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Applied Mechanics
Special Issues
Cutting-Edge Developments in Computational and Experimental Mechanics
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Cutting-Edge Developments in Computational and Experimental Mechanics

A special issue of Applied Mechanics (ISSN 2673-3161).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 5405

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Mohsen Sharifpur

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Thermofluids Division, School of Mechanical, Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa
Interests: heat transfer; CFD; multi-phase flow; nanofluids
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Philip Loveday

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Applied Mechanics Division, School of Mechanical, Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa
Interests: vibration; acoustics & ultrasound; guided wave ultrasound for NDE & SHM; piezoelectric transducers
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The field of applied mechanics has witnessed significant advancements in recent years, driven by the integration of computational simulations, experimental techniques, and machine learning-based optimization. With the increasing complexity of engineering problems, novel approaches that combine theoretical foundations with real-world applications would enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and predictive capabilities of mechanics-related research.

This Special Issue aims to highlight state-of-the-art research in computational and experimental mechanics, addressing emerging challenges in structural mechanics, fluid–structure interaction, solid mechanics, and thermomechanical systems. We therefore welcome contributions that propose new methodologies, validate numerical models via experimentation, or apply advanced computational tools to real-world applications.

This Special Issue seeks to:

  1. Advance Computational Techniques: Explore novel numerical methods, including finite element analysis (FEA), boundary element methods (BEM), and mesh-free methods.
  2. Enhance Experimental Validation: Highlight innovative experimental techniques that enable the validation of computational models, including digital image correlation, laser Doppler vibrometry, and non-destructive testing.
  3. Integrate Data-Driven Approaches: Investigate the role of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and optimization techniques in solving applied mechanics problems.
  4. Explore Multi-Scale and Multi-Physics Interactions: Address the challenges associated with coupled mechanical systems, including fluid–structure interaction (FSI), thermomechanics, and biomechanics.
  5. Promote Sustainable Engineering Solutions: Encourage research that contributes to energy-efficient designs, lightweight structures, and environmentally friendly materials.
  6. Facilitate Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Provide a platform for researchers across disciplines such as mechanical engineering, materials science, aerospace engineering, and biomedical engineering to exchange knowledge.

Prof. Dr. Mohsen Sharifpur
Dr. Philip Loveday
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Mechanics is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • computational mechanics and numerical methods
  • finite element analysis (FEA) and mesh-free methods
  • experimental mechanics and validation techniques
  • fluid–structure interaction and multiphysics modeling
  • machine learning and AI in mechanics
  • structural mechanics, dynamics and vibration analysis
  • biomechanics and soft tissue mechanics
  • optimization in engineering design
  • thermomechanical and energy systems
  • materials characterization and failure mechanics
  • robotics and mechatronics

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  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
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  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

