Analytical and numerical flexural properties of polymeric porous functionally graded (PFGM) sandwich beams

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Study of the harmful factors influence on the occupational risk level: the example of the Ukrainian mining industry

dvreg

Investigation of the efficiency of restrained oil displacement using of enhancing oil recovery methods

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PM 2.5 modelling during paddy stubble burning months using artificial intelligence techniques

vsdedger

Fracture toughness of ABS additively manufactured by FDM process

Purpose: The purpose on this article is to study the failure of FDM printed ABS by exhibiting an exhaustive crack growth analysis mainly based on raster angle parameter. Design/methodology/approach: Two approaches have been developed in this study; On one hand, mechanical experiments were carried out to determine the critical stress intensity factor KIC. On the other hand, numerical analysis was used to predict the paths within the part as well as the crack propagation. Findings: This work has clearly shown the effect of raster angle on the damage mechanism of the ABS printed by FDM. Indeed, for the combination 1 (0°/90°), the structure presents an important stiffness and a high degree of stress distribution symmetry with respect to the notch. Moreover, the crack propagation is regular and straight, and the damage surfaces are on the same plane. However, for the combination 2 (-45°/45°), the structure is less resistant with an asymmetrical stress distribution according to two different planes. Research limitations/implications: In order to present an exhaustive study, we focused on the effect of two raster angles (including 0°/90°, -45°/45°) on the ABS crack propagation, additively manufactured. This study is still in progress for other raster angles, and will be developed from a design of experiments (DoE) design that incorporates all relevant factors. To highlight more the cracking mechanisms, microscopic observations will be developed in more depth. Practical implications: Our analysis can be used as a decision aid in the design of FDM parts. Indeed, we can choose the raster angle that would ensure the desired crack propagation resistance for a functional part. Originality/value: In this article, we have analyzed the mechanism of damage and crack propagation. This topic represents a new orientation for many research papers. For our study, we accompanied our experimental approach with an original numerical approach. In this numerical approach, we were able to mesh distinctly raster by raster for all layers.

Influence of silver-containing filler on antibacterial properties of experimental resin composites against Enterococcus faecalis

Purpose: The aim of the presented work was to investigate the impact of the S-P introduction into resin-based composites on their effectiveness against Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis). Design/methodology/approach: Seven experimental composites based on typical matrix were developed. Six of them contained a filler with antimicrobial properties (silver sodium hydrogen zirconium phosphate, S-P), while the control material contained only common reinforcement fillers. The materials were characterized in terms of the dispersion of the extender in the matrix and then subjected to microbiological tests. The efficiency in the reduction of E. faecalis in the microenvironment was tested. Findings: The composites show a satisfactory distribution of fillers and a high initial reduction of bacteria colonies for the tested strain of E. faecalis. The reduction in bacteria colonies achieved for S-P concentrations from 7% to 13% was similar (median value from 99.8 to 99.9%, when for control material and compound with 1% S-P the number of colonies increased compared to positive control. Research limitations/implications: Laboratory test results may differ from in vivo test performance. In addition, there are many models for conducting laboratory antimicrobial efficacy studies, the results of which are also varied. The cytotoxic tests, long-term investigations and in vivo experiments need to be performed in future experiments. Practical implications: E. faecalis is a Gram-positive bacterium that is commonly detected in persistent endodontic infections and may enter the root canal through the coronal part. Development of composites with antimicrobial properties against this bacterium is as important as obtaining efficacy against cariogenic bacteria. Originality/value: The antimicrobial effectiveness against E. faecalis of experimental composites with submicrometer-sized particles of S-P was not investigated until now.

Hardness investigation of conventional, bulk fill and flowable dental composites

Purpose: of the present paper is to investigate the micro-hardness of three types of resin-based composites – conventional, bulk fill and flowable. Design/methodology/approach: Cylindrical specimens with a diameter of 5 mm and thicknesses of 2, 3 and 4 mm were made from each composite. They were light cured for 20, 40 and 60 s with light intensity of 600, 1000 or 1500 mW/cm2. The Vickers micro-hardness was measured on the top and bottom surface of the specimens. Findings: The highest micro-hardness was measured in bulk fill composite, followed by conventional and the lowest was measured in the flowable one. Increasing the light intensity leads to increase of the micro-hardness on both surfaces of the three composites. The increase of the irradiation time results in increase of the micro-hardness mainly on the bottom surface of the composites. The change of the layer thickness influences the conventional and the flowable composites and almost does not affect the hardness of the bulk fill composite. Research limitations/implications: The limitations of this study concerns to the values of the light intensity, which are defined by the light curing unit (LCU) used. There are many LCUs on the market; consequently, constant investigations of dental composites micro-hardness are needed. Practical implications: The investigation of the micro-hardness of the three types of composites in different modes would be very helpful for clinicians to obtain successful polymerization of composite restorations in their everyday practice. Originality/value: The micro-hardness of three types resin-based dental composites – conventional, bulk fill and flowable is investigated and compared in varying of three mode parameters – light intensity, curing time and layer thickness.

