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• The ultrasonic vibration was introduced to improve interfacial microstructures of Al/Mg bimetal composites. • The oxide film of the Al/Mg interface was removed by ultrasonic vibration treatment. • Grain refinement and a more homogeneous Al/Mg interface were obtained by ultrasonic vibration treatment. • The shear strength of the Al/Mg bimetal composites with ultrasonic vibration treatment was increased by 89.5 %. In this work, the A356/AZ91D bimetal composites were prepared by ultrasonic vibration-assisted lost foam compound casting, and the effects of ultrasonic powers on interfacial microstructures and mechanical properties of the Al/Mg interfaces were investigated. Results revealed that the Al/Mg bimetal composites without ultrasonic vibration treatment (UVT) were heterogeneous, and the Al/Mg interface was composed of Al-Mg intermetallic compounds (IMCs, i.e., Al 3 Mg 2 and Al 12 Mg 17) area and Al-Mg eutectic structures (δ-Mg+Al 12 Mg 17) area. The Mg 2 Si particles were gathered at the IMCs area and an oxide film that mainly composed of Al 2 O 3 was existed between the IMCs area and eutectic structures area. With UVT, the oxide film was eliminated and the gathered Mg 2 Si particles were refined and dispersed by the acoustic cavitation effect, and part of the Al 3 Mg 2 and Al-Mg eutectic structures were transformed into the Al 12 Mg 17 due to the promoted solute interdiffusion, which improved the homogeneity of the Al/Mg interfaces. Besides, the grains of the Al/Mg interface with UVT under ultrasonic power of 75 W were significantly refined. The thickness of Al/Mg interface was increased with the increase of the ultrasonic power. Due to the excessive heat induced by UVT under the further increased ultrasonic power, the cooling rates and the degree of supercooling were reduced, resulting in the coarsening of interfacial grains. The microhardness of the Al/Mg interfaces was increased and got more uniform by UVT. The shear strengths of the Al/Mg bimetal composites with UVT were enhanced to 61.4 MPa from 32.4 MPa, with an increase of 89.5 % compared with that of the Al/Mg bimetal without UVT. This could be ascribed to the removal of the oxide film, the refinement of the interfacial grains and the dispersed and refined Mg 2 Si particles achieved by UVT, which hindered the crack propagation during deformation. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article from Practical Boat Owner provides guidance on maintaining rudders and steering systems on boats. The author emphasizes the importance of regular checks to prevent rudder failure, which can be dangerous at sea. The article covers different types of rudders, such as transom-hung, skeg, and spade rudders, and provides specific checks for each type. It also offers step-by-step instructions for replacing rudder bearings and repairing a rudder with a water-saturated core. The article concludes with advice on maintaining wheel steering systems and preventing galvanic corrosion. [Extracted from the article]

This article provides an overview of the Aston Martin VH Vantage, the brand's first junior sports car. It was introduced in 2003 and quickly became Aston Martin's most successful model, with over 25,000 units sold by 2018. The Vantage maintained Aston Martin's core values while appealing to a wide audience. The article also discusses the various versions of the Vantage, such as the V8, Roadster, and V12 models, highlighting their features and performance. The VH Vantage was built on the innovative 'VH' architecture, allowing for design flexibility and shared components. The article concludes by discussing the driving experience and the significance of certain locations in the Vantage's development. Additionally, the article delves into the Aston Martin V12 Vantage, a high-performance sports car launched in 2009. It was designed to be the fastest and most thrilling drivers' car in Aston Martin's history, featuring a powerful 5.9-liter engine, carbon fiber components, and a top speed of 190mph. The article also provides maintenance tips for both the V12 and V8 Vantage models. The V12 Vantage is highly regarded for its driving experience and is considered a significant car in Aston Martin's history. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Consumer Reports provides tips and tools to make getting around town easier and more comfortable. It covers various mobility tools for walking, such as walking poles, canes, and shopping carts, as well as bags, shoes, and clothing that can enhance the walking experience. The article also discusses rollators, which are rolling walkers with seats, and provides information on choosing the right one. Additionally, it explores e-bikes and conventional bicycles for cycling, offering guidance on selecting the appropriate type of bike. The article concludes with recommendations for helmets and accessories to make cycling safer and more convenient. [Extracted from the article]

