Recent Particle System models have evolved toward accurate representation of elastic stiffness based on continuum mechanics, converging to formulations that make them quite analogous to fast Finite Element methods. These formulations usually involve the linearization of tensors that help their formulation in the context of linear elasticity. Toward our objective of simulating the nonlinear prop...

polyurethane/zeolite 13x nanocomposite films were fabricated using solution casting method. the synthesized nanocomposite films were structurally characterized using sem, tga and tensile analysis. sem images showed appropriate distribution of nanocrystalline zeolite particles within polyurethane matrix. better thermal stability of nanocomposite films in comparison to neat polyurethane was shown...

Although microtubules are involved in various pathological conditions of the heart including hypertrophy and congestive heart failure, the mechanical role of microtubules in cardiomyocytes under such conditions is not well understood. In the present study, we measured multiple aspects of the mechanical properties of single cardiomyocytes, including tensile stiffness, transverse (indentation) st...

The inter-lamellar connectivity of the annulus fibrosus in the intervertebral disc has been shown to affect the prediction of the overall disc behaviour in computational models. Using a combined experimental and computational approach, the inter-lamellar mechanical behaviour of the disc annulus was investigated under conditions of radial loading. Twenty-seven specimens of anterior annulus fibro...

In this research, the efficiency of Recycled Glass Powder (RGP) is evaluated for improvement of polymer-modified bitumen and asphalt mixture performance. An extensive laboratory programm was undertaken for polymer-modified bitumen including Crumb Rubber (CR), Styrene Butadiene Styrene (SBS) and Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR). Rheological and mechanical proper...

The stiffness of fracture fixation devices together with musculoskeletal loading defines the mechanical environment within a long bone fracture, and can be quantified by the interfragmentary movement. In vivo results suggested that this can have acceleratory or inhibitory influences, depending on direction and magnitude of motion, indicating that some complications in fracture treatment could b...

This study investigates preparation of melamine formaldehyde / montmorillonite nanocomposite coatings and evaluates its abrasion resistance property as a new material for wood based panel products. The ultrasonicated MF resin/clay blends with different clay loadings were applied in the form of coatings to the saturated decorative paper to prepare thermoset prepregs. Morphology and structure of ...

Integration of engineered musculoskeletal tissues with adjacent native tissues presents a significant challenge to the field. Specifically, the avascularity and low cellularity of cartilage elicit the need for additional efforts in improving integration of neocartilage within native cartilage. Self-assembled neocartilage holds significant potential in replacing degenerated cartilage, though its...

background : previous studies have investigated different effects of muscle fatigue on body systems. however, there are no reports on the effect of fatigue protocol and its level on musculotendinous stiffness (mts) of the tricep-surae. this study was designed to compare the effects of 2 levels of submaximal fatigue contraction on mts of triceps-surae. methods: twenty female students by simple r...

Initial destructive experimental studies have demonstrated significant stiffness variations in the damage region and large differences in compression and tension [2]. A quantitative description of the stiffness reduction in an artificial impact damage was demonstrated in [3], employing a non-destructive testing method coupled with an inverse approach. Tensile stiffness distribution of real impa...