Effects of diamond-like carbon coating on frictional and mechanical properties of orthodontic brackets: An in vitro study

Objectives: The aim of this study is to apply a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating on orthodontic brackets and to examine the effects of the coating on surface properties and friction. Materials and Methods: 0.022-inch upper right canine brackets, 0.018-inch stainless steel wires, and 0.019 × 0.025-inch stainless steel wires were used in the study. Half of the brackets were treated with physical vapor deposition technique and coated with DLC. Different binary groups constituted of coated and uncoated brackets and wires were subjected to friction experiments using the Instron universal testing machine (Instron, Norwood, MA, USA). The surface properties of the coatings were evaluated using Raman, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and non-contact optical profilometer. Results: The friction force values between the DLC-coated brackets and the stainless-steel wires in both dimensions were found to be statistically significantly lower than the friction force between the uncoated brackets and the wires (P < 0.001). The surface roughness value, especially around the slot groove decreased significantly in the coated brackets (P < 0.05). DLC coating layer thickness is approximately 1.0 μm (806 nanometers). Conclusion: DLC coating improves the surface properties of orthodontic brackets, and DLC coating process remarkably reduced the friction force.

Development of a macro-element model for rockfall steel wires using

This paper aims to present a few aspects of the development of a plastic-hardening macro-element model for steel wires in flexible protection systems. First, the material behaviour is obtained using uniaxial tensile tests. Successively, the evolution of the elastic and plastic domain is obtained using a combination of physical tests, analytical models, and numerical simulations. Finally, the results obtained with the macro-element model are compared to those obtained using other approaches found in literature.

DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF AN EFFICIENT COMPUTER SIMULATION MODEL FOR RESPONSE ANALYSIS OF A MOORED SEMI-SUBMERSIBLE

This paper presents the design and development of an efficient modular ‘Computer Simulation Model (CSM)’ for response analysis of a moored semi-submersible. The computer simulation model is designed in two split models (i.e. computational and experimental models) and each of these models consists of various modules. The modules are developed from basic governing equations related to motion and modules are integrated and we aim for a seamless integration. The moored semi-submersible is represented mathematically as six degrees of freedom dynamic system and the coupling effects between the structure and mooring lines are considered. The basic geometric configuration of semi- submersible is modelled and analyzed for stability computations in MS-Excel*TM and then the basic governing equations related to motion are modelled mathematically in a module and solved numerically with Ansys-AQWA**TM. The computational model is validated and verified with some available experimental results. The CSM is utilized to study the surge and sway responses with respect to the horizontal range of mooring lines and our results show good validation with the existing experimental results. Our presented results show that the fibre wires have minimum steady state response in surge and sway degrees of freedom as compared with the steel wires. However, they have large drift as compared with steel wires. Finally, we show that the computer simulation model can help in detailed analysis of responses and results can be utilized for design and development of new age semi-submersibles for optimum performances for a given set of parameters.

Effect of environmental factors on electrochemical corrosion of galvanized steel wires for bridge cables

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the electrochemical corrosion rate of galvanized steel wires for bridge cables. Design/methodology/approach The electrochemical corrosion test and response surface analysis of galvanized steel wires were carried out, and the variety of polarization curves of galvanized steel wires under different corrosion parameters was discussed. The expression of corrosion rate of galvanized steel wires under the action of single and multi-factor coupling was established. Findings The polarization curves of galvanized steel wires under different Cl- concentrations, pH value and temperature were basically similar, but all show different degrees of deviation and some anodic polarization curves had inflection points. For example, when the Cl- concentration reached 3.5%, the corrosion rate of galvanized steel wire was four times that of pure water. Originality/value The influence relationship of single and multi-factor coupling on the corrosion rate of galvanized steel wires was as follows: RCl > RT * Cl > RT > RpH > RpH * T > RpH * Cl.