This article explores a diving expedition in Pendrell Sound, where the author uncovers an issue beneath the surface. Oyster farming operations have been attracted to the warm waters of the sound, but this has limited anchorage options due to the presence of oysters and rockfish conservation areas. The author expresses concern about the choice of anchorage in the face of strong winds. However, despite these challenges, the author finds calm waters and continues their exploration. The article also discusses a clean-up operation in Pendrell Sound, focusing on the removal of plastic debris. The author, a commercial diver, shares their experience diving to retrieve plastic waste and the difficulties they encountered. The history of oyster farming in the area is mentioned, including the negative impact of toxic bottom paint on oyster populations. The article emphasizes the importance of maintaining the cleanliness of the coastline and highlights the shared responsibility of boaters and aquaculture farmers. [Extracted from the article]

Benro has developed a new line of compact Cyanbird tripods that offer a versatile combination of size, weight, working height, load capacity, and price. These tripods are designed to be small and convenient to use, with a folding arrangement for the legs that reduces the overall size and weight. The tripods come in three leg sets, including carbon fiber, aluminum, or a combination of both, providing options for different budgets. They also come with a choice of two heads, a ball-type head, or a hybrid head suitable for both photo and video applications. The tripods are well-made and offer sturdy support for cameras, making them a great option for photographers and videographers who need extra support while traveling or in remote locations. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Pacific Yachting offers tips for successful upwind sailing, focusing on factors such as speed, heading, pressure differences, clear air, wind shifts, and current considerations. The author shares personal experiences and observations rather than scientific principles. The document also serves as a guide to anchorages in the Pacific Northwest, including the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, the San Juan Islands, Desolation Sound, the Broughton Islands, and areas leading to Prince Rupert and the southern tip of Alaska. The guide provides maps and diagrams with recommended anchorages, coves, and bays, and has received positive feedback from experienced sailors. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the artistic process of Shana Levenson, a representational painter based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Levenson begins her paintings by conducting a photoshoot and editing the photos in Photoshop to create the desired composition. She works on aluminum composite panels, starting with a gray gesso primer. Levenson uses various brushes to create layers and textures, focusing on accuracy and values. Her finished artwork, titled "Spiral," showcases her hyperrealist style and incorporates delicate and feminine details, influenced by her background in fashion. Levenson aims to tell authentic and meaningful stories through her portraiture, highlighting the strength and beauty of women. [Extracted from the article]

• The "GNS-Cu/CuAl 2 -Al" interfacial structure enormously contributes to the effective load transfer, either by enhancing the GNS-Al adhesion or by elevating the interfacial slippage resistance. • A typically intragranular distribution of Cu@GNS in microstructure can remarkably enhances the work hardening of composite via dislocation strengthening. • The high corrosion resistance of the composite is rationalized on basis of the decreased number density of galvanic cells along grain boundaries affected by intragranular distribution of Cu@GNS. Al matrix composites generally possess high strength but sacrifice ductility and corrosion resistance resulting from the dense intergranular reinforcements. Herein, we report a solid-state reactive sintering pathway to construct an Al-Zn-Mg composite reinforced by intragranular Cu nanoparticles modified graphene nanosheets (Cu@GNS), which demonstrates both superior mechanical properties (∼630 MPa of tensile stress and ∼9.1% of fracture elongation) and exceptional corrosion resistance. It is shown that the "GNS-Cu/CuAl 2 -Al" interfacial structure greatly contributes to the load transfer, either by enhancing the GNS-Al adhesion or by elevating the interfacial slippage resistance in terms of the "drag effect" of hybrid particles. Meanwhile, the comprehensive characterization demonstrates that such intragranular Cu@GNS not only enhances the dislocation multiplication efficiency for work hardening but also contributes to the high corrosion resistance via decreasing the corrosion kinetics and suppressing the severely localized corrosion. This work provides a novel strategy for the exceptional mechanical-corrosion combination of composites by tailoring intragranular reinforcements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Continental GT we have with us today is particularly notable, because it saw active service as a Bentley press car when new, which explains its generous Mulliner specification. Fire up the DB's V12, though, prod the Drive button (all the auto gearbox functions are so controlled) then gun the throttle and minor gripes ebb away rapidly. "We also believe the coupé shape best expresses Bentley's new styling language, while carrying a link to our greatest cars of the past, such as the Blue Train Bentley and the Continental R.". [Extracted from the article]

