Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Benjamin C. White, Anthony Garland, Brad L. Boyce
Summary: As 3D printing technology advances, the accessibility of structural lattice metamaterials increases, requiring a better understanding of their fracture behavior. Interpenetrating lattices, created by weaving physically separate lattices together, offer a promising way to enhance fracture toughness by increasing the fracture process zone size and introducing unique toughening mechanisms. These lattices display a rising resistance-curve behavior, with significantly higher toughness than the initiation toughness needed to start a crack. In certain topologies, the toughness of interpenetrating lattices can be five times greater than that of their corresponding solid base material, and the toughening effect can be customized by controlling the mechanical mismatch of the constituent sub-lattices.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Omid Reza Barani, Pourya Barfar
Summary: This research investigates the impact of xanthan gum biopolymer on the fracture behavior of clay, showing that the biopolymer enhances clay fracture energy and final displacement at zero external load. Additionally, the strength and fracture toughness of biopolymer-treated clay increases significantly during drying compared to pure clay, with the fracture energy of biopolymer-treated clay even increasing at the dry state.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Mechanics
Kim Wallin
Summary: The study reanalyzed the historic data on fracture parameters for high-strength steel materials, revealing various influencing factors on the original results. Based on the current understanding of fracture mechanics, a new size-independent fracture toughness was redefined, and a correlation between Charpy-V impact energy and the new fracture toughness was determined.
ENGINEERING FRACTURE MECHANICS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chong Liu, Dan Sun, Hong-Xiang Zheng, Guo-Bao Wang, Wen-Shen Liu, Yue Cao, Ye-Tao Tang, Rong-Liang Qiu
Summary: This study revealed the mechanism of organic acids in enhancing REE tolerance and accumulation in Phytolacca americana, showing that Yttrium stress stimulated the accumulation of oxalate, malate, and citrate, promoting the transport of Y from roots to shoots. Transcriptome analysis indicated that PaNIP1;2 may play a crucial role in the transport of Y-malate complexes within the plant.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yijie Cai, Jie Ma, Zihang Shen, Xianmin Shao, Zheng Jia, Shaoxing Qu
Summary: This paper presents a structural-toughening strategy for enhancing the fracture resistance of hydrogels by regulating the energy release rate. By constructing hydrogel films adhered to stretchable substrates, the strategy has several unique advantages and the influence of interfacial delamination on fracture resistance is investigated.
JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICS AND PHYSICS OF SOLIDS
(2023)
Review
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Sishi Chen, Dwayne Arola, Domenico Ricucci, Brian E. Bergeron, John A. Branton, Li-sha Gu, Franklin R. Tay
Summary: This review discusses the biomechanical properties of cracks and fractures in crown and root dentine, and attempts to explain why cracked teeth and vertical root fractures are so common. The implications of this knowledge are used to justify how these defects are managed clinically.
JOURNAL OF DENTISTRY
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Shiyu Yang, Renda Zhao, Bonan Ma, Ruizhe Si, Xianshuai Zeng
Summary: The harm of cement has become a global concern and the development of fly ash-based geopolymer concrete (FGPC) is considered a sustainable solution. This study discusses the effects of three different fiber types on the mechanical properties and fracture toughness of FGPC and proposes an energy dissipation model to explain the fracture process.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Mechanical
Mostafa Hassani Niaki
Summary: One of the main advantages of polymer concrete (PC) composites is their higher fracture toughness and fracture energy compared to ordinary cement concretes. This review discusses the standard test methods and parameters affecting the fracture properties of PC, including material composition and specimen parameters. It also examines the destructive effects of exposure to various environmental conditions on the fracture properties, and provides a comprehensive understanding of the fracture mechanics of polymer concretes. The review concludes by highlighting research gaps and suggesting future directions.
THEORETICAL AND APPLIED FRACTURE MECHANICS
(2023)
Article
Mechanics
Z. D. Fan, H. P. Xie, R. Zhang, H. J. Lu, Q. Zhou, X. F. Nie, Y. Luo, L. Ren
Summary: The anisotropy of mode II fracture in layered rocks varies significantly with different bedding angles, and the crack propagation resistance cannot be fully characterized by fracture toughness. Acoustic emission monitoring reveals noticeable anisotropies in the threshold values of mode II stress intensity factor and the b value results indicate different fracture characteristics under different conditions.
