Article
Mathematics, Interdisciplinary Applications
Joshua David John Rathinaraj, Gareth H. McKinley, Bavand Keshavarz
Summary: This paper applies ideas from fractional calculus to study the rheological response of soft materials under steady-shearing flow conditions, focusing on linear viscoelastic and non-linear response characteristics. By incorporating damping functions with fractional viscoelastic constitutive models, an analytical framework is developed to calculate material properties such as rate-dependent shear viscosity. Through analytical and computational evaluations of shear viscosity, the study shows that the observed shear-thinning behavior is influenced by the damping function used, with different forms leading to differing power-law responses.
FRACTAL AND FRACTIONAL
(2021)
Article
Mathematics, Interdisciplinary Applications
Kostas Parisis, Vlasis Dimosthenis, Leonidas Kouris, Avraam Konstantinidis, Elias C. Aifantis
Summary: This article provides an introductory discussion on the (weakly non-local) gradient generalization of one-dimensional elastic and viscoelastic models, as well as their fractional extension. The possible implications of micro- and nano- engineering problems, including small-scale structural mechanics, composite materials, collagen biomechanics, and nanomaterials, are emphasized.
FRACTAL AND FRACTIONAL
(2022)
Article
Mathematics, Interdisciplinary Applications
Teodor M. Atanackovic, Stevan Pilipovic
Summary: We studied a Zener-type model of a viscoelastic body using general fractional calculus and derived restrictions on coefficients based on the dissipation inequality. We showed that for stress relaxation and wave propagation, the restriction derived from the entropy inequality is sufficient to ensure the existence and uniqueness of the solution. Numerical data related to the solution of a wave equation for different parameter values were presented.
FRACTAL AND FRACTIONAL
(2022)
Article
Mathematics, Interdisciplinary Applications
Matthias Hinze, Andre Schmidt, Remco Leine
Summary: The paper introduces a formulation of fractional constitutive equations for finite element analysis using reformulated infinite state representation of fractional derivatives. The method approximates the fractional constitutive law with a high-dimensional set of ordinary differential and algebraic equations, and is applied to a three-dimensional linear viscoelastic continuum using a fractional Zener model. Performance evaluation is done on one- and two-dimensional finite elements with known closed form solutions.
FRACTAL AND FRACTIONAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Francesco Del Giudice
Summary: The rheological characterization of liquids is widely applied in various fields. Traditional rheometers have limitations such as high costs, large sample volumes required, and difficult integration. In contrast, microfluidic devices offer advantages of low cost, small sample volumes required, and easy integration. This review introduces several microfluidic platforms for measuring rheological properties and provides prospects for future works.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Samuel G. V. Charlton, Amber N. Bible, Eleonora Secchi, Jennifer L. Morrell-Falvey, Scott T. Retterer, Thomas P. Curtis, Jinju Chen, Saikat Jana
Summary: Biofilms are bacterial communities structured within an extracellular matrix, which plays a role in controlling their architecture and mechanical resistance. The research investigates the correlation between biofilm structure and viscoelastic response by comparing biofilms of Pantoea sp. (WT) and a mutant (& UDelta;UDP) with reduced exopolysaccharide production.
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
A. G. Cunha-Filho, Y. Briend, A. M. G. de Lima, M. Donadon
Summary: This paper discusses the application of fractional calculus combined with the finite element method in modeling viscoelastic systems, proposing a new and efficient three-dimensional fractional constitutive formulation based on a recurrence term to describe the behavior of viscoelastic materials, especially for complex systems. The efficiency and accuracy of this proposed formulation are demonstrated through an academic example compared to existing methods.
MECHANICAL SYSTEMS AND SIGNAL PROCESSING
(2021)
Article
Mechanics
Ping Wang, Wei Cai, Yongqi Zhang, Zhouquan Wang
Summary: This paper proposes a fractional-order model to characterize pre-loading dependent rheological behaviors. The loading-dependent fractional order is physically interpreted by the master curve and modeled by a power law function. Experimental data validates the effectiveness and predictive abilities of the model. Simulation and prediction results show that the proposed model effectively describes initial loading-dependent creep and relaxation responses.
