research

Theory of physical aging from polymer science is, for the first time, introduced to understand ACL injury and its prevention. By analogy to physical aging of amorphous polymer materials, we think physical aging of two bundles of ACL will largely increase risk of ACL injury. Besides, physical aging will also build a heterogeneous stress and strain in ACL due to its natural anatomic structure, which is a large risk for athletes. The specific designed prevention programs for ACL injury such as plyometrics, strengthening and other neuromuscular training exercises [1] are believed to erase physical aging of ACL. ACL with less physical aging is less likely to get injured in sport activities. In this article, a virtual physical aging simulation is built to validate current hypothesis. Erasing physical aging of ACL may provide an accurate and quantitative way to prevent ACL injury.

By Alexa S. Kuenstler, Yuzhen Chen, Phuong Bui, Hyunki Kim, Antonio DeSimone, Lihua Jin, Ryan C. Hayward

Abstract: Advanced machine learning methods could be useful to obtain novel insights into some challenging nanomechanical problems. In this work, we employed artificial neural networks to predict the fracture stress of defective graphene samples. First, shallow neural networks were used to predict the fracture stress, which depends on the temperature, vacancy concentration, strain rate, and loading direction.

In this paper, we formulate a theory for the coupling of accretion mechanics and thermoelasticity. We present an analytical formulation of the thermoelastic accretion of an infinite cylinder and of a two-dimensional block.

Fracture mechanics is one of the key research topics in our field (of mechanics) and has a rather rich history of innovation and applications. From earth-quakes to air-planes---the mechanics underpinning the phenomenon of materials falling apart has been essential in the development of technology.  Griffith’s work on fracture was published about a 100 years ago and is often widely regarded as the start of modern fracture mechanics. The Century Fracture Mechanics Summit (CFMS), was held in Singapore on Apr.

Engineering ceramic/nanocomposite interfaces may lead to the development of ultra-tough ceramic nanocomposites. The novel processing method, as well as micromechanical interpretation of the above result, can be found here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbon.2020.02.075

Christos E. Athanasiou

S. Thomas, A. Kulangara Madam, and M. Asle Zaeem. Stone-Wales defect induced performance improvement of BC3 monolayer for high capacity lithium-ion rechargeable battery anode applications. The Journal of Physical Chemistry C (2020) (10 pages). 

http://dx.doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevMaterials.4.033602

Abstract

Dear iMechanicians,