In our present paper, we approach the mixed problem with initial and boundary conditions, in the context of thermoelasticity without energy dissipation of bodies with a dipolar structure. Our first result is a reciprocal relation for the mixed problem which is reformulated by including the initial data into the field equations. Then, we deduce a generalization of Gurtin’s variational principle, which covers our generalized theory for bodies with a dipolar structure. It is important to emphasize that both results are obtained in a very general context, namely that of anisotropic and inhomogeneous environments, having a center of symmetry at each point.
This paper aims to analyze the stress and strain states appearing in the elbow of a tube, such as those commonly used in a city’s water supply network. The stress field is characterized by the fact that there is a significant stress increase when compared to a straight tube. As a result, the strength of such an elbow must be investigated and guaranteed for such a network to be well designed. A practical solution used is to anchor the elbow in a massive concrete block. The paper compares the stress field that occurs in the elbow when it is free, buried in the ground, and when it is anchored in a massive concrete block. Furthermore, we investigate how a crack appears and propagates in the elbow. This happens especially for the elbow buried in the ground where the stress and strain are higher than when the elbow is anchored in concrete. The results obtained can be used in the current practice in the case of water supply networks made by high-density polyethylene pipes.
Herein, the general constitutive equation of bi-phasic materials equipped with orientation tensor is presented in direct notation. The formulation is refined by some correction factors specific to natural fibre-reinforced composites; then, a planar case is derived. The necessity of local information is emphasised through the introduction of auxiliary maps, which included volume fraction and orientation data. A semi-analytical homogenisation method is introduced through finite element analysis. Auxiliary maps are shown to be a better alternative to the overall orientation of fibres. Global calculations are insensitive to local variations whilst appropriate auxiliary maps offer refined results. Considering the multidisciplinary application of orientation tensors, the proposed scheme can be used in all areas where local information cannot be disregarded.
Additive manufacturing offers unique possibilities to produce complex components, which would not be possible or only very difficult to be realizable with conventional manufacturing processes. The potential of additive manufacturing of aluminum alloys has already been realized in prototyping, but still offers potential in the establishment of series applications. For enabling the establishment of additive manufacturing in series applications, comprehensive knowledge about the material behavior is necessary. This study examines the torsional behavior of additive manufactured AlSi10Mg samples and shows the correlation between tensile and torsional strength. Comprehensive torsion tests with strain gauges were performed and significant directional dependencies were shown. The correlation factor in the area of torsional yield strength/tensile yield strength and torsional strength/tensile strength was determined and was compared with the yield/failure conditions according to Tresca and von Mises.
The moisture absorption behavior of flax fiber-reinforced epoxy composites is deliberated to be a serious issue. This property restricts their usage as outdoor engineering structures. Therefore, this study provides an investigation of moisture in flax fibers on the performance of the flax/epoxy composite materials based on their shear responses. The ±45° aligned flax fibers exposed to different relative humidities (RH) and the vacuum infusion process was used to manufacture the composite specimens. The optimum shear strength (40.25 ± 0.75 MPa) was found for the composites manufactured with 35% RH-conditioned flax fibers, but the shear modulus was reduced consistently with increasing RH values. Although shear strength was increased because of fiber swelling with increased moisture absorption rate until 35% RH environments with good microstructures, nonetheless, strength and modulus both started to decrease after this range. A very poor microstructure has been affirmed by the SEM images of the composite samples conditioned at 90% RH environments.
The aim of the current work was to illustrate the effect of the fibre area correction factor on the results of modelling natural fibre-reinforced composites. A mesoscopic approach is adopted to represent the stochastic heterogeneity of the composite, i.e. a meso-structural numerical model was prototyped using the finite element method including quasi-unidirectional discrete fibre elements embedded in a matrix. The model was verified by the experimental results from previous work on jute fibres but is extendable to every natural fibre with cross-sectional non-uniformity. A correction factor was suggested to fine-tune both the analytical and numerical models. Moreover, a model updating technique for considering the size-effect of fibres is introduced and its implementation was automated by means of FORTRAN subroutines and Python scripts. It was shown that correcting and updating the fibre strength is critical to obtain accurate macroscopic response of the composite when discrete modelling of fibres is intended. Based on the current study, it is found that consideration of the effect of flaws on the strength of natural fibres and inclusion of the fibre area correction factor are crucial to obtain realistic results.
Background:
Glaucoma, a characteristic type of optic nerve degeneration in the posterior pole of the eye, is a common cause of irreversible vision loss and the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. As an optic neuropathy, glaucoma is identified by increasing degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), with consequential vision loss. Current treatments only postpone the development of retinal degeneration, and there are as yet no treatments available for this disability. Recent studies have shown that replacing lost or damaged RGCs with healthy RGCs or RGC precursors, supported by appropriately designed bio-material scaffolds, could facilitate the development and enhancement of connections to ganglion cells and optic nerve axons. The consequence may be an improved retinal regeneration. This technique could also offer the possibility for retinal regeneration in treating other forms of optic nerve ailments through RGC replacement.
Methods:
In this brief review, we describe the innovations and recent developments in retinal regenerative medicine such as retinal organoids and gene therapy which are specific to glaucoma treatment and focus on the selection of appropriate bio-engineering principles, biomaterials and cell therapies that are presently employed in this growing research area.
Results:
Identification of optimal sources of cells, improving cell survival, functional integration upon transplantation, and developing techniques to deliver cells into the retinal space without provoking immune responses are the main challenges in retinal cell replacement therapies.
Conclusion:
The restoration of visual function in glaucoma patients by the RGC replacement therapies requires appropriate protocols and biotechnology methods. Tissue-engineered scaffolds, the generation of retinal organoids, and gene therapy may help to overcome some of the challenges in the generation of clinically safe RGCs.