20 pages, 5023 KB  
Article
Characterization of Creep-Induced Stiffness Reduction in RC Beams Using Experimental Tests and Numerical Modelling
by Bassel Bakleh, George Wardeh, Hala Hasan, Izabela Drygała and Ali Jahami
Appl. Mech. 2026, 7(2), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/applmech7020037 - 20 Apr 2026
Viewed by 184
Abstract
Many existing reinforced concrete (RC) structures have undergone increases in service loads due to changes in use, functional upgrades, and evolving design codes. This highlights the need for reliable requalification methods that account for long-term degradation mechanisms, particularly those related to sustained loading [...] Read more.
Many existing reinforced concrete (RC) structures have undergone increases in service loads due to changes in use, functional upgrades, and evolving design codes. This highlights the need for reliable requalification methods that account for long-term degradation mechanisms, particularly those related to sustained loading and creep. This study investigates the residual flexural behavior of RC beams after long-term loading and evaluates its effects on stiffness and ultimate strength. Three RC beams were loaded to 43% of their short-term yielding moment and kept under sustained load for 210 days, while three identical specimens were maintained as unloaded references. Afterward, all beams were subjected to repeated four-point loading–unloading cycles to detect changes in stiffness, strength, and cyclic response. The results indicate that long-term loading did not significantly affect the beams’ ultimate load-carrying capacity compared with the reference specimens. However, the long-term-loaded beams exhibited a clear reduction in initial stiffness. This difference was most evident during the first loading cycle and gradually decreased in subsequent cycles. To interpret these findings, a layered fiber model was developed to simulate cyclic behavior while incorporating time-dependent concrete effects. The model successfully reproduced the main experimental trends, reinforcing the reliability of both the testing program and the analytical approach. The study enhances understanding of stiffness degradation in RC elements subjected to increased service loads. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cutting-Edge Developments in Computational and Experimental Mechanics)
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19 pages, 1316 KB  
Article
Dimension-Dependent Vibro-Acoustic Performance of Piezoelectric Speakers: A Finite Element Study
by Nikolaos M. Papadakis and Georgios E. Stavroulakis
Appl. Mech. 2026, 7(2), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/applmech7020036 - 17 Apr 2026
Viewed by 108
Abstract
The present study investigates the influence of geometric parameters on the vibro-acoustic performance of piezoelectric speakers, with the objective of establishing quantitative design guidelines for resonance tuning and sound pressure level (SPL) enhancement. Understanding the dimension-dependent behavior of such devices is essential for [...] Read more.
The present study investigates the influence of geometric parameters on the vibro-acoustic performance of piezoelectric speakers, with the objective of establishing quantitative design guidelines for resonance tuning and sound pressure level (SPL) enhancement. Understanding the dimension-dependent behavior of such devices is essential for the development of compact and efficient acoustic transducers. To this end, a fully coupled electromechanical–acoustic finite element model is developed in the frequency domain, incorporating linear piezoelectric constitutive relations, structural dynamics, and an external acoustic air domain. The model systematically examines the effects of variations in piezoelectric disc thickness, brass diaphragm thickness, and diaphragm radius. The results demonstrate that increasing the piezoelectric disc thickness leads to a noticeable increase in resonance frequency and a measurable enhancement in SPL due to strengthened electromechanical coupling. In contrast, reducing the brass membrane thickness primarily shifts the resonance frequency to lower values, while producing negligible changes in SPL amplitude. Furthermore, enlarging the diaphragm radius significantly decreases the fundamental resonance frequency, confirming its dominant influence on stiffness-controlled vibration behavior. These findings quantitatively establish the relationship between geometric design parameters and acoustic response, providing a predictive framework for performance optimization. The proposed modeling approach offers an effective and reliable tool for the design and refinement of high-performance piezoelectric speaker systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cutting-Edge Developments in Computational and Experimental Mechanics)
15 pages, 3656 KB  
Article
Comparative Investigation of Composite Materials for Spur Gears Using a Novel Tooth Contact Analysis Method and Density Functional Theory
by Maksat Temirkhan, Ilyas Yessengabylov, Assem Kyrykbayeva, Azamat Kaliyev, Sharaina Zholdassova and Chingis Kharmyssov
Appl. Mech. 2026, 7(2), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/applmech7020034 - 16 Apr 2026
Viewed by 245
Abstract
This study presents a comparative investigation of MgCu intermetallic compounds, CuCoMnSn Heusler alloys, and carbon steel for spur gear applications using a novel tooth contact analysis (TCA) method. The TCA employs a nonlinear two-variable equation, providing a fast and accurate computational tool for [...] Read more.
