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This papers aims to study lattice structures in terms of geometric variables, manufacturing variables and material-based variants and their correlation with compressive behaviour for their application in a methodology for the design and development of personalized elastic therapeutic products.

Lattice samples were designed and manufactured using extrusion-based additive manufacturing technologies. Mechanical tests were carried out on lattice samples for elasticity characterization purposes. The relationships between sample stiffness and key geometric and manufacturing variables were subsequently used in the case study on the design of a pressure cushion model for validation purposes. Differentiated areas were established according to patient’s pressure map to subsequently make a correlation between the patient’s pressure needs and lattice samples stiffness.

A substantial and wide variation in lattice compressive behaviour was found depending on the key study variables. The proposed methodology made it possible to efficiently identify and adjust the pressure of the different areas of the product to adapt them to the elastic needs of the patient. In this sense, the characterization lattice samples turned out to provide an effective and flexible response to the pressure requirements.

This study provides a generalized foundation of lattice structural design and adjustable stiffness in application of pressure cushions, which can be equally applied to other designs with similar purposes. The relevance and contribution of this work lie in the proposed methodology for the design of personalized therapeutic products based on the use of individual lattice structures that function as independent customizable cells.

The purpose of the present work is to study the impacts of rapid cooling and Tb rare-earth additions on the structural, thermal and mechanical behavior of Bi–0.5Ag lead-free solder for high-temperature applications.

Effect of rapid solidification processing on structural, thermal and mechanical properties of Bi-Ag lead-free solder reinforced Tb rare-earth element.

The obtained results indicated that the microstructure consists of rhombohedral Bi-rich phase and Ag99.5Bi0.5 intermetallic compound (IMC). The addition of Tb could effectively reduce the onset and melting point. The elastic modulus of Tb-containing solders was enhanced to about 90% at 0.5 Tb. The higher elastic modulus may be attributed to solid solution strengthening effect, solubility extension, microstructure refinement and precipitation hardening of uniform distribution Ag99.5Bi0.5 IMC particles which can reasonably modify the microstructure, as well as inhibit the segregation and hinder the motion of dislocations.

It is recommended that the lead-free Bi-0.5Ag-0.5Tb solder be a candidate instead of common solder alloy (Sn-37Pb) for high temperature and high performance applications.

When the reinforced concrete beams are reinforced by bonding steel plates to the bottom, excessive use of steel plates will make the reinforced concrete beams become super-reinforced beams, and there are security risks in the actual use of super-reinforced beams. In order to avoid the occurrence of this situation, the purpose of this paper is to study the calculation method of the maximum number of bonded steel plates to reinforce reinforced concrete beams.

First of all, when establishing the limit failure state of the reinforced member, this paper comprehensively considers the role of the tensile steel bar and steel plate and takes the load effect before reinforcement as the negative contribution of the maximum number of bonded steel plates that can be used for reinforcement. Through the definition of the equivalent tensile strength, equivalent elastic modulus and equivalent yield strain of the tensile steel bar and steel plate, a method to determine the relative limit compression zone height of the reinforced member is obtained. Second, based on the maximum ratio of (reinforcement + steel plate), the relative limit compression zone height and the equivalent tensile strength of the tensile steel bar and steel plate of the reinforced member, the calculation method of the maximum number of bonded steel plates is derived. Then, the static load test of the test beam is carried out and the corresponding numerical model is established, and the reliability of the numerical model is verified by comparison. Finally, the accuracy of the calculation method of the maximum number of bonded steel plates is proved by the numerical model.

The numerical simulation results show that when the steel plate width is 800 mm and the thickness is 1–4 mm, the reinforced concrete beam has a delayed yield platform when it reaches the limit state, and the failure mode conforms to the basic stress characteristics of the balanced-reinforced beam. When the steel plate thickness is 5–8 mm, the sudden failure occurs without obvious warning when the reinforced concrete beam reaches the limit state. The failure mode conforms to the basic mechanical characteristics of the super-reinforced beam failure, and the bending moment of the beam failure depends only on the compressive strength of the concrete. The results of the calculation and analysis show that the maximum number of bonded steel plates for reinforced concrete beams in this experiment is 3,487 mm². When the width of the steel plate is 800 mm, the maximum thickness of the steel plate can be 4.36 mm. That is, when the thickness of the steel plate, the reinforced concrete beam is still the balanced-reinforced beam. When the thickness of the steel plate, the reinforced concrete beam will become a super-reinforced beam after reinforcement. The calculation results are in good agreement with the numerical simulation results, which proves the accuracy of the calculation method.

This paper presents a method for calculating the maximum number of steel plates attached to the bottom of reinforced concrete beams. First, based on the experimental research, the failure mode of reinforced concrete beams with different number of steel plates is simulated by the numerical model, and then the result of the calculation method is compared with the result of the numerical simulation to ensure the accuracy of the calculation method of the maximum number of bonded steel plates. And the study does not require a large number of experimental samples, which has a certain economy. The research result can be used to control the number of steel plates in similar reinforcement designs.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the thermomechanical response of four well-known lead-free die attach materials: sintered silver, sintered nano-copper particles, gold-tin solders and silver-tin transient liquid phase (TLP) bonds.

