Search Results (21)

Three-dimensional braided composites (3DBCs) exhibit broad application prospects in the aerospace field due to their excellent mechanical properties. Considering that composites require cutting processing during real applications, this study employs a combination of experimental and finite element analysis methods to investigate the influence of edge cutting on the compressive and flexural properties of 3DBCs. In the finite element model, full-scale mesostructural models with intact and edge-cut structures were constructed based on identical unit cell size parameters. The findings reveal that the effect of edge cutting on composite mechanical properties depends on the braiding angle, primarily because the deformation resistance of braided yarns varies with different braiding angles. However, the influence mechanisms of edge cutting on braided composites with large braiding angles differ between compressive and flexural loading modes. The results of this study can provide a reference for the practical application of 3DBCs. Full article

This study aims to accurately characterize the nonlinear stress–strain evolution of rocks under uniaxial compression considering crack propagation. First, the rock meso-structure was generalized into intact rock unit cells, crack propagation damage unit cells, and pore unit cells according to phenomenological theory. A mesoscopic rock stress model considering crack propagation was established based on the static equilibrium relationship of the unit cells, and the effective stress of the crack propagation damage unit cells was solved based on fracture mechanics. Then, the geometric damage theory and conservation-of-energy principle were introduced to construct the damage evolution equation for rock crack propagation. On this basis, the effective stress of the damage unit cells and the crack propagation damage equation were incorporated into the rock meso-structure static equilibrium equation, and the effect of nonlinear deformation in the soft rock compaction stage was considered to establish a rock damage constitutive model based on mesoscopic crack propagation evolution. Finally, methods for determining model parameters were proposed, and the effects of the model parameters on rock stress–strain curves were explored. The results showed that the theoretical model calculations agreed well with the experimental results, thus verifying the rationality of the damage constitutive model and the clear physical meaning of the model parameters. Full article

This study develops a meso-structural modeling approach for asphalt mixtures by integrating computed tomography (CT) technology and the discrete element method (DEM), which accounts for the morphological characteristics of aggregates, asphalt mortar, and voids. The indirect tensile (IDT) tests of SMA-13 asphalt mixtures, a commonly used skeleton-type asphalt mixture for the surface course of asphalt pavements, were numerically simulated using CT-DEM. Through a comparative analysis of the load–displacement curve, the peak load, and the displacements corresponding to the maximum loads from the IDT tests, the accuracy of the simulation results was validated against the experimental results. Based on the simulation results of the IDT tests, the internal force transfer paths were obtained through post-processing, and the force chain system was identified. The crack propagation paths and failure mechanisms during the IDT tests were analyzed. The research results indicate that under the external load of the IDT test, there are primary force chains in both vertical and horizontal directions within the specimen. The interaction between these vertically and horizontally oriented force chains governs the fracture progression of the specimen. During IDT testing, the internal forces within the aggregate skeleton consistently exceed those within the mortar, while interfacial forces at aggregate–mortar contacts maintain intermediate values. Both the aggregate’s and mortar’s internal forces exhibit strong linear correlations with temperature, with the mortar’s internal forces showing a stronger linear relationship with external loading compared to those within the aggregate skeleton. The evolution of internal meso-cracks progresses through three distinct phases. The stable meso-crack growth phase initiates at 10% of the peak load, followed by the accelerated meso-crack growth phase commencing at the peak load. The fracture-affected zone during IDT testing extends symmetrically 20 mm laterally from the specimen centerline. Initial meso-cracks predominantly develop along aggregate–mortar interfaces and void boundaries, while subsequent propagation primarily occurs through interfacial zones near the main fracture path. The microcrack initiation threshold demonstrates dependence on the material’s strength and deformation capacity. Furthermore, the aggregate–mortar interfacial transition zone is a critical factor dominating crack resistance. Full article

This study investigates the mesostructural damage evolution and creep deformation mechanisms in bedded rock salt through integrated scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and multistage creep experiments. Utilizing a self-developed in situ observation system coupled with digital image correlation (DIC) analysis, the microstructural heterogeneity, strain localization, and damage propagation patterns in the rock were systematically characterized. The results revealed distinct microstructural contrasts between rock salt and argillaceous interlayers, with interfacial regions exhibiting pore-rich, interconnected structures due to crystal gradation disparities. Creep damage initiation predominantly occurred in pure rock salt domains, manifesting as transgranular fractures and intercrystalline slip, followed by crack propagation into salt–mudstone interfaces governed by shear dilatancy. The integration of mesoscale structural characterization with macroscopic mechanical behavior establishes a framework for predicting the long-term stability of bedded salt formations under operational loads. Full article