This study presents a comparative investigation of MgCu intermetallic compounds, CuCoMnSn Heusler alloys, and carbon steel for spur gear applications using a novel tooth contact analysis (TCA) method. The TCA employs a nonlinear two-variable equation, providing a fast and accurate computational tool for evaluating gear contact behavior. By integrating material-specific elastic properties from density functional theory (DFT) studies, the analysis predicts contact paths, stress distributions, and responses to angular misalignments. Material selection strongly influences gear performance: MgCu is promising for lightweight applications, while CuCoMnSn is better suited where mechanical performance is prioritized. The CuCoMnSn alloy also exhibits half-metallic ferromagnetic behavior, offering potential functional advantages beyond mechanical performance. These results highlight the promise of intermetallics and Heusler alloys for high-performance, misalignment-tolerant gears and demonstrate the effectiveness of combining DFT-informed material modeling with the novel TCA method for optimized spur gear design. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cutting-Edge Developments in Computational and Experimental Mechanics)
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23 pages, 2119 KB  
Article
On Sucker Rod Pump Systems with Data Analysis
by Sheldon Wang, Clayton Brasher, Jimmy Tran, Pavle Kalaba and Ty Criss
Appl. Mech. 2026, 7(1), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/applmech7010025 - 20 Mar 2026
Viewed by 630
Abstract
A sucker rod pump is an artificial lift system widely used in oil wells to extract crude oil from deep underground. Due to the clearance between the barrel and the pump plunger, a phenomenon termed slippage occurs in which the annulus column of [...] Read more.
A sucker rod pump is an artificial lift system widely used in oil wells to extract crude oil from deep underground. Due to the clearance between the barrel and the pump plunger, a phenomenon termed slippage occurs in which the annulus column of oil returns to the pump chamber due to the plunger motion and the pressure difference at the two ends of the plunger. Although it is important to maintain the clearance for lubrication between the plunger and the pump barrel in order to prevent excessive wear and tear along with galling, excessive clearance can also be a primary factor in the reduction of oil well production and must be managed. In this research, after briefly reviewing the Couette and Poiseuille flows within the annulus region, the relaxation time for the transients, and the eccentricity effects, we focus on the derivation of important system parameters such the effective mass, stiffness, and damping ratio based on the measurements of the sucker rod displacement and the pressures or loads. Analysis of experimental measurement data can provide better understanding of the sucker rod pump system parameters, helping to quantify and manage the so-called slippage issues. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cutting-Edge Developments in Computational and Experimental Mechanics)
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25 pages, 4674 KB  
Article
Numerical Modeling of Thermomechanics of Antifriction Polymers in Viscoelastic and Elastic-Viscoplastic Formulations
by Anastasia P. Bogdanova, Anna A. Kamenskikh, Andrey R. Muhametshin and Yuriy O. Nosov
Appl. Mech. 2026, 7(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/applmech7010002 - 24 Dec 2025
Viewed by 648
Abstract
The present article relates to the description of phenomenological relations of amorphous material behavior within the framework of viscoelasticity and elastic-viscoplasticity theory, as well as to the creation of its digital analog. Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is considered in the study. The model is [...] Read more.
The present article relates to the description of phenomenological relations of amorphous material behavior within the framework of viscoelasticity and elastic-viscoplasticity theory, as well as to the creation of its digital analog. Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is considered in the study. The model is based on the results of a series of experimental studies. Free compression of cylindrical specimens in a wide range of temperatures [−40; +80] °C and strain rates [0.1; 4] mm/min was performed. Cylindrical specimens were also used to determine the thermal expansion coefficient of the material. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) was performed on rectangular specimens using a three-point bending configuration. Maxwell and Anand models were used to describe the material behavior. In the framework of the study, the temperature dependence of a number of parameters was established. This influenced the mathematical formulation of the Anand model, which was adapted by introducing the temperature dependence of the activation energy, the initial deformation resistance, and the strain rate sensitivity coefficient. Testing of the material models was carried out in the process of analyzing the deformation of a spherical bridge bearing with a multi-cycle periodic load. The load corresponded to the movement of a train on a bridge structure, without taking into account vibrations. It is shown that the viscoelastic model does not describe the behavior of the material accurately enough for a quantitative analysis of the stress–strain state of the structure. It is necessary to move on to more complex models of material behavior to minimize the discrepancy between the digital analog and the real structure; it has been established that taking into account plastic deformation while describing UHMWPE would allow this to be performed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cutting-Edge Developments in Computational and Experimental Mechanics)
