Fabrication and tensile testing of 3D printed continuous wire polymer composites

Purpose This paper aims to evaluate and predict the tensile properties of additively manufactured continuous wire polymer composites (CWPCs). Design/methodology/approach An open-source 3D printer was modified to print CWPCs where metal wires act as a reinforcement within a polymer matrix. The influence of different wire materials and diameters on the tensile modulus and ultimate tensile strength was studied. Different polymer matrixes were used to investigate the effect of the matrix on CWPCs’ tensile properties. The behaviour of samples was predicted analytically using the rule of mixture micromechanical approach and investigated experimentally using an American society for testing and materials standard tensile test. Findings Experimental results showed improvement in the elastic modulus and ultimate strength of CWPCs compared with non-reinforced specimens. Deviation between the experimental data and the analytical prediction was found to be dependent on the matrix type, wire volume fraction and wire material. Originality/value This paper introduces novel continuous metal wire-reinforced 3D printed composites. The continuous wire inside the print can be used as a strain gauge which can give an early alert for material failure. Applications for CWPCs include 3D-printed pressure and temperature sensors which measure the change in the wire’s electrical resistance and 3D-printed heaters which would work by supplying current through continuous wires.

Surgical treatment of a mandibular symphyseal fracture in a calf using a continuous wire-loop technique: a case report

In this case report, we describe the clinical and radiological features of a calf mandibular symphyseal fracture and evaluate the treatment results. A 1.5-month-old male Holstein weighing 65 kg was presented to the Surgery Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Adnan Menderes University with a history of salivation and anorexia for three days. After clinical and radiographic assessments, a mandibular symphyseal fracture was determined. Stabilisation of the fracture region was achieved using cerclage wire with a continuous wire-loop technique under general anaesthesia. The cerclage wire was removed five weeks post-surgery. The calf was clinically healthy.

A Metamaterial Backed Dipole Antenna for High Gain Directional Communications

The enhanced radiation performance of a dipole antenna backed by the split ring resonator-continuous wire pair array working in the H┴ excitation scenario is presented in this paper. The H┴ excitation scenario of the metamaterial is used to get zero reflection phase resulting in enhanced gain performance. The two layer meta-structure along with the dipole is fabricated on a low cost substrate of dielectric constant 4.4 and height 1mm. The reflection properties of the metamaterial structure and its effect on the radiation performance of the dipole antenna are presented in this paper.