MECHANICS OF TIME-DEPENDENT MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Zhuo Meng, Yuegang Liu, Chengchang Ji, Yize Sun, Yujie Chen
Summary: The rheology of aqueous polyurethane dispersion (PUD) plays a significant role in industrial processes. In this study, the aqueous PUD used in warp knitted vamp printing was characterized using spectroscopy and particle size analysis. The results showed that the aqueous PUD had a bimodal particle size distribution and negative surface charges. The influence of rheological properties on industrial applications was studied through dynamic oscillating shear experiments, and a fractional order constitutive equation was derived. The application of the fractional order model provided theoretical guidance for the warp knitted vamp printing process.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Timi Karner, Janez Gotlih
Summary: This study focuses on the creep behavior of dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) in the first few excitation cycles. By comparing different constitutive models, the fractional SLM model was found to be the most suitable for describing the time-dependent deformation of DEAs under sinusoidal excitation. Optimization of constitutive parameters using Matlab provides a foundation for simulating control algorithms for DEAs or similar soft actuators.
SMART MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Xiao Cao, Li Peng, Zhijun Wang, Yongyan Pang, Xianbo Huang, Quan Chen
Summary: This study examines the linear viscoelasticity, elongational rheological behavior, and foamability of ionomer samples based on a commercial Surlyn sample. The LVE behavior can be predicted well by incorporating the activation energy for ionic dissociation into the sticky-double-reptation model. The degree of strain hardening exhibits a non-monotonous change under extensional flow, and the foamability is controlled by flowability and melt strength during elongational flow.
Article
Mathematics, Interdisciplinary Applications
Timi Karner, Rok Belsak, Janez Gotlih
Summary: This study proposes a fully fractional generalised Maxwell model to capture the viscoelastic effect of dielectric elastomer actuators. The Laplace transform and Pattern Search global optimization procedure are used to derive the optimal parameters and number of branches of the model.
FRACTAL AND FRACTIONAL
(2022)
Article
Mechanics
Somayeh g Mashayekhi, Eugenia Stanisauskis, Mahdi Hassani, William Oates
Summary: The excluded volume effect is incorporated into a fractional viscoelastic model for modeling fractal polymers, establishing a physical connection between the fractional time derivative, fractal geometry, and excluded volume effect. By extending Zimm's generalized molecular theory with the addition of excluded volume effect, a linear fractional viscoelastic model for fractal media is derived based on spectral dimension, fractal dimension, and excluded volume parameter. This approach shows that the order of the fractional derivative in the linear fractional viscoelastic model is closely related to fractal structure and excluded volume effects.
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Will Zhang, Javiera Jilberto, Gerhard Sommer, Michael S. Sacks, Gerhard A. Holzapfel, David A. Nordsletten
Summary: Biomechanics is important in diagnosing and treating heart conditions. Computational models can provide personalized treatment options but require accurate constitutive equations for biomechanical behavior prediction. A fractional viscoelastic modeling approach that accurately captures the viscoelastic response of the human myocardium was previously developed. This approach has comparable computational costs and only requires two additional material parameters. In this study, the implementation of this approach in Finite Element Analysis was presented, numerical properties were examined, and the physiological implications were explored.
COMPUTER METHODS IN APPLIED MECHANICS AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Ernesto Gonzalez-Saiz, Daniel Garcia-Gonzalez
Summary: Traditional methods for material modeling are often inaccurate for soft materials. In this study, a machine learning framework is proposed to automatically identify material parameters and the optimal kinematics and rheological model, which is applicable to any complex model. This work provides a new approach for studying the nonlinear responses of soft active materials.
COMPUTER METHODS IN APPLIED MECHANICS AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zilu He, Hong Zhang, Rui Xiao, Shaoxing Qu
Summary: This study investigates the mechanical properties of soft composites containing low melting alloys. The results show that increasing the ratio of the alloys enhances the modulus and energy dissipation density of the composites when the deformation temperature is below the melting temperature, while these properties decrease when the alloys are in the fluid state. However, the fracture energy and fatigue threshold are significantly enhanced in the presence of low melting alloys regardless of their states.