For the purpose of precisely depicting the failure and deformation of mudstone at varying burial depths under engineering activities, a statistical meso-damage constitutive model of mudstone was established on the basis of continuum damage mechanics, with the adoption of the compound power function and the Mohr–Coulomb yield criterion. Through triaxial compression tests under diverse confining pressures, the validity of this constitutive model was verified, and the macroscopic effects of mudstone damage evolution induced by internal defects and alterations in meso-structures were analyzed. The results reveal that an increase in confining pressure can remarkably enhance both the peak strength and the residual strength of mudstone. The constitutive model demonstrates relatively high accuracy in predicting the stress–strain responses, as well as the residual strength of mudstone. Moreover, parameter ε0 is capable of reflecting the macroscopic deformation strength of mudstone. Specifically, the larger the value of parameter ε0 is, the greater the peak deviatoric stress of mudstone will be, accompanied by a stronger bearing capacity. Parameter m, on the other hand, governs the brittle-to-ductile transition characteristics under failure. It also demonstrates that the macroscopic brittle failure characteristics of mudstone will become more noticeable as the value of parameter m increases. Full article

In recent years, smart aggregates have emerged as a promising tool for monitoring the movement of and changes in particles inside asphalt mixtures. However, there remain significant differences between smart aggregates and real rock aggregates, particularly the lack of an asphalt coating on the surface of smart aggregates. Currently, the research on the impact of smart aggregates themselves on the structure and properties of asphalt mixtures is lacking. Therefore, this study focuses on the influence of smart aggregate size on the mesostructure and mechanical properties of asphalt mixtures. Firstly, based on laboratory tests and the discrete element method (DEM), discrete element models of asphalt mixture specimens containing smart aggregates of various sizes were constructed, followed by simulated compaction tests. The effects of smart aggregate size on the mesostructure of asphalt mixture voids were then analyzed. Lastly, in this study, the changes in the dynamic modulus of asphalt mixtures were explored with increasing smart aggregate size and the underlying mechanisms. The results indicate that as the size of smart aggregates increases, the average void ratio of the asphalt mixture specimens decreases, but the heterogeneity of the void distribution increases. Additionally, with the increase in smart aggregate size, the dynamic modulus of the mixture specimens decreases. Further strain analysis of the specimens suggests that the increase in cross-sectional deformation is the primary cause of the reduction in modulus. Full article

Flexible graphite foils with varying thicknesses (S = 282 ± 5 μm, M = 494 ± 7 μm, L = 746 ± 8 μm) and an initial density of 0.70 g/cm³ were obtained using the nitrate method. The specific electrical and thermal conductivity of these foils were investigated. As the density increased from 0.70 g/cm³ to 1.75 g/cm³, the specific electrical conductivity increased from 69 to 192 kS/m and the thermal conductivity increased from 109 to 326 W/(m·K) due to the rolling of graphite foils. The study showed that conductivity and anisotropy depend on the shape, orientation, and contact area of thermally expanded graphite (TEG) mesoparticles (mesostructural factor), and the crystal structure of nanocrystallites (nanostructural factor). A proposed mesostructural model explained these increases, with denser foils showing elongated, narrowed TEG particles and larger contact areas, confirmed by electron microscopy results. For graphite foils 200 and 750 μm thick, increased density led to a larger coherent scattering region, likely due to the rotation of graphite mesoparticles under mechanical action, while thinner foils (<200 μm) with densities > 1.7 g/cm³ showed increased plastic deformation, indicated by a sharp reduction in the coherent scattering region size. This was also evident from the decrease in misorientation angles with increasing density. Rolling reduced nanocrystallite misorientation angles along the rolling direction compared to the transverse direction (TD) (for 1.75 g/cm³ density ΔMA = 1.2° (S), 2.6° (M), and 2.4° (L)), explaining the observed anisotropy in the electrical and mechanical properties of the rolled graphite foils. X-ray analysis confirmed the preferred nanocrystallite orientation and anisotropy coefficients (A) using Kearns parameters, which aligned well with experimental measurements (for L series foils calculated as: A_0.70 = 1.05, A_1.30 = 1.10, and A_1.75 = 1.16). These calculated values corresponded well with the experimental measurements of specific electrical conductivity, where the anisotropy coefficient changed from 1.00 to 1.16 and mechanical properties varied from 0.98 to 1.13. Full article

A discrete-continuous coupling analysis method based on FLAC2D/PFC2D is established with the help of the program’s own FISH language and Socket O/I data transfer interface. According to the statistical characteristics of the mesostructure of the slope site, the computer stochastic simulation method is used to construct the mesostructure model of the soil–rock mixture in the discrete domain. The deformation and failure mechanism of the SRM slope is studied by using the established discrete-continuous coupled analysis method. The results show that the statistical distribution of the mesoscopic contact characteristics (such as contact direction and contact force) between soil and rock particles inside the slope changes and adjusts significantly. Among them, the main direction of the statistical distribution is adjusted most significantly, and the main direction is finally adjusted to being basically the same as the sliding direction of the slope. The change in the mesoscopic contact characteristics between soil and rock particles is the internal driving factor for the macroscopic deformation of the slope and the adjustment of the stress state. Full article

