Strengthening of AISI 2205 duplex stainless steel by strain ageing

In this study, static strain ageing behavior of commercially available and solution heat treated duplex stainless steel was investigated and the effect of static strain ageing on the mechanical properties was also determined in detail. Some of as-received duplex stainless steel test specimens were pre-strained in tension by 5% and then aged at 100 °C, 200 °C, 300 °C, 400 °C, 500 °C and 600 °C for 30 min in furnace. Some of duplex stainless steel test specimens were solution heat treated at 1050 °C for 30 min, water quenched and then pre-strained for 5% in tension shortly after the solution heat treatment.In order to identify the effect of static strain ageing on the mechanical properties, the tensile strength, the change in the strength due to ageing (ΔY), elongation fracture and hardness were determined. The test results showed that the mechanical properties were affected by static strain ageing mechanism which was applied at different temperatures for same time interval.     

Finite element analyses of slope stability problems using non-associated plasticity

In recent years, finite element analyses have increasingly been utilized for slope stability problems. In comparison to limit equilibrium methods, numerical analyses do not require any definition of the failure mechanism a priori and enable the determination of the safety level more accurately. The paper compares the performances of strength reduction finite element analysis (SRFEA) with finite element limit analysis (FELA), whereby the focus is related to non-associated plasticity. Displacement-based finite element analyses using a strength reduction technique suffer from numerical instabilities when using non-associated plasticity, especially when dealing with high friction angles but moderate dilatancy angles. The FELA on the other hand provides rigorous upper and lower bounds of the factor of safety (FoS) but is restricted to associated flow rules. Suggestions to overcome this problem, proposed by Davis (1968), lead to conservative FoSs; therefore, an enhanced procedure has been investigated. When using the modified approach, both the SRFEA and the FELA provide very similar results. Further studies highlight the advantages of using an adaptive mesh refinement to determine FoSs. Additionally, it is shown that the initial stress field does not affect the FoS when using a Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion.     

Reconstruction and hydration of hydrotalcite response to thermal activation temperature: Enhancement of properties for magnesia castables

Optimization binding system for refractory castables is significant to enhance the service performance. Hydrotalcite has been considered a promoter for high-temperature performance of basic castables, however, its binding property remains to be improved before practical application. In this work, the thermal activated Mg–Al hydrotalcites were incorporated in magnesia castables, and the mutual influence of pre-calcination temperature on the hydration, microstructure, and strength of castables was investigated. The obtained results indicated that the reconstruction of calcined hydrotalcite took place in the hydration process and effectively motivated the hydrolysis. Hydrate was thus promoted and a relatively dense microstructure of magnesia castables was confirmed by X-ray computed tomography analysis. Hydrotalcite pre-calcinated at 300 °C contributed to the highest early strength for castable, and the high-temperature properties also performed better than that of other pre-calcinated hydrotalcite-adding. The enhancement mechanisms of calcined hydrotalcite were attributed to the two following reasons: (ⅰ) the modified microstructure of magnesia castables from the early stage by hydration process, (ⅱ) the further enhanced sinterability inspired by the appropriate thermal activation effect.     

Thermal shock effects on the impact resistance,tolerance and flexural strength of alumina based oxide/oxide ceramic matrix composites

In this study the effects of thermal shock on the impact damage resistance, damage tolerance and flexural strength of Nextel 610/alumina silicate ceramic matrix composites were experimentally evaluated. Composite laminates with balanced and symmetric layup were gradually heated to 1200°C in an air-based furnace and held for at least 30 min before being removed and immersed in water at room temperature. The laminates were then subjected to low velocity impacts via a hemispherical steel impactor. The resultant damage was characterized non-destructively, following which the laminates were subjected to compression tests. Three-point bend tests were also performed to evaluate the effect of thermal shock on the flexural strength and related failure modes of the laminates. Thermally shocked laminates showed smaller internal damage and larger external damage areas in comparison to their pristine counterparts. For the impact energy and resultant damage size considered, the residual compressive strengths for the thermally shocked and pristine laminates were similar.     

