Photovoltaics (PV) is a method of converting solar energy into direct current electricity using semiconducting materials that exhibit the photovoltaic effect. Cracking in PV panels can cause performance degradation panels. In this study, new computational methodology, peridynamics utilised to investigate cracking behaviour Peridynamics based on integro-differential equations, and it very suitab...

the problem of crack identification in continuous beam like structures is considered. the cracks’ locations and their depths are identified by employing experimental modal test results performed on the structure. the cracks are modeled using generic elements to include the coupling effects between shear forces and bending moments at the crack section. in the identification procedure eigen- sens...

Microtubules (MTs) are cytoplasmic protein polymers that are essential for fundamental cellular processes including the maintenance of cell shape, organelle transport and formation of the mitotic spindle. Microtubule dynamic instability is critical for these processes, but it remains poorly understood, in part because the relationship between the structure of the MT tip and the growth/depolymer...

In polycrystalline metals, local deformation heterogeneities induced by the microstructure influence fatigue crack initiation and micro-crack propagation. The localization in plastic strains associated with heterogeneous deformation has been described as a necessary condition and a precursor for the nucleation of fatigue cracks. However, a clear and quantitative assessment of the correlation be...

Fretting nucleation models and three-dimensional finite element analyses are used to compute the fretting fatigue life for metallic components. The models predict crack nucleation cycles and location(s). Discrete crack growth simulations provide stress intensity factor histories, with multiple, non-planar, three-dimensional cracks possible. The histories are input into crack growth rate model(s...

The initiation and growth behavior of short fatigue cracks from the interfacial micro-notches in a SCS-6/Ti composite at various maximum applied stress levels were quantitatively characterized. Micro-notches in the interfacial reaction layer were induced by applying monotonic tensile loading prior to fatigue testing. The propagation and arrest behaviors of each individual crack were carefully m...