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Numerical Modeling and Mechanical Properties Analysis for Metallic and Composite Materials and Structures: 2nd Edition

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A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Materials Science and Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2025 | Viewed by 1849

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Dr. Maria Amélia Ramos Loja

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1. CIMOSM—Centro de Investigação em Modelação e Otimização de Sistemas Multifuncionais, ISEL, IPL—Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Av. Conselheiro Emídio Navarro 1, 1959-007 Lisboa, Portugal
2. IDMEC, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenue Rovisco Pais, 1, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
Interests: computational mechanics of solids; composite materials; adaptive structures; optimization; reverse engineering
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Predicting how structures will behave when submitted to different load types is a constant need in the wide area of structural engineering. Achieving these answers may involve a heavy workload because of structures’, components’, or systems' intrinsic functional complexities, increasing material sophistication, and the potential engineering work behind them.

To deal with these briefly summarised challenges, it is crucial to develop numerical models that are adequate for the scale of the problem and the level of detail required. Empowering these models with detailed material characterisation is also essential for optimised structural performance.

This is the framework of this Special Issue in Applied Sciences, which adopts a wide-scope approach to advanced composite and/or metallic materials, including, for example, the performance characterisation of functionally graded materials and structures, auxetic materials, and sandwich structures, while not excluding other relevant possibilities.

If your work fits this scope, we strongly encourage you to submit your manuscript.

We look forward to receiving insightful contributions.

Dr. Maria Amélia Ramos Loja
Guest Editor

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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 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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 Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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 2400 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

composite structures
metallic structures
hybrid material structures
numerical modelling
properties estimation
homogeneization techniques
performance of materials and structures
parametric analyses

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

29 pages, 55366 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fracture Mechanism of Adhesive Layers in Fatigue-Loaded Steel Structures Reinforced by the CFRP Overlays

by Paweł J. Romanowicz, Bogdan Szybiński and Mateusz Wygoda

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 3435; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15073435 - 21 Mar 2025

Viewed by 239

Abstract

The behavior of the adhesive layer has a strong influence on the fatigue strength and life of the adhesively bonded structures. This phenomenon is of particular importance in the case of bonding of different materials like metals and composites. In such a case, the different mechanical properties of the adhesive layer have a crucial influence on failure resistance. In particular, adhesions to both materials, the tensile modulus, shear strength and the maximal elongation are of the main importance. The influence of the mechanical properties of the adhesive layer on the fatigue life of steel/composite adhesively bonded structures is presented in the paper. The additional factor influencing the fatigue life of structural elements is the presence of notches. In order to take into account both factors, a notched steel sample reinforced by the composite overlays is used. The numerical calculations were performed for several different adhesives. In the experimental analyses, three adhesives composed of different ingredients and with different mechanical properties have been investigated. The study is focused on the failure mechanisms of the adhesive layers. The highest fatigue life has been obtained for the adhesive that exhibits the largest maximal elongation and the smallest tensile modulus and provides the best adhesion to the steel core. Finally, the guidelines for the choice of the most effective adhesive were proposed based on the fracture mechanisms of the adhesive layers observed in the experiment and the results of the performed numerical analyses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Numerical Modeling and Mechanical Properties Analysis for Metallic and Composite Materials and Structures: 2nd Edition)

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20 pages, 10436 KiB

Open AccessArticle

FEM Study on Enhancing Crashworthiness of Cylindrical Li-Ion Battery Packs Using Spacers Between the Cells

by Adrian Daniel Muresanu and Mircea Cristian Dudescu

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 2720; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15052720 - 4 Mar 2025

Viewed by 538

Abstract

This study proposes a novel approach to improving the crashworthiness of lithium-ion cylindrical cell packs by strategically placing spacers between the cells. The spacers transform the initial line contacts into broader surface contacts, enhancing the overall stiffness of the pack and reducing radial deformation during compression. The concept was evaluated using finite element analysis (FEA), leveraging established material models to efficiently assess the concept’s potential prior to physical testing. To validate the robustness of the homogenized cell material and its application in a full pack, a compression experiment was performed on a pack of nine cells. The experimental results aligned closely with the simulation data, underlining the reliability of the material model and simulation methodology. Across all configurations and load cases—quasi-static compression using a plate or cylinder, and dynamic impact tests simulating crash indentation with a ball—the inclusion of spacers resulted in significant reductions in cell deformation and pack intrusion. The study also examined three spacer materials: aluminum, printed PLA, and printed PLA conditioned at 60 °C. The results showed that stiffer spacers, such as those made of aluminum, were the most effective in improving crash performance. However, even the conditioned PLA spacer, despite its lower stiffness, delivered meaningful benefits by enhancing structural integrity and reducing deformation. This demonstrates the versatility of the spacer concept, which can accommodate a range of materials based on specific performance and manufacturing requirements. These findings establish a solid foundation for the practical implementation of spacers in electric vehicle battery packs. Future research should include experimental validation under real-world crash conditions and explore spacer design and material optimization to maximize crashworthiness without compromising energy density or thermal performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Numerical Modeling and Mechanical Properties Analysis for Metallic and Composite Materials and Structures: 2nd Edition)

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24 pages, 7613 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Hybrid Die Design for Enhanced Grain Refinement: Vortex Extrusion–Equal-Channel Angular Pressing (Vo-CAP)

by Hüseyin Beytüt, Kerim Özbeyaz and Şemsettin Temiz

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(1), 359; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15010359 - 2 Jan 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 737

Abstract

A novel hybrid Severe Plastic Deformation (SPD) method called Vortex Extrusion–Equal-Channel Angular Pressing (Vo-CAP) was developed and applied to AA6082 workpieces in this study. Before experimental application, a comprehensive optimization of the die design was performed considering effective strain, strain inhomogeneity, and pressing load parameters. The optimization process utilized an integrated approach combining Finite Element Analysis (FEA), artificial neural networks (ANNs), and the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II). The optimized die successfully achieved a balance between maximizing effective strain while minimizing pressing load and strain inhomogeneity. The Vo-CAP process incorporates a unique conical die design that enables assembly without traditional fasteners. Moreover, this novel die combines VE and ECAP advantages in a single-pass operation. While VE has been previously studied, experimental work was limited to specific configurations, and its integration with ECAP had not been explored. Through the development of Vo-CAP, this research gap has been addressed. The results showed substantial enhancements in hardness values, ultimate tensile strength, and strain homogeneity. These findings demonstrate that Vo-CAP represents a significant advancement in SPD, offering an efficient single-pass process for improving the mechanical properties of aluminum alloys through grain refinement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Numerical Modeling and Mechanical Properties Analysis for Metallic and Composite Materials and Structures: 2nd Edition)

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