• Al-Si eutectic reaction inhibits Al-CNTs reaction via hindering the diffusion of carbon in matrix. • Al/CNTs interface compatibility is improved by formed discontinuous composite interface. • Strengthening effect of CNTs is brought into full play in AMCs introduced by Si element. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) reinforced aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) show broad application prospects in the fields of aerospace and transportation because of their lightweight, high specific strength and specific modulus. A new alloying strategy in this study is proposed to regulate its weak intrinsic interface and uncontrollable interfacial reaction. Our results show that Si element could hinder the dissolution and diffusion of carbon atoms in Al matrix, inhibiting Al-CNTs interface reaction. Grain refinement and dislocation increment induced by the reinforcements promote the contributions to the strength of AMCs. The wettability and interface bonding of Al-CNTs could be effectively improved by Al/Si/CNTs composite interface, the formed discontinuous strong interface is advantageous to coordinate the plastic deformation of AMCs. Si particles can also firmly fix CNTs through pinning effect during deformation, which leads to a better load transfer. Therefore, the tensile strength of Al-5Si-0.5CNTs composite can be enhanced up to 391 MPa while maintaining an acceptable plasticity of 7.5%. It brings the strengthening effect of CNTs into full play in AMCs and achieves the strengthening effect of 1+1>2 under the comprehensive effect of grain refinement strengthening, dislocation strengthening, dispersion strengthening of Si particles and load transfer to CNTs. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article evaluates the architectural design of the sustainable office buildings at 11 & 12 Wellington Place in Leeds, featuring bronze-colored structures connected by a glazed link and incorporating elements inspired by the city's industrial heritage.

The article discusses the author's progress on building a camper trailer for the LRM Live event. The author shares their research into trailer builds and their decision to use a steel frame for the trailer. They also discuss their plans for adding side hatches and a roof tent, as well as their considerations for the materials and design of the trailer. The author acknowledges that there is no right or wrong way to build a custom trailer and expresses their enjoyment of the fabrication process. [Extracted from the article]

Tech highlights MERCEDES performance division AMG started with a clean sheet when it began development of this Mk7 SL. SAFETY: THE SL hasn't been subjected to Euro NCAP safety tests, but blind-spot assist, lane-keep assist and traffic-sign recognition are all standard. SL 55 4MATIC+ Premium Plus PRICE: £147,475 POWERTRAIN: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo petrol, 469bhp AT £147,475, the SL 55 certainly comes with a big asking price. [Extracted from the article]

• High performance Cu matrix Fe particle reinforced nanocomposite was fabricated. • Fast cooling and small solidification units in L-PBF suppressed the segregation. • Incorporating 8 wt.% Fe into pure Cu promoted heterogeneous nucleation of Cu grains. • Ageing enabled the nanoprecipitation of coarser BCC α-Fe and smaller FCC γ-Fe. • FCC γ-Fe with a diameter of 10-35 nm exhibited coherent interfaces with the Cu matrix. Liquid-liquid phase separation, and the resulted solute segregation, during conventional solidification have been a long-term challenge to produce copper (Cu)-iron (Fe) immiscible composites with high strength and high conductivity. The present work reports an effective solution to this issue through laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) in-situ alloying of Cu-8 wt.% Fe. Microstructure observation showed that the fast cooling within micron-scale melt pools fully eliminated the Fe segregation and therefore the L-PBF fabricated nanocomposite achieved the homogeneous microstructure, which featured equiaxed fine grains around 1 µm in size. Ageing of the nanocomposite at 600°C for 1 h enabled precipitation of two types of nanoparticles. One is coarser Fe nanoprecipitates with body-centered cubic (BCC) structure and diameter of 100-300 nm, mainly distributing along grain boundaries. The other is smaller Fe nanoprecipitates with face-centered cubic (FCC) structure and diameter of 10-35 nm, being observed within the grains and having coherent interfaces with the Cu matrix. As a result, the aged Cu-Fe nanocomposite achieved tensile strength of 462.9±6.6 MPa with 30.4%±1.7% elongation to failure and 74.5% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard) electrical conductivity. The formation mechanisms of the nanoprecipitates and the strengthening mechanisms of the nanocomposite are discussed. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the Aston Martin Vanquish, specifically the original V12 Vanquish that was launched in 2001. It highlights the car's rarity, with only around 2600 cars constructed and approximately 1000 of those being the S models. The original Vanquish is described as an underappreciated classic, handbuilt with a 6.0-litre V12 engine, cutting-edge transmission technology, and luxury features. The article suggests that the original Vanquish is a collector's item and represents Aston Martin's engineering ambition and luxury. [Extracted from the article]