This examination is conducted through finite element analysis. The mechanical properties of all die attach systems, including elastic and Anand creep parameters, are obtained from relevant literature and incorporated into the numerical analysis. Consequently, the bond stress-strain relationships, stored inelastic strain energies and equivalent plastic strains are thoroughly examined.

The results indicate that silver-tin TLP bonds are prone to exhibiting higher inelastic strain energy densities, while sintered silver and copper interconnects tend to possess higher levels of plastic strains and deformations. This suggests a higher susceptibility to damage in these metallic die attachments. On the other hand, the more expensive gold-based solders exhibit lower inelastic strain energy densities and plastic strains, implying an improved fatigue performance compared to other bonding configurations.

The utilization of different metallic material systems as die attachments in power electronics necessitates a comprehensive understanding of their thermomechanical behavior. Therefore, the results of the present paper can be useful in the die attach material selection in power electronics.

In power electronics, there are various metallic material systems used as die attachments. The complete understanding of the thermomechanical behavior of such interconnections is very important. Therefore, this paper aims to examine the thermomechanical response of four famous die attach materials, including sintered silver, sintered nano-copper particles, gold-tin solders and silver-tin transient liquid phase (TLP) bonds, using nonlinear finite element analysis.

During the study, the mechanical properties of all die attach systems, including elastic and viscoplasticity parameters, are obtained from literature studies and hence incorporated into the numerical analysis. Subsequently, the bond stress–strain relationships, stored inelastic strain energies and equivalent plastic strains are thoroughly examined.

The results showed that the silver-tin TLP bonds are more likely to develop higher inelastic strain energy densities, while the sintered silver and copper interconnects would possess higher plastic strains and deformations. Suggesting higher damage to such metallic die attachments. The expensive gold-based solders have developed least inelastic strain energy densities and least plastic strains as well. Thus, they are expected to have improved fatigue performance compared to other bonding configurations.

This paper extensively investigates and compares the mechanical and thermal response of various metallic die attachments. In fact, there are no available research studies that discuss the behavior of such important die attachments of power electronics when exposed to mechanical and thermomechanical loads.

This study aims to present and evaluate a novel analytical model to predict the structural properties of parts fabricated by fused filament fabrication (FFF) along any non-orthogonal direction.

A new analytical model to estimate the ultimate tensile stress (UTS) and elastic modulus (E) of polylactic acid (PLA)-FFF parts fabricated in any non-orthogonal build orientation, is proposed. The new model is based on an ellipsoid, two angles that define the orientation with respect to the build axes, the infill value and the structural properties along the build axes. The proposed model is evaluated by comparing the UTS and E properties predicted by this model, with the results obtained from experimental tensile tests on PLA-FFF specimens manufactured using variable infill values and non-orthogonal build orientations.

The proposed model is able to predict with good precision the structural properties of PLA-FFF parts along any direction and infill value.

Although the study and results are limited to the UTS and E tensile properties of PLA-FFF components, the model may be extended to other materials or similar additive manufacturing processes.

The new proposed model is able to determine the structural properties of FFF components in any direction, so it can be used during the design process of FFF parts, reducing the need for experimental tests and speeding up the product development process.

Existing models to predict the structural properties of FFF components are limited to orthogonal build orientations (X, Y and Z); however, the new proposed model is able to predict the tensile properties in any direction and infill value. In addition, a new set of experimental data about the structural behaviour of PLA-FFF parts along non-orthogonal build orientations is provided, extending the existing results in the literature.

The purpose is to explore the free vibration behaviour of elastic foundation-supported porous functionally graded nanoplates using the Rayleigh-Ritz approach. The goal of this study is to gain a better knowledge of the dynamic response of nanoscale structures made of functionally graded materials and porous features. The Rayleigh-Ritz approach is used in this study to generate realistic mathematical models that take elastic foundation support into account. This research can contribute to the design and optimization of advanced nanomaterials with potential applications in engineering and technology by providing insights into the influence of material composition, porosity and foundation support on the vibrational properties of nanoplates.

A systematic methodology is proposed to evaluate the free vibration characteristics of elastic foundation-supported porous functionally graded nanoplates using the Rayleigh-Ritz approach. The study began by developing the mathematical model, adding material properties and establishing governing equations using the Rayleigh-Ritz approach. Numerical approaches to solve the problem are used, using finite element methods. The results are compared to current solutions or experimental data to validate the process. The results are also analysed, keeping the influence of factors on vibration characteristics in mind. The findings are summarized and avenues for future research are suggested, ensuring a robust investigation within the constraints.

The Rayleigh-Ritz technique is used to investigate the free vibration properties of elastic foundation-supported porous functionally graded nanoplates. The findings show that differences in material composition, porosity and foundation support have a significant impact on the vibrational behaviour of nanoplates. The Rayleigh-Ritz approach is good at modelling and predicting these properties. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the possibility of customizing nanoplate qualities to optimize certain vibrational responses, providing useful insights for engineering applications. These findings expand understanding of dynamic behaviours in nanoscale structures, making it easier to build innovative materials with specific features for a wide range of industrial applications.