Quasi-static compression behavior of nickel oxide,nickel oxide:zirconia,nickel:zirconia and nickel foams

An effective material for use in shock mitigation should spread the deflection of the shock wave over a longer period of time and should minimize the force felt by the object under impact. Ductile or brittle cellular materials are currently gaining importance due to their unique high energy absorption characteristics. Reticulated cellular foam structures of nickel oxide (NiO) and nickel oxide:zirconia (NiO:YSZ 60:40 percentage by wt.) were fabricated by polymeric sponge replication process. These foams are reduced under hydrogen atmosphere to produce metallic nickel (Ni) and nickel:zirconia (Ni:YSZ) cermet foams, respectively. X-ray diffraction studies on the struts confirmed the corresponding phase formation. Further, the volume fraction of the solid in foam is estimated through image analysis. All the foams are subjected to uni-axial compression and the stress–strain curves were recorded. A comparative evaluation of progressive deformation behavior at room temperature was also carried out. Stress–strain curve of the nickel foam shows distinctly three regimes under compression, a deformation regime showing a linear dependence in the strain with stress. This is followed by a second region showing a plateau corresponding to the energy absorption resulting from the permanent plastic deformation while retaining the integrity and finally densification region through the wall collapse resulting in the maximum compressive strength. Stress–strain curves of all other foams such as NiO, NiO:YSZ and Ni:YSZ has demonstrated a similar fracture behavior under compression which caused not only by unstable crack propagation originating from a single crack, but also by merging of many cracks leading to the formation of the crushed zone. Compressive strength is found to be a strong function of solid fraction supporting the load and percentage porosity of NiO foams. Estimation of relative energy absorption has exhibited higher energy absorption irrespective of the material of construction at higher strain rates.     

On the relationship between ceramic strength and the requirements for mechanical design

During the last fifty years the mechanical properties of ceramic materials have been greatly improved, their toughness and strength have been increased and the scatter of strength decreased. Adequate statistical design procedures for brittle materials exist but cracking and brittle fracture of ceramic components still occur very often.In this review the theory of brittle fracture and the underlying assumptions are critically discussed and the measurement procedures of strength are reviewed. It is shown that the strength of materials, the strength of specimens and the strength of components are often quite different properties. Three main factors are identified which – in order to avoid unexpected failure of components – have to be considered much more than in the past: (i) hidden stresses, i.e. stresses caused by thermal strain mismatch, by contact (for example in joints) and internal stresses, (ii) the quality of the component's surfaces and edges and (iii) proper handling of ceramic materials and components.It can clearly be stated that the mechanical properties of many ceramic materials are appropriate even for applications under severe loading conditions but bad or incomplete mechanical design, insufficient surface finish and mishandling are the main reasons for unexpected failure of ceramic components.     

Guar gum: A novel binder for ceramic extrusion

Ceramic honeycomb extrusion is a technique capable of attaining high strength, porous ceramics. However, challenges prevent the realisation of its potential. These include the design of an intricate honeycomb die and the formulation of an extrudable paste. The present study addresses the latter by using guar gum (GG) as a binder. GG was rationally selected because hydrogels thereof exhibit strong shear-thinning and high stiffness properties, which are required for extrusion. Rheological analyses demonstrated ceramic pastes with similar qualities were achieved, with hydroxyapatite (HA) used as the model ceramic. The shear stiffness modulus of HA pastes was determined as 8.4 MPa with a yield stress of 1.1 kPa. Moreover, this was achieved with GG as the sole additive, which further facilitates the overall fabrication process. The binder extraction notably occurred at relatively low temperatures when other high molecular weight polymers demand temperatures above 1000 °C; therefore the latter precludes the use of ceramics with low sintering onset. The process culminated in a porous HA scaffold with similar porosity to that of a commercial HA graft, but with higher compressive strength. Lastly, the study notes that the biological and water-soluble properties of GG can broaden its application into other ceramic fabrication processes.     

