The peridynamic method is used here to analyse the effect of van der Waals forces on the mechanical behaviour and strength and toughness properties of three-dimensional nanofibre networks under imposed stretch deformation. The peridynamic formulation allows for a natural inclusion of long-range forces (such as van der Waals forces) by considering all interactions as ‘long-range’. We use van der...

To effectively improve the strength of Plectocomia pierreana rattan cane without reducing its toughness, the cane was impregnated with a new water-soluble melamine-urea-formaldehyde (MUF) resin modified with low-molecular-weight polyethylene glycol (PEG), marked as PMUF. The PMUF synthetic process was optimized using an orthogonal test L9(3). Results showed that the dimensional stability, densi...

Fiber reinforcement is an important method to enhance the performance of concrete. In this study, the compressive test and impact test were conducted, and then the hybrid effect between steel fiber (SF) and carbon fiber (CF) was evaluated by employing the hybrid effect index. Compressive toughness and impact toughness of steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC), carbon fiber reinforced concrete (...

This study carries out spatial-resolved optical birefringence observations to quantify, for mode I (tensile opening) loading, the stress intensification at crack tip of brittle and ductile glassy polymers (polymethyl methacrylate—PMMA, polyethylene terephthalate—PET) as well one type elastomer: (ethylene propylene diene monomer—EPDM). We measure buildup in a precut specimen by correlating retar...

Oxide Dispersion Strengthened (ODS) and TZM molybdenum have excellent creep resistance and strength at high temperatures in inert atmospheres. Fracture toughness and tensile testing was performed at temperatures between -1 50°C and 450°C to characterize 6.35 mm thick plate material of ODS and TZM molybdenum. A transition from low fracture toughness values (5.8 to 29.6 MPaJm) to values > 30 MPaJ...

The age-related deterioration in the quality (e.g., strength and fracture resistance) and quantity (e.g., bone-mineral density) of human bone, together with increased life expectancy, is responsible for increasing incidence of bone fracture in the elderly. The present study describes ex vivo fracture experiments to quantitatively assess the effect of aging on the fracture toughness properties o...

[1] Dry slab avalanches release by propagation of shear fractures in a thin, planar weak layer underneath a cohesive, stronger slab. This implies that a balance between shear fracture toughness and the shear fracture stress intensity factor fundamentally determines snow slab stability. Conventionally, fracture toughness is a material property and, for most materials, emphasis is on tensile frac...

statement of problem: resin composites are a common type of tooth coloured restorative materials. these materials are brittle and their major shortcomings are sensitivity to flaws and defects, low tensile strength, and susceptibility to catastrophic failure.the role of home bleaching agents on the fracture toughness of resin composites using four-point bending test is scanty. objectives: to com...