The structural deterioration caused by the relatively weak out-of-plane bending stiffness and the chemically-active edge area of graphene limits its outperformance in strengthening for Al matrix composites (AMCs). Introducing one-dimensional (1D) carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to graphene/metal system is one of the promised strategies to complement the weakness of 2D graphene and make full use of the outstanding intrinsic properties of the both reinforcements. To date, such synergistic strengthening and toughening mechanisms are largely unknown. In this study, AMCs reinforced by a novel hybrid reinforcement, i.e., graphene nanosheets decorated with Cu nanoparticles and CNTs (Cu@GNS-CNTs), are fabricated by an in-situ synthesis method. The combined contrast experiments validated that the organically integrated reinforcing structure promotes the intrinsic load bearing capacity of GNS and the strain hardening capability of the Al matrix simultaneously. As a result, the composites achieved excellent tensile strength and uniform elongation with almost no loss. The strengthening mechanism originated primarily from the hybrid reinforcement exhibits superior load-transfer, fracture inhibition and dislocation storage capability by controlling the interface reaction to construct an effective interface structure without damaging the reinforcement. Our work identifies a promising structural modification strategy for 2D materials and provides mechanistic insights into the synergistic strengthening effect of graphene/CNTs hybrid reinforcement. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel micron-sized B 4 C@APC core-shell spheres with a diameter of 2 µm formed on the surface of the chips after the hydrothermal reaction of Al20Si chips and nano-B 4 C particles in a glucose solution. The microhardness of the micron-sized B 4 C@APC spheres in the composites was 1.66 GPa, which is greater than that of the α-Al matrix (1.06 GPa). • Due to the formation of micron-sized B 4 C@APC spheres, the reinforcement of nano-B 4 C particles in B 4 C@APC/Al matrix composites is transformed from single-size particle enhancement (nano-B 4 C particles) to bimodal-sized particle enhancement (nano-B 4 C particles and micron-sized B 4 C@APC spheres). • Dislocation pile-up around micron-sized B 4 C@APC core-shell spheres stimulate dynamic recrystallization (DRX) nucleation, and the nano-B 4 C particles pin grain boundaries to effectively prevent grain boundary migration and inhibit grain growth. Hence, the B 4 C@APC/Al matrix composites is enhanced significantly, and the strengthening mechanism mainly includes thermal mismatch strengthening, Orowan strengthening, Hall-Petch strengthening and load transfer strengthening. • A relationship model between the YS increment and the conversion rate of nano-B 4 C particles as nucleating sites that formed micron-sized B 4 C@APC core-shell spheres was created. A B 4 C@ amorphous carbon (APC)/Al matrix composite was fabricated by using hydrothermal carbonized deposition on chips (HTCDC) process and solid-state synthesis process. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the B 4 C@APC/Al matrix composite were investigated. After HTCDC process, nano-B 4 C particles (50 nm) and micron-sized B 4 C@APC core-shell spheres with a diameter of 2 µm were found in the composites. The microhardness of the micron-sized B 4 C@APC spheres is 1.66 GPa, which is greater than that of the α-Al matrix (1.06 GPa). Dislocation accumulation is observed around the micron-sized B 4 C@APC spheres, indicating that the micron-sized B 4 C@APC spheres have a strengthening effect on the α-Al matrix. Due to the formation of micron-sized B 4 C@APC spheres, the reinforcement of nano-B 4 C particles into the composites is transformed from single-sized particle enhancement to bimodal-sized particle enhancement. The strengthening mechanism for B 4 C@APC/Al matrix composites with bimodal-sized particles of nano-B 4 C and micron-sized B 4 C@APC spheres were analyzed, which includes thermal mismatch strengthening generated by the mismatch of coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) between micron-sized B 4 C@APC core-shell spheres and α-Al matrix, Orowan strengthening produced by nano-B 4 C particles, Hall-Petch strengthening and load transfer strengthening produced by the bimodal-sized enhancement from nano and microspheres. A relationship model between the yield strength (YS) increment and the conversion rate (x) of micron-sized B 4 C@APC core-shell spheres was estimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Folded graphene is designed and generated with the aid of hydrogenation and pre-compression. • Current molecular dynamics simulation model is experimentally and numerically validated. • The designed folded graphene leads to superior strength and toughness simultaneously in copper nanocomposites. • Pre-compressive strain of folded graphene further improves the strength and toughness of nanocomposites. • Nanocomposites reinforced with folded graphene with more wave and peak numbers exhibit better toughness. Toughness and strength are important material parameters in practical structural applications. However, it remains a great challenge to achieve high toughness and high strength simultaneously for most materials. Here, we report a folded graphene (FG) reinforced copper (Cu) nanocomposite that overcomes the long-standing conflicts between toughness and strength. Intensive molecular dynamics simulations show that the 10% pre-strain-induced four-wave-patterned FG (1.09 wt%) reinforced Cu nanocomposite exhibits simultaneous enhancement in toughness (∼13.59 J/m2), ductility (∼32.38%), and strength (∼9.52 GPa), corresponding to 38.53%, 58.88%, and 2.26% increase, respectively when compared with its counterpart reinforced by pristine graphene (PG). More importantly, the mechanical properties of FG/Cu nanocomposites can be effectively tuned by changing the pre-compressive strain, wave number, and peak number of FG. The toughening and strengthening mechanisms are applicable to other metal materials reinforced by other 2D nanomaterials, opening up a new avenue for developing tough and strong metal nanocomposites. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Powder metallurgy synthesis of bulk metallic glass composites with TRIP effect. • Quantification of confining effect of glassy phase on martensitic transformation. • Quantification of each phase to the plasticity of bulk metallic glass composites. • Mechanism for shear band initiation in shape memory bulk metallic glass composites. The synthesis of martensitic or shape-memory bulk metallic glass composites (BMGCs) via solidification of the glass-forming melts requires the meticulous selection of the chemical composition and the proper choice of the processing parameters in order to ensure that the glassy matrix coexists with the desired amount of austenitic phase. Unfortunately, a relatively limited number of such systems, where austenite and glassy matrix coexist over a wide range of compositions, is available. Here, we study the effectiveness of powder metallurgy as an alternative to solidification for the synthesis of shape memory BMGCs. Zr 48 Cu 36 Al 8 Ag 8 matrix composites with different volume fractions of Ni 50.6 Ti 49.4 are fabricated using hot pressing and their microstructure, mechanical properties and deformation mechanism are investigated employing experiments and simulations. The results demonstrate that shape-memory BMGCs with tunable microstructures and properties can be synthesized by hot pressing. The phase stability of the glass and austenitic components across a wide range of compositions allows us to examine fundamental aspects in the field of shape memory BMGCs, including the effect of the confining stress on the martensitic transformation exerted by the glassy matrix, the contribution of each phase to the plasticity and the mechanism responsible for shear band formation. The present method gives a virtually infinite choice among the possible combinations of glassy matrices and shape memory phases, expanding the range of accessible shape memory BMGCs to systems where the glassy and austenitic phases do not form simultaneously using the solidification route. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PHOTO (BLACK & WHITE): "Paul Evans was an artist making money as a furniture designer", Merrill says. DESIGNER PROFILE By the time furniture designer and artist Paul Evans died in 1987 at age 56, it would have been reasonable to wonder whether his legacy was already slipping away. Within two years, however, Evans returned to Bucks County and in 1955 began sharing a showroom with furniture designer Phillip Lloyd Powell. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from Guangdong Ocean University in China discusses the use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in aluminum matrix composites (AMMCs) for tissue engineering. CNTs are known for their low density, high elastic modulus, and exceptional electrical and thermal properties, making them ideal for reinforcing materials. By adding an appropriate volume fraction of CNTs, the mechanical properties of AMMCs, such as hardness, tensile strength, and electrical properties, can be significantly improved. The research suggests that further optimization of composition and microstructure can lead to high-performance CNTs/AMMCs, which have potential applications in various fields, including cell therapy and tissue engineering. [Extracted from the article]

