Properties of Plywood Made from Perforated Veneers

The paper is focused on the bending properties of beech plywood made from veneers with perforations. The modification of the plywood was done by the targeted perforations in veneers used. The perforations were rectangular in shape 5 × 30 mm. There was a gap of 10 mm between the perforations (in each direction) and the perforations in the individual rows were shifted by 10 mm relative to each other. Two structures of lightweight plywood were investigated: sheathed (lightweight type 1) with perforated inner layers sheathed with solid veneer and perforated (lightweight type 2) with perforations in each layer. Bending properties were evaluated by three-point bend testing. The results showed decreased bending strength (MOR) as well as decreased modulus of elasticity in bending (MOE) with reduction of weight. Bending strength (MOR) was reduced by 33 to 57% and modulus of elasticity (MOE) by 13 to 43% compared to standard (non-lightweight) plywood. Bendability of lightweight plywood expressed by the minimum bending radius (Rmin) and the coefficient of bendability (koh) point to a slight decrease in bendability by 1 to 35% compared to standard (non-lightweight) plywood. The benefit of the proposed plywood lightweight constructions is weight reduction by 16.5 to 24.4%.

Study of the Impact of Curing Condition on Flexural Strength of a Very Thin Semiconductor Package

Thinner semiconductor package is becoming popular especially in consumer electronics applications. As package becomes thinner, it is more vulnerable to package crack when subjected to external load. It is important to ensure that the package is strong enough to resist package cracking. This paper presents the study of package flexural strength under different epoxy mold compound curing condition. A 3-point bend test was done to characterize the breaking strength of the package that was subjected to post-mold curing. It was then compared to the strength of the package not subjected to post-mold curing (PMC). Results of the bend testing showed that the package flexural strength is much lower when the package is not subjected to post-mold curing. This study demonstrates that the measurement of flexural strength can be used to determine if the package has undergone post-mold curing or not. Performing the right post-mold curing of the thin molded package is required to ensure higher flexural strength.

Assessing the Elastic Moduli of Pavement Marking Tapes using the Tape Drape Test

Temporary pavement marking (TPM) tape adhesion with roadway surfaces is critical for tape performance. The two main TPM performance issues both stem from the adhesive strength. Weak adhesion results in premature detachment and excessive adhesion requires extensive removal processes that often leave ghost markings, both of which can cause dangerous confusion in road construction zones. Tape adhesion is directly related to the elastic modulus [Formula: see text] of TPM tapes. Thus, accurate characterization of [Formula: see text] before tape installation is essential to fully understand and predict the adhesion performance and ultimately the durability of TPMs. To determine the most appropriate [Formula: see text] characterization technique for three different commercial TPM tape brands, two commonly used techniques—tensile and three-point bend testing—were compared with a less common technique, the Peirce cantilever testing or “Tape Drape Test” (ASTM D1388-18). The Tape Drape Test was the only method that accurately characterized [Formula: see text] of tapes with raised surface features. Measured [Formula: see text] values from tensile and three-point bend testing showed significant variation caused by the structural features of the tapes. The Tape Drape Test, which can be implemented quickly in the field before tape installation with little equipment, effectively characterized [Formula: see text] for all the tapes to inform tape adhesion performances and installation procedures.

The Effect of AC (alternating current) and DC (direct current) on Bend Testing Results of Low Carbon Steel Welding Joints

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) on the bend testing results of low carbon steel welding joints. The results of this study are expected to determine the cracks that occur from the root bend and face bend testings in the AC and DC welding process. This study used experimental method, where the research was done by giving AC and direct polarity DC (DC-) SMAW welding treatments. The material used in this research was low carbon steel plate DIN 17100 Grade ST 44, thickness 10 with E7016 electrode type. The process of welding joints used a single V seam, strong current of 90A, and the welding position of 1G. The testing of welding joints was carried out by bend testing using the standard acceptance of AWS D1.1 root bend and face bend testing results. The results of the bend testing showed that the AC welding root bend test specimen held no cracks while the DC welding root bend test held cracks with incompelete penetration and open crack defects. On the contrary, the AC welding face bend test had open crack defects and in the DC welding face bend test was found a crack. Thus, there was a difference in the crack resistance of the welding joint from the types of current used through the root bend test and face bend test. Therefore, it can be summarized that AC welding is better for root welding and DC welding is good for capping welding.

Weld Hydrogen Cracking Susceptibility

Weld hydrogen cracking has been recognized as an issue of concern and a wide range of hardenability criteria and single pass weld testing techniques have been developed to demonstrate material weldability, however, hydrogen cracks continue to be identified in welds. The potential for hydrogen cracking is related to the presence of hydrogen, the local tensile strain state and the susceptibility of the material microstructure. The weldment slow bend test and hydrogen effusion and cracking model has been used in Pipeline Research Council International (PRCI) research reported in this paper to support the development of an understanding of the interaction of these factors in promoting hydrogen cracking. The slow bend testing procedure is described with examples of the effects of increasing hydrogen and/or strain conditions are used to illustrate hydrogen cracking susceptibility. The slow bend testing procedure was applied to a range of steel weld metals to develop an understanding of the factors which make one more or less susceptible to hydrogen cracking. Combining the results of slow bend testing, the susceptibility of deposited shielded metal arc weld material to hydrogen cracking is defined using a hydrogen susceptibility curve that establishes the critical strain to form a crack as a function of hydrogen concentration. Cracking susceptibility is described through the definition of material ductility and embrittlement indices, which are derived from the hydrogen susceptibility curves. Cracking susceptibility is then correlated with mechanical, chemical and microstructure properties of the deposited welds. This model to predict weld metal hydrogen cracking susceptibility was developed to support electrode selection and welding procedure development to preclude hydrogen cracking. The results in this paper can be used to reduce the risk of hydrogen cracking and support the development of industry guidance.

Verification, Validation, and Uncertainty Quantification of Spinal Rod Computational Models Under Three-Point Bending

Verification, validation, and uncertainty quantification (VVUQ) can increase confidence in computational models by providing evidence that a model accurately represents the intended reality of interest. However, there are currently few examples demonstrating the application of VVUQ best practices for medical devices. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to understand the reproducibility and repeatability of experimental testing and finite element analysis (FEA), perform VVUQ activities that guide the development and refinement of a finite element model, and document best practices for future research. This study focused on experiments and simulations of three-point bend testing, which is a fundamental element of a hierarchical validation study of medical devices (e.g., spinal rod-screw systems). Experimental three-point bend testing was performed at two laboratories using medical-grade titanium (Ti-6Al-4V) spinal rods. FEA replicating the experimental test was performed by four independent institutions. Validation activities included comparing differences in mechanical properties between FEA and experimental results, where less than 10% difference was observed for all quantities of interest. Computational model uncertainties due to modeling assumptions and model input parameters were estimated using the sensitivity coefficient method. An importance factor analysis showed that rod diameter was the parameter driving uncertainty in the initial elastic region, while the material model is the primary contributor beyond this point. These results provide a proof of concept in the use of VVUQ for the use of FEA for medical device applications.

Study of Bismuth Telluride Crystal Strength

The article presents results of strength tests of bismuth telluride prismatic samples obtained by growing crystals. These crystals have semiconductor properties and are used in the heat machines, the run-ability of which largely depends on the strength of crystals. Data available in the literature are significantly different from each other. It has been shown that, the most consistent strength tests results are obtained in case of bend testing. The measurement results of the elasticity modulus and tensile strength are given. For tests, an INSTRON testing machine with maximum direct stress of the 1000 H was used.