ACTA MECHANICA SOLIDA SINICA
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xianyue Zhou, Qiuyang Liu, Guangqiang Xu, Rulin Yang, Hongguang Sun, Qinggang Wang
Summary: Chemical upcycling of end-of-life poly(lactide) plastics to lactide, lactate ester and new poly(lactide) has been achieved using magnesium bis[bis(trimethylsilyl)amide] [Mg(HMDS)2] as a promoter. Mg(HMDS)2 demonstrated high efficiency in L-lactide polymerization and poly(lactide) depolymerization. A new depolymerization-repolymerization strategy was proposed to directly transform poly(lactide) into new poly(lactide), providing a theoretical basis for catalyst design and promoting the development of degradable polymers.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Yan Zhang, Hongguang Sun, Yao He, Zekun Zhang, Xijun Wang, Tony Q. S. Quek
Summary: In this paper, a spatio-temporal analytical framework is proposed to comprehensively assess the performance of a statistical priority-based multiple access (SPMA) network. The framework combines tools from stochastic geometry with queueing theory to characterize both macroscopic interference distribution and microscopic temporal evolution. The framework allows for the derivation of analytical expressions for burst success probability, medium access probability (MAP), and packet success probability, and the evaluation of key system parameters on a stable SPMA network. The advantage of SPMA is highlighted through comparison with the traditional CSMA scheme.
IEEE WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Ji Lin, Jin Qian, Yu Xie, Ji Wang, Rui Xiao
Summary: In this study, a micromechanical mean-field shear transformation zone (STZ) model is developed to systematically describe the stress responses of amorphous polymers. The model captures the behaviors of amorphous polymers in various loading conditions and successfully reproduces the Bauschinger effect. The deformation-induced material polarization, in the form of an anisotropic distribution of STZs, is identified as the governing mechanism of the Bauschinger effect.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PLASTICITY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Tianhang Shan, Xin Ma, Hui Li, Chuntai Liu, Changyu Shen, Peipei Yang, Songwei Li, Zhenxing Wang, Zhong Liu, Hongguang Sun
Summary: It is crucial to develop a reliable and simple technology for seawater uranium extraction in order to ensure resource sustainability and environmental security. Membrane materials, with their pore structure and recyclability, have demonstrated excellent performance in adsorption. This study successfully decorated polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) microporous membranes with a functional coating primarily composed of plant-derived tannic acid (TA) and polyethyleneimine (PEI), and achieved highly efficient uranium extraction through filtration. The synergistic effect of the amino group from PEI and the polyphenol structure played a crucial role in achieving high adsorption capacity and rapid adsorption kinetics for U(VI). Furthermore, the molecular weight of PEI influenced the modified membrane's adsorption capacity to U(VI), with higher molecular weight leading to greater adsorption capacity.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Danming Zhong, Yuhai Xiang, Zhicheng Wang, Zhe Chen, Junjie Liu, Zi Liang Wu, Rui Xiao, Shaoxing Qu, Wei Yang
Summary: This study systematically investigates the effect of water content on mechanical behaviors of polyacrylamide (PAAm) hydrogels. It is found that deswelling significantly increases the modulus while swelling decreases it. As the water content decreases, a more pronounced strain-softening phenomenon and a transition from hyperelastic behaviors to viscoelastic behaviors are observed. A micromechanical model is developed to capture these experimental observations and derive the relations between model parameters and water content using scaling laws in polymer physics. The developed model shows remarkable prediction ability and is validated through finite element analysis.
JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICS AND PHYSICS OF SOLIDS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Lin Zhan, Siyu Wang, Shaoxing Qu, Paul Steinmann, Rui Xiao
Summary: In this work, a general approach based on continuum damage mechanics is proposed to model the Mullins effect in soft composites. One-dimensional and three-dimensional damage models are formulated, which successfully describe the stress response in loading-unloading cycles and the anisotropic response of predeformed materials.
JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICS AND PHYSICS OF SOLIDS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Shiming Shen, Ning Han, Lu Dai, Rui Xiao
Summary: This study investigates the shape-memory behaviors of multiple network elastomers (MNEs) and finds that they have higher recovery stress, which makes them more suitable for various applications compared to existing shape-memory polymers.
Article
Mechanics
LiJuan Jiang, HongGuang Sun, Yan Wang
Summary: In this paper, a multiphase lattice Boltzmann flux solver (MLBFS) is developed to simulate incompressible multiphase flows in fractal pore structure. The model integrates the phase field and apparent liquid permeability models, combining the advantages of the traditional Navier-Stokes solver and the lattice Boltzmann method. The study focuses on fluid flow in fractal pore structures and discusses the effects of non-Newtonian index, fractal parameters, and density ratios on multiphase flow.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiuxuan Wang, Jiazhong Qian, Haichun Ma, Lei Ma, Dongbao Zhou, HongGuang Sun
Summary: In this study, a parameterized model based on the equivalent hydraulic gradient (EHG) was established to predict the development of post-Darcy flow. The model can effectively capture the nonlinear trend that fails to be described by traditional local nonlinear models. The results facilitate the identification and prediction of high-velocity non-Darcian flow in wastewater management and provide insight into mass transport at the fine-scale.