ENGINEERING FRACTURE MECHANICS
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
G. Murali, Herda Yati Binti Katman, Leong Sing Wong, Mohd Rasdan Ibrahim, V. R. Ramkumar, Sallal R. Abid
Summary: This study investigated the impact strength and fracture toughness of fibrous concrete. The experimental results showed that fibrous concrete with a specific binder combination exhibited good strength performance. Multi-layered concrete with more fibers in the outer layer demonstrated better impact resistance. In terms of fracture toughness, mode III was more critical than mode I and I/III.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Mechanics
Greta Ongaro, Roberta Bertani, Ugo Galvanetto, Alessandro Pontefisso, Mirco Zaccariotto
Summary: In this study, a peridynamics-based approach was used to estimate the effective tensile modulus of nanomodified epoxy resins, which was then applied to analyze the fracture toughness of nanocomposites. Experimental data confirmed the ability of peridynamics-based methods to accurately model the properties of polymer-based nanocomposites.
ENGINEERING FRACTURE MECHANICS
(2022)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Michael D. Bartlett, Scott W. Case, Anthony J. Kinloch, David A. Dillard
Summary: This article introduces the historical development and categorization scheme of peel tests, and discusses test methods and data analysis. The article points out that understanding the merits and limitations of different tests and the significance of result analysis is essential for current and emerging applications.
PROGRESS IN MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
George Irven, Declan Carolan, Alexander Fergusson, John P. Dear
Summary: Epoxy foams with densities ranging from 180 to 500 kg/m3 were mechanically tested and a transition in fracture behavior at a critical density was observed. Lower density foams exhibited lower toughness and fracture energy, while higher density foams showed higher values. Stress-intensity factor increased monotonically with density. The distribution of cell size varied between lower and higher density foams. This study suggests the potential use of higher density foams in composite sandwich structures to achieve increased fracture energy.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Juan Xu, Xinxing Huang, Pei Luo, Miaomiao Zhang, Hongfang Li, Dianlin Gong, Feng Liu, Runlin Xiao, Jinshui Wu
Summary: This study investigated the role of root exudates released by macrophytes in nitrogen removal in constructed wetlands (CWs). The results showed that Myriophyllum aquaticum released root exudates at a higher rate compared to other plants, and the release rate was influenced by ammonium concentration and harvesting frequency. CWs with plants showed higher ammonium removal efficiencies than those without plants, while there was no significant difference for total nitrogen removal. The microbial community composition in sediments was slightly different between root exudate and no-root exudate treatments. The study suggests that adding high levels of root exudates can enhance nitrogen removal in CWs for carbon-limited wastewater treatment.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
N. Leitao, F. A. Gilabert
Summary: The proposed methodology based on J-Integral concept allows for accurate assessment of fracture toughness under different loading scenarios, with the use of Finite Element modeling and Digital Image Correlation technique. By simulating various loading conditions, it is possible to track the propagation and arrest of dynamic cracks, providing detailed correlation between fracture energy evolution and stress field at each material point.
JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICS AND PHYSICS OF SOLIDS
(2021)
Review
Plant Sciences
Paul D. Hallett, Maria Marin, Gary D. Bending, Timothy S. George, Chris D. Collins, Wilfred Otten
Summary: There is great potential to utilize plant traits at the root-soil interface, such as rhizodeposition and root hairs, to improve soil structure, enhance carbon storage and resource utilization, enhance resistance to climate stresses, and promote a healthy microbiome. These traits are present in modern crop varieties, but there is room for further improvement as they vary significantly across genotypes and respond to environmental conditions. Future research should focus on studying the impacts of selecting these traits on both plants and soils, from model plants to commercial genotypes, and determining if the effects observed in greenhouse studies can be replicated in the field.
TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
L. R. Zeng, L. M. Lei, X. M. Luo, G. P. Zhang
Summary: The dwell fatigue effect poses a threat to the long-term reliability of fan blades and fan disks in aircraft engines. The study examined the fatigue properties of bimodal Ti-6Al-4V alloys with different volume fractions of the primary alpha phase, and found that both pure fatigue and dwell fatigue life decreased with increasing alpha phase volume fraction. The dwell loading induced damage to the alpha phase and reduced fatigue life.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Fei Liang, Zhe-Xuan Wang, Bin Zhang, Xue-Mei Luo, Guang-Ping Zhang
Summary: In this study, Ni/Ni-W laminated nanocomposites with heterogeneous interfaces were designed and exhibited higher strength and elongation at high temperatures. The introduction of heterogeneous interfaces significantly improved the mechanical properties at high temperatures through changes in grain growth direction and constrained failure of relaxed layers.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
M. Marin, P. D. Hallett, D. S. Feeney, L. K. Brown, M. Naveed, N. Koebernick, S. Ruiz, A. G. Bengough, T. Roose, T. S. George
Summary: Root hairs may alter soil physical behavior, such as soil porosity and water retention. They can decrease soil hardness and elasticity, and reduce water repellency.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Fu-Lai Cheng, Wen-Ke Yang, Xue-Mei Luo, Guang-Ping Zhang
Summary: The effects of specimen dimensions on the mechanical properties of current collector foils were investigated. Wider specimens and shorter gauge lengths tended to have higher total elongation. A widely cited formula and a new probabilistic model were proposed to describe the geometrical size-dependent elongation.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Y. C. Wang, L. Y. Wang, B. Zhang, Z. M. Song, X. M. Luo, G. P. Zhang
Summary: This study investigates the building height-dependent creep properties and microstructures of laser powder bed fusion-fabricated Inconel 718 superalloy. The results reveal significant differences in recrystallization degree among specimens taken from different building heights due to variations in dislocation density and texture intensity along the building direction. The bottom specimen exhibits the highest recrystallization degree and longest creep life, attributed to lower dislocation density, higher Taylor factor, and lower grain boundary volume fraction.
MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING A-STRUCTURAL MATERIALS PROPERTIES MICROSTRUCTURE AND PROCESSING
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Catriona Willoughby, Cairistiona F. E. Topp, Paul D. Hallett, Elizabeth A. Stockdale, Frederick L. Stoddard, Robin L. Walker, Alex J. Hilton, Christine A. Watson
Summary: Sustainable farming systems provide food for humans while balancing nutrient management. The inclusion or exclusion of livestock has significant implications for nutrient management. Plant-based diets are becoming more popular due to perceived environmental benefits. This study found that combining synthetic fertilizers with organic amendments significantly increased production while balancing nutrient management. Legume-supported rotations without livestock produced more protein, starch, and sugar. Nutrient balances and use efficiencies were more sensitive to management changes than purely food production.
FOOD AND ENERGY SECURITY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
F. Wang, L. M. Lei, X. Fu, L. Shi, X. M. Luo, Z. M. Song, G. P. Zhang
Summary: The fatigue crack growth behavior of TA19 alloy and its heat-treated samples was investigated. The crack growth resistance in different regimes was determined by analyzing the interaction between the fatigue crack and alpha/beta phase interface, columnar prior-beta grain boundary, and colony boundary. The results showed that the crack propagation threshold and resistance increased with the increase of lamellar alpha(p) phase and colony width in the near-threshold regime. In the Paris regime, the fatigue cracking path could be deflected at colony boundaries or columnar prior-beta grain boundaries, and the deflection angle influenced the crack growth rate.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jian-Zhi Chen, Bin Zhang, Zhu-Man Song, Guang-Ping Zhang
Summary: The biaxial tension-torsion in-phase fatigue properties of a welded joint and base material of an A588 steel train bogie were compared. The relation between equivalent stress amplitude and cyclic fatigue life was determined. Results show that the welded joint specimen has a higher fatigue life than the base material at higher stress amplitudes, but the two become closer at lower stress amplitudes. A critical stress range of 368 MPa to 396 MPa dominates the fatigue damage behavior of the welded joint. When stress amplitude exceeds the critical stress, fatigue crack initiation tends to occur at the boundary between the base material and heat-affected zone, while cracks originate from the weld metal zone under lower stress amplitudes. Comprehensive analysis of microstructure and residual stress distribution provides insights for optimizing fatigue performance of welded metallic components.
MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING A-STRUCTURAL MATERIALS PROPERTIES MICROSTRUCTURE AND PROCESSING
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Mei-Yue Li, Zhe-Xuan Wang, Bin Zhang, Fei Liang, Xue-Mei Luo, Guang-Ping Zhang
Summary: This study investigated the fatigue strength of nanocrystalline Ni/Ni-W laminated composites. The results showed that the fatigue resistance of the Ni/Ni-W laminated composites was improved compared to monotonic Ni. Shear banding and voiding were identified as the two dominant modes of fatigue damage in the composites. A deformation map was proposed to explain the critical conditions and transition of shear bands and voids. The introduction of ultrathin Ni-W layers hindered crack propagation across the heterogeneous interface, leading to improved fatigue strength.
SCRIPTA MATERIALIA
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Martyn T. Roberts, Josie Geris, Paul D. Hallett, Mark E. Wilkinson
Summary: Temporary storage areas (TSAs) are nature-based solutions that can store and attenuate surface runoff, providing additional storage during flood events in a catchment. The implementation of small-scale TSAs in headwater catchments is gaining momentum, but further evidence is needed on their effectiveness during flood events. This review examines the role of small-scale TSAs in flood risk management and explores their potential benefits in integrated catchment management. Factors influencing TSA functioning and effectiveness are discussed, along with considerations for future design and management.
WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-WATER
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zhe-Xuan Wang, Fei Liang, Guang-Ping Zhang, Bin Zhang
Summary: This study successfully fabricated Ni/Ni-W laminated composites with different monolayer thicknesses and investigated their microstructure stability and tensile properties at 400 degrees C. The annealed Ni0.5/Ni-W0.05 laminated composites exhibited high yield strength and excellent elongation to failure at 400 degrees C, surpassing the monotonic Ni material. The high strength of the laminated composites at high temperatures is attributed to the intrinsic strength of the Ni-W layers, the thickness-constrained effect on grain growth of Ni layers, and the interface coupling effect of heterogeneous structures. The plasticity of the composites can be derived from the heterogeneous laminated structure and the decrease in the constituent layer thickness, providing good co-deformation ability.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Bing-Li Hu, Yan-Wen Luo, Bin Zhang, Guang-Ping Zhang
Summary: Fatigue life prediction of Inconel 718 fabricated by laser powder bed fusion was investigated using a miniature specimen tests method and machine learning algorithms. Among the thirteen popular machine learning algorithms investigated, the adaptive boosting algorithm exhibited the best fitting accuracy, followed by the decision tree algorithm. These results demonstrate the capability of using small dataset-based machine learning techniques to predict fatigue life.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yao-Yao Bai, Bin Zhang, Xu-Ping Wu, Xue-Mei Luo, Guang-Ping Zhang
Summary: To address the trade-off between high sensitivity and wide sensing range, researchers developed a flexible pressure sensor with a mass-gradient distribution of Cu onto a textile coated with Ti3C2T x nanosheets. This sensor achieved both high sensitivity and wide sensing range by continuously changing the contact area and conductivity of the contact points under compressive loading. It also demonstrated excellent cycling stability, fast response/recovery time, and breathability, enabling wide applications in monitoring human physiological signals, transmitting encrypted information, and distinguishing pressure distribution in real time.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Si-Qi Wang, Bin Zhang, Rong-Hao Qiao, Yan-Wen Luo, Xue-Mei Luo, Guang-Ping Zhang
Summary: Researchers have successfully fabricated a competitive reaction-driven MnO2 nanorod network on a nickel substrate, exhibiting high electroactivity and large strain. This material shows great potential in low-voltage electrochemical actuators for implantable medical devices.
ACS APPLIED ELECTRONIC MATERIALS
(2023)