research

The unified mechanics theory (UMT) is ab-initio unification of the second law of thermodynamics and Newton's universal laws of motion, in which Boltzmann's second law of entropy formulation governs dissipation & degradation. Hence, the unified mechanics theory does not require any empirical dissipation & degradation potential function or an empirical void evolution function. Material degradation is quantified on the Thermodynamic state index (TSI) axis based on the specific entropy production, which starts at zero and asymptotically approaches one at failure.

Abstract

The unified mechanics theory (UMT) was used to develop a model to predict the fatigue life of pre-corroded steel samples with BCC structure. Details of the experimental validation are also provided.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2022.111383

Boliang Wu, Tianzhen Liu, Yuzhen Chen and Lihua Jin

Dear iMechanicians,

I want to share our recent work published in Nano Letters on the blister test of nanoflakes. The title, abstract, and links for data are as follows:

Pull-to-Peel of Two-Dimensional Materials for the Simultaneous Determination of Elasticity and Adhesion 

Zheng Fang, Zhaohe Dai*, Bingjie Wang, Zhongzheng Tian, Chuanli Yu, Qing Chen, and Xianlong Wei*

Thin films usually exhibit instabilities and yield intricate wrinkles when two clamped ends are twisted. Here, we explore the wrinkling behavior and pitch-fork bifurcation of twisted thin films experimentally and theoretically. To quantitatively predict the post-buckling evolution of twist-induced wrinkling morphology, we develop a refined finite-strain plate model derived from 3D field equations and then solve it by using the finite element method with COMSOL. We examine the effects of aspect ratios and pre-tension on the wrinkling profile.

A bistable curved beam with magnetic torque-driven actuation has the potential for fast and untethered reconfiguration of metamaterials. However, no modeling method of a bistable curved beam whose instability is coupled with an external magnetic field for the design of active metamaterials. A bistable curved beam's second mode (S-shape) generation is essential for a multimodal and multistep reconfiguration of metamaterials, which was not explored before.

We present the first mixed mode phase-field model of ductile fracture. The contribution of crack opening and shearing deformations to the propagation of a crack is expressed by introducing two phase fields. Constitutive relations are then introduced to couple and distinguish these phase fields. Special attention is given to the maximum shear stress and its effect on the development of fractures. The proposed model is validated by tensile testing experiments found in the literature on Al 2024 T-351.

Characterization and Prediction of Polymer/Active Material Interface Failure in Battery Electrodes

Abstract:

Extreme Mechanics Letters (EML) is pleased to announce the initiation of an EML - Early Career Advisory Board (EML-ECAB) program to promote outstanding early career researchers and engage them in a path towards editorial services and contributions.