Studies on the impact of external fire on the lye of the shelter housing

Purpose: The presented article presents a numerical analysis carried out to determine the impact of an external fire taking place on the surface of the ground on the level of stress of the trench shelter casing protected by a layer of soil. Design/methodology/approach: Numerical analysis was carried out in two stages. In the first stage, a quasi-stationary distribution of the initial temperature in the centre of the ground and the shelter casing was sought. In the second stage of the analysis, the effect of the fire was considered according to the profile of time changes in the temperature of the shelter object. Findings: We assume that the trench shelter is in an oblong shape, and the fire extends over a vast area. The area surrounding the shelter casing was treated as a material with average constant thermodynamic values. Research limitations/implications: The process related to heating and cooling the enclosure was described on the basis of the Fourier equation on heat conduction in terms of the heterogeneous nature of the material, primer and concrete. Practical implications: The use of the trench shelter model as a research element in the design of special objects. Originality/value: The methods of non-stationary temperature flow through the ground and the shelter casing used, allows for a very realistic indication of how the housing will behave under the influence of high temperature caused by an external fire. The article can be useful for designers who design underground shelters.

Optimum transportation of relief materials aftermath the disaster

Purpose: Natural disasters disrupt not only the lives of individuals but also the functioning of society. Given the unpredictability of disasters and the uncertainty associated with them, preparation is the best way to mitigate and reduce the effects of the disaster. Design/methodology/approach: The study presents a mathematical model in the form of a multi-objective linear programming problem for the relief distribution from the airports which minimizes the total operational cost as well as travel time. Further, the solution approach and analytical results have also been discussed. Findings: The main aims at the preparedness stage are to identify and build infrastructures that might function as useful operation centres during a disaster. The study also provides decisions that include the type and number of vehicles for each affected location. Research limitations/implications: Airports can function as centres for relief collection and distribution. However, relief operations carried out through airports are often subject to problems such as stockpiling. Further, various modes are available for the transport of relief supplies- air, water, and land transport modes primarily. While aircraft and helicopters are faster, their costs of operation are too high. Instead, trucks are economical but very slow as compared to aircraft. Practical implications: The choice of model depends on many factors including the availability of vehicles, availability of routes, and criticality of situations. The choices made in turn affect the costs and the time of operations. Originality/value: The model converts a disaster scenario into a demand-supply problem with the aim being to decide allocations at specified intervals of time.

Instructions for the preparation of a numerical investigation on crack parameters of cantilever beam using FEA

Purpose: The operation of engineering structures may cause various type of damages like cracks, alterations. Such kind of defects can lead to change in vibration characteristics of cantilever beam. The superposition of frequency causes resonance leading to amplitude built up and failure of beam. The current research investigates the effect of crack dimensional parameters on vibrational characteristics of cantilever beam. Design/methodology/approach: The CAD design and FE simulation studies are conducted in ANSYS 20 simulation package. The natural frequencies, mode shapes and response surface plots are generated, and comparative studies are performed. The effect of crack dimensional parameters is then investigated using Taguchi Design of Experiments. The statistical method of central composite design (CCD) scheme in Response Surface Optimization is used to generated various design points based on variation of crack width and crack depth. Findings: The research findings have shown that crack depth or crack height have significant effect on magnitude of deformation and natural frequency. The deformation is minimum at 0.009 m crack height and reaches maximum value at 0.011 m crack height. Research limitations/implications: The crack induced in the cantilever beam needs to be repaired properly in order to avoid crack propagation due to resonance. The present study enabled to determine frequencies of external excitation which should be avoided. The limitation of current research is the type of crack studied which is transverse type. The effect of longitudinal cracks on vibration characteristics is not investigated. Practical implications: The study on mass participation factor has shown maximum value for torsional frequency which signifies that any external excitation along this direction should be avoided which could cause resonance and lead to amplitude build up. Originality/value: The beams are used in bridge girders and other civil structures which are continuously exposed to moist climate. The moisture present in the air causes corrosion which initiates crack. This crack propagates and alters the natural frequency of beam.