Article
Mathematics, Applied
Yi Xu, HongGuang Sun, Yuhui Zhang, Hai-Wei Sun, Ji Lin
Summary: This paper focuses on using the meshless method to solve a general variable-order time fractional advection-diffusion-reaction equation with complex geometries. The proposed method combines the improved backward substitute method with the finite difference technique to discretize the equation. It is an RBF-based meshless approach that utilizes primary approximation and basis functions to construct the solution.
COMPUTERS & MATHEMATICS WITH APPLICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiaoxiao Hao, HongGuang Sun, Yong Zhang, Shiyin Li, Zhongbo Yu
Summary: This study investigated the co-transport dynamics of arsenic and micro/nano-plastics in saturated soil through laboratory experiments and model analysis. The results showed that the presence of nano-plastic particles hindered arsenic transport, while microplastics facilitated it. This study improved the understanding and quantification of the co-transport of arsenic and micro/nano-plastics in soil.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Xiufen Gu, Sajad Jamshidi, Jiazhong Qian, Yonghong Hao, HongGuang Sun, Dev Niyogi
Summary: Identifying the impact of controlling factors on spring discharge is challenging due to human activities and climate change. This study explores the temporal scaling features of spring discharge and quantifies the effects of latent factors using the example of the Niangziguan Spring in China. The results show that before groundwater exploitation, the spring discharge is controlled by positive feedback, while human activities cause variability. Local groundwater recharge has the largest contribution to spring discharge, while monsoons and human activities have smaller effects.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGIC ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ji Lin, Honggeng Li, Fengbo Zhu, Qi Ge, Jin Qian, Rui Xiao
Summary: This study comprehensively investigates the mechanical response of an elastomer with physical crosslinkers under fatigue tests. A constitutive model is developed to describe the network configuration and reversible dissociation/association process of polymer chains. The model captures the state transition of the chains, progressive damage in long-term relaxation and fatigue tests, and the rate-dependent stress response and relaxation behaviors of physically crosslinked elastomers and gels.
JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICS AND PHYSICS OF SOLIDS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Baihong Chen, Changyue Liu, Zengting Xu, Zhijian Wang, Rui Xiao
Summary: In this study, both polydomain and monodomain liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) were synthesized and their shape change with temperature under a certain stress level was characterized. A thermo-order-mechanical coupling model was developed to predict the shape change of LCEs, showing good consistency with experimental results.
MECHANICS OF MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Baihong Chen, Changyue Liu, Zengting Xu, Zhijian Wang, Rui Xiao
Summary: In this study, both polydomain and monodomain liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) were synthesized and their shape change with temperature under a certain stress level was characterized. A thermo-order-mechanical coupling model was developed to predict the shape change of LCEs, showing good consistency with experimental results.
MECHANICS OF MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Peng Wang, Fei Xu, Yiding Wang, Jun Song, Cheng Chen
Summary: This study investigates the interplay of super-screw dislocations and coherent twin boundary (CTB) in Ni3Al using molecular dynamics simulations and dislocation continuum theory. Various interaction mechanisms are observed depending on the stress and dislocation gliding pathways. A continuum model framework is developed to evaluate the critical shear stress required for CTB to accommodate dislocations along different pathways, considering the effects of anti-phase boundary (APB) and Complex Stacking Fault (CSF). The study suggests that the resistant force of CTB against all gliding dislocations is a more appropriate metric for quantifying its strength.
MECHANICS OF MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Chenyu Du, Haitao Cui, Hongjian Zhang, Zhibin Cai, Weikuo Zhai
Summary: A thermal-elastoplastic phase field model was developed to simulate thermal fatigue crack growth. The accuracy and availability of the model were verified through typical examples. The results indicate that the proposed model effectively simulates the process of thermal fatigue crack propagation in elastoplastic solids. The appropriate regularization length needs to be determined based on experimental results.
MECHANICS OF MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
J. Carlsson, A. Kuswoyo, A. Shaikeea, N. A. Fleck
Summary: The sensitivity of the compressive strength of a polymeric Kelvin lattice to the presence of an epoxy core is investigated both experimentally and numerically. The study shows that the epoxy core prevents the formation of crush bands in the lattice and changes its deformation mode. At finite strain, the strength of the lattice is degraded by bending failure and cracking of the struts and adjacent core, leading to the formation of vertical fissures.
