rendering it highly suitable for gripping, suction, and shock-absorption applications.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Basit Yaqoob, Emanuela Del Dottore, Alessio Mondini, Andrea Rodella, Barbara Mazzolai, Nicola M. Pugno
Summary: The current study investigates the interaction between the body and environment and explores the use of passive viscoelastic properties of the body for undulatory locomotion. The results show that the environment affects the performance of undulatory locomotion, and the spatial distribution of body stiffness plays a role in speed performance. In addition, contact mechanics have an impact on locomotion kinematics. This research explains how terrestrial limbless animals achieve undulatory locomotion by utilizing the passive properties of the body and the environment.
JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY INTERFACE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Basit Yaqoob, Andrea Rodella, Emanuela Del Dottore, Alessio Mondini, Barbara Mazzolai, Nicola M. M. Pugno
Summary: This study explores the passive role of body stiffness and internal losses in undulatory locomotion, and how they interact with the environment to optimize speed and adaptability. The results show that body stiffness, moment of inertia, frictional coefficient ratio, and internal damping play a crucial role in this optimization. The model is validated by comparing it with data from a real animal's speed.
JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY INTERFACE
(2023)
Review
Biophysics
Gabriele Greco, Benjamin Schmuck, S. K. Jalali, Nicola M. Pugno, Anna Rising
Summary: This article critically reviews the research on spider silk mechanical performance over the past 50 years and proposes a protocol for conducting tensile tests on silk fibers.
BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS
(2023)
