Modeling of thermal processes in the contact zones of fuel elements

In this work, using two specific examples, a general approach to the mathematical modeling of thermal processes in the contact zones of fuel elements in the development and optimization of various technological processes, systems and devices is considered. In the first example, a mathematical model of heat transfer in the contact zone (metal-hybrid thermal interface) between the heat-generating element and the heat-dissipating radiator is considered. In the second case, the thermal process in the processing of materials with a bonded diamond tool in the contact zone "diamond grain – binder – processed material" is considered and analyzed. The general approach to modeling thermal processes in the contact zones of various fuel elements makes it possible to optimize the parameters of technological processing modes and the correct operating conditions for products and systems

Quantitative evaluation of the progressive wear of powered interproximal reduction systems after repeated use

Purpose To evaluate the residual surface roughness of 5 common diamond-coated interproximal reduction (IPR) systems after consecutive in vitro applications in relation to system, diamond grain size, and instrument thickness. Methods IPR was performed on 80 extracted human incisors using motor-driven strips and discs under predefined conditions. The IPR auxiliaries were applied at 5 consecutive sessions of 20 s on intact interproximal surfaces, and the surface profile (Ra, Rz, Rmax) was analyzed at baseline and after each session with an optical profilometer. Results No overall significant difference in the roughness values was found between systems (P = 0.07 for Ra, P = 0.33 for Rz, and P = 0.48 for Rmax). There was a significant average decrease of Ra, Rz, and Rmax for all systems for every unit increase in time by −0.171 μm (P < 0.001), −3.297 (P ≤ 0.001), and −2.788 μm (P = 0.001), respectively. Ra, Rz, and Rmax values increased significantly, i.e., by 0.194 μm (P = 0.003), 5.890 μm (P = 0.001), and 5.319 μm (P = 0.010) as instrument thickness increased by one unit. No significant reductions in Ra, Rz, and Rmax were observed across grain sizes (−0.008 μm [P > 0.05], −0.244 μm [P > 0.05], and −0.179 μm [P > 0.05], respectively). There was no evidence of interaction between system and time as the P values for Ra, Rz, and Rmax were 0.88, 0.51, and 0.70, respectively. Conclusions All IPR materials presented significant gradual decrease of surface roughness after repeated applications. There were no significant roughness changes among auxiliaries of different grain sizes. Thinner auxiliaries showed significantly more roughness reduction, possibly requiring more frequent replacement than thick auxiliaries in clinical practice.

Characterization of Zirconia-Based Ceramics After Microgrinding

Despite the recent developments of ductile mode machining, microgrinding of bioceramics can cause an insufficient surface and subsurface integrity due to the inherent hardness and brittleness of such materials. This work aims to determine the influence of a two-step grinding operation on zirconia-based ceramics. In this regard, zirconia (ZrO2) and zirconia toughened alumina (ZTA) specimens are ground with ultrasonic vibration assistance within a variation of the machining parameters using two grinding steps and different diamond grain sizes of the tools in each of the machining procedure. White light interferometry, scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and four-point bending tests are performed to evaluate surface roughness, microstructure, residual stresses, and flexural strength, respectively. The strategy applied suggests that the finished parts are suitable for certain biomedical uses like dental implants due to their optimum surface roughness. Moreover, concerning the mechanical properties, an increase of the flexural strength and compressive residual stresses of ground ZrO2 and ZTA workpieces were observed in comparison to the as-received specimens. These results, as well as the methodology proposed to investigate the surface integrity of the ground workpieces, are helpful to understand the bioceramic materials response under microgrinding conditions and to set further machining investigations.