• Shear instability of heterogeneous nanolayered Cu/Zr composites are investigated by micro-indentation. • The heterogeneity is generated by inserting several Cu-Zr bilayers of 2.5–10 nm into the interface of the 100 nm Cu/Zr layered structure. • Multiple shear bands formed in composites with one interlayer while single shear band appeared in those with two or three interlayers. • Strain delocalization is achieved in multiple shear band region. • Heterogeneous nanolayered composites possess higher strength and better resistance to shear instability than homogeneous and bimodal counterparts. Ultrastrong nanolayered metallic composites are usually subjected to low ductility due to plastic instability during deformation. Here we investigated the shear instability of a newly designed heterogeneous nanolayered Cu/Zr composites by microindentation. The heterogeneity in size was generated by inserting a few thin Cu-Zr bilayers with an individual layer thickness of 2.5 - 10 nm into the interface region of the Cu/Zr layered composites with an individual layer thickness of 100 nm. The microindentation tests showed that multiple shear bands appeared in the heterogeneous composite with one bilayer, whereas only a single shear band was formed in that with two or three bilayers. Most importantly, the layer strain in the multi-shear band region is much smaller than that in the single-shear band area. For example, the strain of the 100 nm layers within the shear band in the composite with one 10 nm bilayer could reach as low as 2.8, which was less than half of that in the composite with three 10 nm bilayers, i.e., 6.1. These findings demonstrated that strain delocalization can be achieved through shear band multiplication if an appropriate number of thin bilayers were used as interlayers in the 100 nm Cu/Zr composites. Besides, compared with the homogeneous composite with an individual layer thickness of 100 nm and the bimodal composite which is composed of alternating one 100 nm Cu-Zr bilayer and two 10 nm Cu-Zr bilayers, the heterogeneous composite with one bilayer displayed a higher strength (2.15 GPa) and a favorable resistance to strain localization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on MARY JANE ANSELL PEACE BIRD.

