Experimental analysis on mechanical properties of BF/PLA composites and its lightweight design on power battery box

In response to the concept of energy conservation and environmental protection, a novel composite battery box with BF/PLA composite is proposed. Firstly, the mechanical properties of BF/PLA composite are tested, and it is concluded that the property parameters of BF/PLA composite with 50% BF mass fraction is selected as the material property parameter of subsequent finite element simulation. Subsequently, the statics analysis and constraint modal analysis of the traditional metal battery box are carried out under the typical working conditions of rapid turning and braking under vertical bumping. Based on this, the upper and lower box materials of the battery box except the bracket are replaced by BF/PLA composite. The morphology optimization, topology optimization and free size optimization are carried out with the constraint that the first-order modal vibration frequency is no less than 30 Hz. Compared with the traditional metal battery box, the stiffness and strength of the optimized BF/PLA composite battery box are significantly enhanced. Moreover, the first-order constraint modal frequency increases by 15.5%, and the comprehensive weight reduction ratio reaches 40.88%. Finally, the optimized BF/PLA composite battery box is verified under random vibration, mechanical shock analysis, collision analysis, extrusion and falling ball analysis and drop analysis conditions. Meanwhile, compared with the traditional metal battery box under the same working conditions, the excellent reliability of the composite battery box is highlighted. The proposed BF/PLA composite battery box satisfies the requirements of stiffness and strength performances under various working conditions, which provides theoretical and data support for the application of composite materials in battery box and other automotive components.

A Tunable Metamaterial Joint for Mechanical Shock Applications Inspired by Carbon Nanotubes

The significant developments of additive manufacturing and especially 3D-printing technologies have broadened the application field of metamaterials. The present study aims at establishing the main design parameters of a novel 3D-printed polymer-based joint. The proposed joint can efficiently absorb impact energy, relieving the material components from extensive plastic deformations. The design of the machine element is inspired by the molecular structure of carbon nanotubes and appropriately adjusted in such a way that it has the ability to partially transform translational motion to rotational motion and, thus, provide axial structural protection from compressive shocks. The utilized material is a photosensitive resin that is typically utilized in 3D manufacturing processes. Experiments are utilized to characterize the mechanical performance of the raw material as well as the static compressive behavior of the joint. Finally, finite element simulations are performed to test the developed design under impact loadings characterized by different frequencies. The damping capabilities of the metamaterial-based joint are revealed and discussed.

Constrained Abrasive Jet Polishing with a Tangentially Aligned Nozzle Shroud

In order to improve surface polishing quality and efficiency for hard and brittle components, a novel nozzle with specifically designed shroud was proposed for an abrasive jet polishing process. The removal mechanism of the abrasive jet under such a nozzle was investigated by simulating the jet flow in the interaction area of the nozzle shroud and workpiece. The simulation results show that the speed of the abrasive jet increases greatly by the shroud and the direction of the jet is aligned near parallel to the workpiece surface to minimize impact damage to workpiece surface. The constrained abrasive jet polishing (CAJP) experiments were conducted on the quartz glass component, a typical hard and brittle material, showing that the material removal mainly relied on the shearing and scratching of the workpiece surface rather than the mechanical shock impacts, which is consistent with the simulation findings.

Minimizing Oxidation of Freeze-Dried Monoclonal Antibodies in Polymeric Vials Using a Smart Packaging Approach

Primary containers made of cyclic olefin polymer (COP) have recently gained attention since they may overcome several risks and shortcomings of glass containers as they exhibit a high break resistance, biocompatibility, and homogeneous heat transfer during lyophilization. On the downside, COP is more permeable for gases, which can lead to an ingress of oxygen into the container over time. Since oxidation is an important degradation pathway for monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), the continuous migration of oxygen into drug product containers should be avoided overall. To date, no long-term stability studies regarding lyophilizates in polymer vials have been published, potentially because of the unbearable gas permeability. In this study, we demonstrate that after lyophilization in COP vials and storage of these vials in aluminum pouches together with combined oxygen and moisture absorbers (“smart packaging”), oxidation of two lyophilized therapeutic antibodies was as low as in glass vials due to the deoxygenated environment in the pouch. Nevertheless, active removal of oxygen from the primary container below the initial level over time during storage in such “smart” secondary packaging was not achieved. Furthermore, residual moisture was controlled. Overall, the smart packaging reveals a promising approach for long-term stability of biopharmaceuticals; in addition to COP’s known benefits, stable, low oxygen and moisture levels as well as the protection from light and cushioning against mechanical shock by the secondary packaging preserve the sensitive products very well.