The development of a new approach to describe turbulent motions in condensed matter on the basis of nonlocal modeling of highly non-equilibrium processes in open systems is performed in parallel with an experiment studying the mesostructure of dynamically deformed solids. The shock-induced mesostructure formation inside the propagating waveform registered in real time allows the transient stages of non-equilibrium processes to be qualitatively and quantitatively revealed. A new nonlocal approach, developed on the basis of the nonlocal and retarded transport equations obtained within the non-equilibrium statistical physics, is used to describe the occurrence of turbulence. Within the approach, the reason for the transition to turbulence is that the non-equilibrium spatiotemporal correlation function generates the dynamic structures in the form of finite-size clusters on the mesoscale, with almost identical values of macroscopic densities moving as almost solid particles that can interact and rotate. The fragmentation of spatiotemporal correlations upon impact forms the mesoparticles that move at different speeds and transfer mass, momentum and energy-like wave packets. The movements recorded simultaneously at two scale levels indicate the energy exchange between them. Its description required a redefinition of the concept of energy far from local thermodynamic equilibrium. The experimental results show that the irreversible part of the dynamic mesostructure remains frozen into material as a new defect. Full article

Additive manufacturing is an emerging technology and provides high design flexibility to customers. Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is an economical and promising additive manufacturing method. Due to its many advantages, FDM received great attention in recent years, and comprehensive studies are being undertaken to investigate the properties of FDM-printed polymers and polymer composites. As a result of the manufacturing technology employed in FDM, inner structures are changed with different process parameters, and thus, anisotropic properties are observed. Moreover, composite filaments such as particle- or fiber-reinforced polymers already have anisotropy before FDM printing. In this study, we investigate the effect of different process parameters, namely layer thickness and raster width on FDM-printed copper-reinforced poly(lactic acid) (PLA). Mechanical characterizations with a high-resolution camera are carried out for analyzing the deformation behaviors. Optical microscopy characterizations are performed to observe the mesostructural changes with various process parameters. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and an energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis are conducted for investigating the microstructure, specifically, copper particles in the PLA matrix. A 2D digital image correlation code with a machine learning algorithm is applied to the optical characterization and SEM-EDS images. In this way, micro- and mesostructural features, as well as the porosity ratios of the specimens are investigated. We prepare the multiscale homogenization by finite element method (FEM) simulations to capture the material’s response, both on a microscale and a mesoscale. We determined that the mesostructure and, thereby, the mechanical properties are significantly changed with the aforementioned process parameters. A lower layer thickness and a greater raster width led to a higher elasticity modulus and ultimate tensile strength (UTS). The optical microscopy analysis verified this statement: Decreasing the layer thickness and increasing the raster width result in larger contact lines between adjacent layers and, hence, lower porosity on the mesoscale. Realistic CAD images were prepared regarding the mesostructural differences and porosity ratios. Ultimately, all these changes are accurately modeled with mesoscale and multiscale simulations. The simulation results are validated by laboratory experiments. Full article

In order to study the damage evolution law and failure mechanism of mudstone under different stress states, with the help of high-resolution CT scanning equipment, in situ CT scanning experiments of mudstone under uniaxial compression were carried out. Combined with digital core technology and the digital volume image correlation method, the 3D characterization of meso-structure and the evolution process of localized damage in mudstone were analyzed. The research shows that brittle minerals such as quartz in mudstone often exist in the form of agglomerated strips, resulting in the formation of weak structural planes at the contact surfaces of different minerals. There are a large number of primary intergranular pores near the mineral accumulation zone. With the increase in axial load, the connectivity of pores will gradually increase, cracks will gradually emerge, internal pores will develop abnormally, and rocks will reach the critical state of failure; at this time, the throat number and coordination number of pores increase obviously. There was no obvious difference found in the distribution of mineral particles of different sizes, and the slip between mineral zones was mainly dominated by small particles. The accumulated mineral zone was able to easily form a weak surface, and the aggregated mineral zone under loading was easily able to produce local deformation, which is related to the mechanical properties of the mineral zone and its surrounding rock matrix, with the rock failure easily occurring along the junction of the two minerals. The displacement in the polymeric mineral zone was small, the deformation displacement of the rock skeleton dominated by clay minerals near the quartz mineral zone was larger, and the stronger quartz minerals restrained the rock skeleton deformation in the region. Full article