• Bioinspired tungsten-copper composites are designed to mimic fish scales. • The composites exhibit a synergetic enhancement in strength and ductility at ambient and high temperatures. • Bouligand-type architectures enhance structural integrity via adaptive structural reorientation. • The study may also promote the development of new materials for electrical contact or heat sink applications. The microscopic Bouligand-type architectures of fish scales demonstrate a notable efficiency in enhancing the damage tolerance of materials; nevertheless, it is challenging to reproduce in metals. Here bioinspired tungsten-copper composites with different Bouligand-type architectures mimicking fish scales were fabricated by infiltrating a copper melt into woven contextures of tungsten fibers. These composites exhibit a synergetic enhancement in both strength and ductility at room temperature along with an improved resistance to high-temperature oxidization. The strengths were interpreted by adapting the classical laminate theory to incorporate the characteristics of Bouligand-type architectures. In particular, under load the tungsten fibers can reorient adaptively within the copper matrix by their straightening, stretching, interfacial sliding with the matrix, and the cooperative kinking deformation of fiber grids, representing a successful implementation of the optimizing mechanisms of the Bouligand-type architectures to enhance strength and toughness. This study may serve to promote the development of new high-performance tungsten-copper composites for applications, e.g. , as electrical contacts or heat sinks, and offer a viable approach for constructing bioinspired architectures in metallic materials. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article showcases the work of four artists and provides insights into their artistic processes and inspirations. Ted Nuttall, a watercolor artist, discusses his approach to painting portraits and his use of multiple layers to create a sense of translucence. Chiachen Wang, an oil painter, shares how he draws inspiration from various sources and aims to infuse his artwork with emotional depth. John Michael Carter, another oil painter, explains his series of costumed figure studies and his use of metaphorical themes. Ellen Cooper, an oil painter, describes a commissioned portrait that captures a moment of family life and incorporates elements of genre painting. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the winning photograph, titled "Brad And Harriet," by Australian photographer Raoul Slater in the Family Sitting category of the International Portrait Photographer Of The Year 2023 competition. The photographer, who has been photographing for 40 years as a hobby, used a diptych taken with an old Ukrainian FDK 18x24 cm large format camera and a cheap Russian Industar 300mm f/4.5 lens. The photo captures a moment of communication between a parent and child, and the photographer found success and confidence in using the wet-plate photography technique. [Extracted from the article]