Susceptibility of Impact Damage to Whole Apples Packaged Inside Molded Fiber and Expanded Polystyrene Trays

Postharvest damage, leading to loss and waste, continues to be a significant problem in the fresh produce industry. Trays, designed to reduce fruit-to-fruit contact, are utilized by the apple industry to minimize bruising of whole apples. During distribution, packaged apples are subjected to various supply chain hazards, which may lead to bruising damage. Currently, molded fiber (MF) and expanded polystyrene (EPS) trays transport whole apples from the packhouse to the retail outlet. Mechanical shock, by free-fall drop method, was used to evaluate the performance differences between the two trays and quantify the bruising characteristics of the apples. Results showed that the EPS trays provided better shock protection to the apple as compared to the MF tray, reducing the impact acceleration by more than 70%. Additionally, the bruise susceptibility was 40% less for the apples packaged inside the EPS trays, regardless of drop height. However, apples packaged in the middle layer trays were most susceptible to bruising damage, regardless of tray type.

Subpollen particle release from different species of the invasive allergenic genus Ambrosia: the effect of rainwater composition and wind speed

Allergen-containing subpollen particles (SPPs) are micrometric or sub-micrometric particles (0.12–5 µm) released from pollen. They are able to reach the lower airways, causing allergenic reactions. SPP release occurs through the pore of intact grains or by rupture of the whole grain. In this paper the results of two laboratory experiments investigating the dynamics of SPP release for three alien species of Ambrosia genus are shown. Rainwater composition and wind speed were considered, by simulating different conditions, in accordance with a fully orthogonal experimental design. The principle response variable was the total percentage of SPPs-releasing pollen grains; also the percentage of intact grains releasing SPPs through the pore and of broken SPPs-releasing grains were considered. Both osmotic and mechanical shock caused the discharge of SPPs but different results were observed. The highest number of releasing grains was recorded in case of acid solution and 20 knots wind speed. Moreover, wind and rainfalls caused SPPs release through different mechanisms. Wind mainly provoked a mechanical shock leading to grain rupture, whereas rainfall caused mainly SPPs release through the pore of intact grains. Comparing species, the effect of wind and at least in some cases also that of rainwater appeared to be less relevant for Ambrosia trifida than for Ambrosia psilostachya and Ambrosia artemisiifolia. The obtained results suggest a species-specific response of Ambrosia species to wind speed and rainwater that lead to a different release of SPPs and then to a species-specific impact on allergy according to the characteristics of their growth environment.

A Multifaceted Approach for Cryogenic Waste Tire Recycling

One of the important aspects for degradation of the life quality is the ever increasing volume and range of industrial wastes. Polymer wastes, such as automotive tire rubber, are a source of long-term environmental pollution. This paper presents an approach to simplifying the rubber waste recycling process using cryogenic temperatures. The temperature of cryogenic treatment is ranged from 77 K to 280 K. Liquid nitrogen was used as a cryoagent for laboratory tests. Experimental and numerical studies have been carried out to determine the optimal conditions for the recycling process. Numerical studies were performed using the COMSOL Multiphysics cross-platform software. The optimal force of mechanical shock for the destruction of a tire which turned into a glassy state after cryoexposure was determined experimentally. The chemical and physical properties of the final product (crumb rubber) have been studied by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The analysis shows that the morphology and elemental composition of the samples remain practically unchanged, demonstrating environmental friendliness of the proposed process.