MECHANICS OF MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Saptarshi Paul, Anurag Gupta
Summary: In this study, we investigate the geometry and mechanics of the buckled orthotropic von Karman elastic plate with free boundary condition, in the presence of an isolated positive or negative disclination. The shape of the buckled plate is cone-like for a positive disclination and saddle-like for a negative disclination. With increasing orthotropy, the shape of the buckled plate becomes more tent-like and the Gaussian curvature spreads along the ridge of the tent. The stress fields are focused in the neighborhood of the defect point and the ridge, indicating that most of the stretching energy is accommodated in these singular regions.
MECHANICS OF MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Antu Acharya, Vikram Muthkani, Anirvan DasGupta, Atul Jain
Summary: This study proposes filler-based and infill-based strategies for creating auxetic lattices with enhanced stiffness. The elastic properties of the sinusoidal re-entrant honeycomb lattice are developed and validated using finite element models. Parametric studies are conducted to find combinations leading to enhanced stiffness with minor loss in auxeticity. The results demonstrate the possibility of achieving a significant increment in stiffness while retaining significant auxeticity. The proposed approaches outperform existing approaches in terms of stiffness and auxeticity.
MECHANICS OF MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Biswajit Pal, Ananth Ramaswamy
Summary: This study presents a multi-scale approach to simulate the shrinkage and creep of concrete, addressing the limitations of existing macroscopic prediction models due to the heterogeneous nature of concrete. The model is validated with experimental data and compared to national codes and macroscopic models, demonstrating its effectiveness in overcoming the gaps in existing models.
MECHANICS OF MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Akash Kumar Behera, Mohammad Masiur Rahaman, Debasish Roy
Summary: Ceramics have attractive properties but low fracture toughness is a major drawback. There is interest in improving the mechanical performance of ceramics by tailoring residual stresses. However, there is a lack of computational models that can accurately predict crack paths and quantify the improved fracture toughness.
MECHANICS OF MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Bineet Kumar, Sandeep Kumar Dubey, Sonalisa Ray
Summary: This study aims to develop an energy-based theoretical formulation for predicting the evolution of the fracture process zone in concrete under fatigue loading. Experimental results and calibrations indicate that the specimen size and aggregate size affect the fracture behavior and process zone length of concrete.
MECHANICS OF MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zheliang Wang, Hao Sheng, Xinyi Lin, Yifan Rao, Jia Liu, Nanshu Lu
Summary: In this study, an analytical framework is proposed for investigating the behavior of laminated beams with any number of layers under various bending conditions, and the theory is validated through finite element analysis. It was found that the number of layers, applied deformation, layer properties, and layer aspect ratio have an impact on the equivalent flexural rigidity.
MECHANICS OF MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Michael Schwaighofer, Markus Konigsberger, Luis Zelaya-Lainez, Markus Lukacevic, Sebastian Serna-Loaiza, Michael Harasek, Florian Zikeli, Anton Friedl, Josef Fussl
Summary: In this study, nanoindentation relaxation tests were re-evaluated on five industrial lignins extracted from different feedstocks. It was found that the viscoelastic properties of all tested lignins were practically identical and independent of the feedstock and the extraction processes.
MECHANICS OF MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Tian Han, Dandan Qi, Jia Ma, Chaoyang Sun
Summary: In this study, a generative design method was used to propose new modified lattice structures suitable for tensile and compressive loading conditions. By conducting experimental and finite element analyses, it was confirmed that the derived structures have improved load-bearing capacity and energy absorption compared to the original structures. The effects of shape parameters on mechanical properties were also discussed.
MECHANICS OF MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Wenbin Zheng, Jay Airao, Ramin Aghababaei
Summary: Spinodal decomposition of Ti1-xAlxN crystal structure significantly affects their physical properties. This study uses three-dimensional molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the phase transformation mechanism and surface finish during material removal in TiAlN. The simulations reveal that the aluminum content and cutting depth have a significant influence on the phase transformation process through spinodal decomposition.
MECHANICS OF MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Atasi Ghosh
Summary: The micro-mechanism of low cycle fatigue deformation behavior has been summarized and the recent development in the approach of numerical simulation of cyclic stress-strain behavior of polycrystalline metallic materials at multi-scale has been discussed.
MECHANICS OF MATERIALS
(2024)