• GNPs/Al-Cu composite with obvious aging enhancement was fabricated by powder metallurgy. • The addition of GNPs could accelerate the formation of precipitates. • Comparing with the solution treated GNPs/Al-Cu composite, aging led to obvious increase in hardness but less enhancement in strength. Microstructural and mechanical behavior of heat treatable Al-4.6Cu binary alloy reinforced with graphene nanoplates (GNPs) in different heat treatment status were investigated in this paper. The addition of GNPs significantly enhanced the yield strength and tensile strength of Al-Cu alloy regardless of the heat-treatment conditions. It was also found that GNPs accelerated the formation of precipitates, leading to a greatly shortened aging time for GNPs/Al-4.6Cu composite to reach the peak hardness. However, aging treatment enhanced the strength of GNPs/Al-Cu composite very little, which could be explained by the interaction between GNPs, precipitates and dislocations. This work inspires us that the heat treatment process of aluminum alloy matrix composites should be designed independently with the matrix in quest of an optimum performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

However, in this new body of work Lett finds joy in the obvious "stops" and "starts" of the brushwork that is now proudly on display, the fragmented nature creating a multitude of individual colour field works across the composition. FEATURE The confident, broad brushstrokes of Belem Lett's new paintings seem to literally zoom around the picture plane, conveying a sense of speed and momentum as they slide across the works' sleek aluminium surfaces. Unusually for Lett, this new body of work began with works on paper - a medium the artist hadn't worked with for a while. [Extracted from the article]

In choosing a car to own, I wanted one that had been built only in a small quantity - such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bentley - rather than the larger quantities of Aston Martin or Alfa Romeo. Such is life with an exotic car, though the DB7 Zagato has no servicing foibles, according to Stuart Channon of Aston Martin specialist RS Williams, where this example is for sale. 'THE DB7 WAS EXACTLY THE KIND OF CAR THAT WOULD BE MORE DIFFICULT TO TURN INTO A LIMITED RUN OF Coach buILT VERSIONS' And so it's extremely apt that the Aston Martin DB7 V12 Zagato was conceived at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. 'THE BENTLEY GTZ IS EVEN MORE EXCLUSIVE THAN THE DB7 ZAGATO: ONLY NINE WERE BUILT' It's even more exclusive than the DB7 Zagato: only nine were built. [Extracted from the article]

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Where the Bristol was and remains a niche product, built for a small but committed following of customers, Lancia's Aurelia marked the Italian firm's gradual transition from small coachbuilder to mainstream manufacturer. The Aceca would be powered by a number of engines in its nine years, including the same 100B Bristol engine found in the 404 and a beefy 2.6-litre Ford Zephyr "six" breathed on by Ken Rudd, but it's the Thames Ditton firm's own 1991cc overhead-cam straight-six carried straight over from the Ace in 1954 that features in this example. The car's first owner, amateur racer TA Alston, would have been no stranger to the Aceca's straight-six having swapped his 2 Litre saloon in part-exchange, and he would surely have found the engine a more fitting pairing with the little coupé. [Extracted from the article]