Use of biochar-coated polypropylene fibers for carbon sequestration and physical improvement of mortar

Biochar is widely recognized as an effective material for sequestration of carbon dioxide. The possibility of using it as a coating material on polypropylene fibers to improve mechanical properties and permeability mortar is explored in this study. Effectiveness of two types of biochar – fresh biochar and biochar saturated with carbon dioxide prior to application as coating – on compressive and flexural strength, post-cracking behavior and permeability of mortar is studied. The biochar used was derived from mixed wood saw dust by pyrolysis at 300 °C. Experimental results show that application of fresh biochar coating offer significant improvement in compressive strength and flexural strength of mortar. Residual strength and post-cracking ductility of mortar with biochar coated fibers is found to be higher than control samples, although fresh biochar coating offers the best performance. Mortar with polypropylene fibers coated with fresh biochar shows higher impermeability, compared to reference samples and mortar with saturated biochar coated fibers. The findings suggest that biochar coating could be a potential solution to improve properties of fiber reinforced cementitious composites that also promotes waste recycling and carbon sequestration.     

Dynamic control and conventional strength ratios of the quadriceps and hamstrings in subjects with anterior cruciate ligament deficiency

The hamstrings:quadriceps muscle strength ratio has been used as an indicator of normal balance between the knee flexors and extensors. A more functional approach to this strength ratio would be to compare opposite muscle actions of antagonistic muscle groups. The dynamic strength control ratio (DSCR) should give a more appropriate measure relating to knee function. There is a lack of normative data relating to DSCR for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficient subjects. EVects of ACL deficiency on isokinetic peak torque for eccentric and concentric muscle actions of the quadriceps and hamstrings, in conjunction with isometric peak torque, were examined in 10 patients awaiting reconstructive surgery (male= 8, female= 2; age= 32.8 ± 8.3 years; height= 1.77 ± 0.08 m; mass= 72.1 ± 12.5 kg). These variables were assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer. The results were considered in terms of the conventional ratio and DSCR. Anterior tibial drawer was measured using a knee ligament arthrometer to confirm clinical diagnosis of ACL rupture. The isokinetic peak torque data analysed were for angular velocities of 1.05 rad s^?1 (60° s^?1). Significant strength deficits were apparent between normal and injured sides for: concentric isokinetic quadriceps action (p < 0.05); isometric quadriceps action at 70° of knee flexion (p < 0.05); isometric quadriceps action at 40° of knee flexion (p < 0.01); eccentric isokinetic hamstrings action (p < 0.05). With bilateral comparison, the conventional strength ratios showed no significant difference, as did the DSCR. The bilateral comparison of isometric strength ratios revealed significant losses in quadriceps strength for the injured side (p < 0.05) but no significant losses in hamstring strength (p > 0.05). Thus, differences can be seen in conventional ratios and DSCR for ACL-deficient subjects. This is an area of clinical interest with the increasing frequency of ACL reconstruction using hamstrings tendons.     

Bond between FRP composites and concrete: Assessment of design procedures and analytical models

The use of fibre reinforced polymers (FRPs) to strengthen reinforced concrete (RC) structures has gained a wide popularity in the last decades. Although many experimental and analytical studies are available in literature, some issues are still under discussion in the research communities. Since the typical failure mode of FRP–concrete joints is reported to be debonding of the composite from the concrete substrate [1], the estimation of the bond strength between FRP and concrete substrate represents a key issue for the proper use of this technology. For this reason, several analytical models for the evaluation of the FRP–concrete bond strength and few models for the estimation of the effective bond length were proposed (some of them are included in design codes/recommendations/guidelines); however they were not assessed by means of an appropriate experimental database.This work shows an assessment of twenty analytical models for the evaluation of the FRP–concrete bond strength. The assessment is based on the analysis of a wide experimental database collected from the literature. The results are provided distinguishing between the test setup adopted (single or double shear test, bending test) and the material used (post impregnated sheets or pre impregnated laminates). The accuracy of each model was evaluated by means of a simplified statistical analysis. The influence of the test setup and basic material on the accuracy of the model used was analysed as well. Lastly, the accuracy of twelve available models in providing an estimation of the effective bond length was also assessed.