Soil-rock mixtures (S-RMs), as a kind of special engineering geological material, need to be studied because of the special structure and complex movement mechanism of their rock blocks, their physical and mechanical properties, and the factors underlying rock block movement in the process of their deformation and failure. In this paper, a series of discrete-element numerical models are constructed in particle flow code software (PFC^2D). First, the random structure numerical models of S-RMs with different rock block proportions are established. Then, the parameters of the soil meso-structure are inversed by the biaxial simulation test, and a series of biaxial compressive tests are performed. The characteristics of stress and strain, deformation and failure, and rock block rotation and energy evolution are systematically investigated. The results show the following. (1) As the rock block proportion (confining pressure 0.5 MPa) increases, the peak strength of increases, the fluctuations of the post-peak become more obvious, and the dilatancy of the sample increases. (2) As the rock block proportion increases, the width of the shear band increases, the distribution of cracks becomes more complex and dispersed, and the range of the shear zone increases. (3) The number of rock blocks with rotation also increases significantly as rock block proportion increases, and the rotation angles are mostly between −5° and 5°. (4) The strain energy of S-RMs with different rock block proportions follows the same change rule as axial strain, showing a trend of first increasing and then decreasing, like the stress–strain curve. Full article

The strength and plasticity balance of F/B dual-phase X80 pipeline steels strongly depends on deformation compatibility between the soft phase of ferrite and the hard phase of bainite; thus, the tensile strength of ferrite and bainite, as non-negligible factors affecting the deformation compatibility, should be considered first. In this purely theoretical paper, an abstract representative volume elements (RVE) model was developed, based on the mesostructure of an F/B dual-phase X80 pipeline steel. The effect of the yield strength difference between bainite and ferrite on tensile properties and the strain hardening behaviors of the mesostructure was studied. The results show that deformation first occurs in ferrite, and strain and stress localize in ferrite prior to bainite. In the modified Crussard-Jaoul (C-J) analysis, as the yield strength ratio of bainite to ferrite (${\sigma }_{y,B}/{\sigma }_{y,F}$) increases, the transition strain associated with the deformation transformation from ferrite soft phase deformation to uniform deformation of ferrite and bainite increases. Meanwhile, as the uncoordinated deformation of ferrite and bainite is enhanced, the strain localization factor (SLF) increases, especially the local strain concentration. Consequently, the yield, tensile strength, and yield ratio (yield strength/tensile strength) increase with the increase in ${\sigma }_{y,B}/{\sigma }_{y,F}$. Inversely, the strain hardening exponent and uniform elongation decrease. Full article

Unravelling the burial-deformation history of sedimentary rocks is prerequisite information to understand the regional tectonic, sedimentary, thermal, and fluid-flow evolution of foreland basins. We use a combination of microstructural analysis, stylolites paleopiezometry, and paleofluid geochemistry to reconstruct the burial-deformation history of the Meso-Cenozoic carbonate sequence of the Cingoli Anticline (Northern Apennines, central Italy). Four major sets of mesostructures were linked to the regional deformation sequence: (i) pre-folding foreland flexure/forebulge; (ii) fold-scale layer-parallel shortening under a N045 σ₁; (iii) syn-folding curvature of which the variable trend between the north and the south of the anticline is consistent with the arcuate shape of the anticline; (iv) the late stage of fold tightening. The maximum depth experienced by the strata prior to contraction, up to 1850 m, was quantified by sedimentary stylolite paleopiezometry and projected on the reconstructed burial curve to assess the timing of the contraction. As isotope geochemistry points towards fluid precipitation at thermal equilibrium, the carbonate clumped isotope thermometry (Δ₄₇) considered for each fracture set yields the absolute timing of the development and exhumation of the Cingoli Anticline: layer-parallel shortening occurred from ~6.3 to 5.8 Ma, followed by fold growth that lasted from ~5.8 to 3.9 Ma. Full article

A portion of the accumulated tailings in a tailings pond exhibits an unsaturated state. The mechanical properties of unsaturated tailings affect the safety and stability of tailings dams. To investigate the effect of moisture content on the deformation characteristics of unsaturated tailings in the mesoscale, a special testing apparatus is applied to experimentally study the settlement deformation and mesostructure evolution of unsaturated tailings under continuous load. The results show that the mesostructure deformation of unsaturated tailings with different moisture contents under load is the same and can be divided into four stages: pore compression, elastic deformation, structure change, and further compaction. However, the critical pressures of the four stages are significantly different; there is an optimal moisture content corresponding to the maximum deformation resistance. Moreover, the influence of the liquid bridge regime on the mesostructure deformation of unsaturated tailings is discussed in this paper. Full article