The novel aspect of this research is the incorporation of elastic foundation support, porous structures and functionally graded materials into the setting of nanoplate free vibrations, utilizing the Rayleigh-Ritz technique. Few research have looked into this complex combo. By tackling complicated interactions, the research pushes boundaries, providing a unique insight into the dynamic behaviour of nanoscale objects. This novel approach allows for a better understanding of the interconnected effects of material composition, porosity and foundation support on free vibrations, paving the way for the development of tailored nanomaterials with specific vibrational properties for advanced engineering and technology applications.

Finite element (FE) analysis can be used for both design and verification of components. In the case of 3D-printed materials, a proper characterization of properties, accounting for anisotropy and raster angles, can help develop efficient material models. This study aims to use compression tests to characterize short carbon-reinforced PA12 made by fused filament fabrication (FFF) and to model its behaviour by the FE method.

In this work, the authors focus on compression tests, using post-processed specimens to overcome external defects introduced by the FFF process. The material’s elastoplastic mechanical behaviour is modelled by an elastic stiffness matrix, Hill’s anisotropic yield criterion and Voce’s isotropic hardening law, considering the stacking sequence of raster angles. A FE analysis is conducted to reproduce the material’s compressive behaviour through the LS-DYNA software.

The proposed model can capture stress values at different deformation levels and peculiar aspects of deformed shapes until the onset of damage mechanisms. Deformation and damage mechanisms are strictly correlated to orientation and raster angle.

The paper aims to contribute to the understanding of 3D-printed material’s behaviour through compression tests on bulk 3D-printed material. The methodology proposed, enriched with an anisotropic damage criterion, could be effectively used for design and verification purposes in the field of 3D-printed components through FE analysis.

Heterogeneous and micro-structured materials have been the object of multiscale and homogenization techniques aimed at recognizing the elastic properties of the equivalent continuum. The proposed investigation deals with the mechanical characterization of the heterogeneous material structured metamaterials through analyzing the ultimate strength using the limit analysis of the Representative Volume Element (RVE). To get the desired material strength, a novel finite element formulation based on the derivation of self-equilibrated solutions through the finite elements devoted to calculating the lower bound theorem has been implemented together with the limit analysis in Melàn’s formulation.

The finite element formulation is based on discrete mapping of Volterra dislocations in the structure using isoparametric representation. Using standard finite element techniques, the linear operator V, which relates the self-equilibrated internal solicitation to displacement-like nodal parameters, has been built through finite element discretization of displacement and strain.

The proposed work presented an elastic homogenization of the mechanical properties of an elementary cell with a geometry known in the literature, the isotropic truss. The matrix of elastic constants was calculated by subjecting the RVE to numerical load tests, simulated with a commercial FEM calculation code. This step showed the dependence of the isotropy properties, verified with Zener theory, on the density of the RVE. The isotropy condition of the material is only achieved for certain section ratios between body-centered cubic (BCC) and face-centered cubic (FCC), neglecting flexural effects at the nodes. The density that satisfies Zener’s conditions represents the isotropic geomatics of the isotropic truss.

For the isotropic case, the VFEM procedure was used to evaluate the isotropy of the limit domain and was compared with the Mises–Schleicher limit domain. The evaluation of residual ductility and dissipation energy allowed a measurement parameter for the limit anisotropy to be defined. The novelty of the proposal consisted in the formulation of both the linearized and the nonlinear limit locus of the material; hence, it furnished the starting point for further limit analysis of the structures whose elementary volume has been described through the proposed approach.

To evaluate the temperature-dependency of the Young’s and shear moduli of concrete after exposure to moderately elevated temperatures using the non-destructive impulse excitation technique (IET).

The study involved heating the concrete up to 225 °C and measuring the dynamic Young’s and shear moduli using the non-destructive technique of impulse excitation, which measures the natural vibration frequency from a mechanical impulse received by an acoustic sensor. The effects of temperature on the dynamic Young’s and shear moduli were analysed and the importance of the spatial variability of the measured values was also verified.

The study found that even moderately elevated temperatures (below 225 °C) resulted in a significant permanent reduction in the Young’s modulus of concrete (reduction in the range of 23%–36% for the maximum temperature considered in this research) as well as a modest and permanent reduction in the shear modulus of around 6%. It was also observed that spatial variability of the mechanical properties of concrete plays an important role in the measured values; higher dispersion of the results was found for the values of the Young’s and shear moduli of concrete measured along the height of the beam. The non-destructive test method used in this study was found to be extremely useful in the investigation of heat-related damage in concrete structures for its ease of use, low time consumption and accuracy. The results were consistent with the published literature.

This study provides important insights into the temperature-dependent behaviour of the dynamic Young’s and shear moduli of concrete and highlights the significance of proper consideration of the spatial variability of the measured values. The use of a non-destructive test method for continuous acoustic testing during heating and cooling proved to be effective, and the findings contribute to the fields of materials science and civil engineering in understanding the effects of elevated temperatures on concrete properties. The findings confirm that IET can be easily used to gather important information in the condition assessment and rehabilitation of concrete structures after a fire event. Further studies to foster the application of this technique to real structures are suggested.