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25 pages, 4344 KB  
Article
Mechanical Behavior of Thermoplastic Unidirectional-Tape-Reinforced Polycarbonate Produced by Additive Manufacturing: Experimental Analysis and Practical Numerical Modeling
by Hagen Bankwitz, Jörg Matthes and Jörg Hübler
Appl. Mech. 2025, 6(4), 88; https://doi.org/10.3390/applmech6040088 - 9 Dec 2025
Viewed by 951
Abstract
Additive Manufacturing (AM) using Fused Layer Modelling (FLM) often results in polymer components with limited and highly anisotropic mechanical properties, exhibiting structural weaknesses in the layer direction (Z-direction) due to low interlaminar adhesion. The main objective of this work was to investigate and [...] Read more.
Additive Manufacturing (AM) using Fused Layer Modelling (FLM) often results in polymer components with limited and highly anisotropic mechanical properties, exhibiting structural weaknesses in the layer direction (Z-direction) due to low interlaminar adhesion. The main objective of this work was to investigate and quantify these mechanical limitations and to develop strategies for their mitigation. Specifically, this study aimed to (1) characterize the anisotropic behavior of unreinforced Polycarbonate (PC) components, (2) evaluate the effect of continuous, unidirectional (UD) carbon fiber tape reinforcement on mechanical performance, and (3) validate experimental findings through Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations to support predictive modeling of reinforced FLM structures. Methods involved experimental tensile and 3-point bending tests on specimens printed in all three spatial directions (X, Y, Z), validated against FEM simulations in ANSYS Composite PrepPost (ACP) using an orthotropic material model and the Hashin failure criterion. Results showed unreinforced samples had a pronounced anisotropy, with tensile strength reduced by over 70% in the Z direction. UD tape integration nearly eliminated this orthotropic behavior and led to strength gains of over 400% in tensile and flexural strength in the Z-direction. The FEM simulations showed very good agreement regarding initial stiffness and failure load. Targeted UD tape reinforcement effectively compensates for the weaknesses of FLM structures, although the quality of the tape–matrix bond and process reproducibility remain decisive factors for the reliability of the composite system, underscoring the necessity for targeted process optimization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cutting-Edge Developments in Computational and Experimental Mechanics)
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25 pages, 5884 KB  
Article
Influence of Post-Curing Time and Print Orientation on the Mechanical Behavior of Photosensitive Resins in mSLA 3D Printing
by Geraldo Cesar Rosario de Oliveira, Vania Aparecida Rosario de Oliveira, Carla Carvalho Pinto, Luis Felipe Barbosa Marques, Tuane Stefania Reis dos Santos, Antonio dos Reis de Faria Neto, Carlos Alexis Alvarado Silva, Marcelo Sampaio Martins, Fernando de Azevedo Silva and Erick Siqueira Guidi
Appl. Mech. 2025, 6(3), 71; https://doi.org/10.3390/applmech6030071 - 11 Sep 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1605
Abstract
This study investigates the mechanical behavior of water-washable photosensitive resins used in masked stereolithography (mSLA) 3D printing, evaluating the effect of post-curing time (0, 5, 10, 30, and 60 min) and printing orientation (Flat [XY], Vertical [Z], and On-edge [XZ]) on the material [...] Read more.
This study investigates the mechanical behavior of water-washable photosensitive resins used in masked stereolithography (mSLA) 3D printing, evaluating the effect of post-curing time (0, 5, 10, 30, and 60 min) and printing orientation (Flat [XY], Vertical [Z], and On-edge [XZ]) on the material characteristics. Specimens were manufactured according to ISO 527-2 type 1B and ISO 178 standards for tensile and bending tests, respectively. A Matlab algorithm was developed to automate the processing of experimental data. This tool enabled the extraction of parameters to fit distinct mathematical models for the elastic (linear) and nonlinear (polynomial) regimes, allowing the material response to be characterized at different curing times and print orientations. These models were implemented in Ansys Workbench for comparison with experimental results. The results show that increasing the post-curing time from 0 to 60 min raises the elastic modulus from 964.5 to 1892.4 MPa in the Flat [XY] orientation and from 774 to 1661.2 MPa in the Vertical [Z] orientation for tensile testing. In bending testing, the Flat [XY] orientation presented the best mechanical properties, while the Vertical [Z] and On-edge [XZ] orientations showed similar behavior. The numerical simulations adequately reproduced the experimental results, validating the developed constitutive models. Finally, a stress–strain correlation model is presented that enables estimation for any post-curing time between 0 and 60 min. This study provides essential data for optimizing 3D printing processes and developing structural applications with photopolymer resins. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cutting-Edge Developments in Computational and Experimental Mechanics)
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