One of the most desired strengthening mechanisms in the carbon nanotube reinforced aluminum matrix composites (CNT/Al) composites is the load transfer strengthening mechanism (LTSM). However, a fundamental issue concerning the LTSM is that quantitative measurements of load partitioning in these composites during loading are very limited. In this study, in-situ neutron diffraction study on the tensile deformation of the 3 vol.% CNT/2009Al composite and the unreinforced 2009Al alloy was conducted. The {311} and {220} diffraction elastic constants (DECs) of the 2009Al alloy were determined. Using those DECs the average stress in the 2009Al matrix of the composite was calculated. Then the average stress in the CNTs was separated by using the stress equilibrium condition. Computational homogenization models were also applied to explain the stress evolution in each phase. Predicted results agree with experimental data. In the present case, the average stress in the CNTs reaches 1630 MPa at the yield strength of the composite based on linear regression of the measured data, which leads to an increment of yield strength by about 37 MPa. As the result of this work, an approach to quantify load partitioning in the CNTs is developed for the CNT/Al composites, which can be applied to optimize the mechanical properties of the composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To synthesize graphene economically and efficiently, as well as to improve the interface bonding between graphene and metal and to recede the aggregation issue of graphene, in this work, an easy and scalable bottom-up strategy for the mass production of metal nanoparticles modified graphene nanoplates (GNPs) was proposed. Cu nanoparticles modified GNPs (Cu-GNPs) and Ni nanoparticles modified GNPs (Ni-GNPs) were fabricated through this method, and then compounded with Al via ball milling technique. The as-obtained Ni-GNPs/Al composite showed simultaneously improved strength and toughness compared with unreinforced Al, while the Cu-GNPs/Al composite presented a greater strengthening effect. The microstructure and interface of the two composites were carefully characterized and investigated to reveal the difference. First principle study was also adopted to explore the binding energy of different interface structures. This study could provide new insights into the fabrication of GNPs and the control of interface in GNPs/Al composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the strength of short carbon fibers reinforced aluminum matrix (Csf/Al) composite, the dispersion of short carbon fibers with multi-orientation was controlled with a square crucible by mechanical stirring. The three-dimensional flow field models of liquid aluminum melt in the square/round crucibles were established and calculated, and the results were compared. The calculated results show that turbulent flow could be induced both in the square and round crucible, while the non-axisymmetric structure of the square crucible results in higher turbulent kinetic energy in the melt. Therefore, the uniformity and multi-orientation dispersion of the short fibers can be improved by the intensive turbulent flow in the square crucible, which will be increased by increasing the rotational velocity. The distribution of the short carbon fibers in the aluminum matrix prepared under different rotation velocities in square crucible was experimentally investigated. With the increase of stirring velocity, the multi-orientation dispersion of the short fibers in the composites increased gradually. The experimental results are consistent with the calculation results. The tensile testing results show that the strength of the Csf/Al composite can reach 172 MPa when the rotational velocity is 1000 rpm, and it is 48.3% higher than that prepared by the round crucible under the same conditions, which results from the improved multi-orientation dispersion of short carbon fibers in aluminum matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene-metal nanolayered composites (GMNCs) are a new generation of nano-structural composites characterized by a very high density of graphene reinforced interfaces (GRI) between metal nanolayers. Compared to traditional graphene flake reinforced composites, GMNCs have much higher strength, toughness and ductility due to the excellent ability of GRI on constraining dislocation motion and crack propagation. Despite numerous experimental and numerical studies on the mechanical behavior of GMNCs, the underlying strengthening mechanism is still not fully understood due to the absence of appropriate theoretical model. This paper proposes a continuum mechanics based theoretical model to explain the strengthening mechanism in GMNCs. In this model, the metal matrix and the GRI are simulated as homogenous elastic medium of infinite extend and inextensible thin membrane of zero thickness, respectively. Using the theoretical model, two boundary value problems namely (i) A circular prismatic dislocation loop approaching to the GRI and (ii) A mixed mode I/II penny-shaped crack near the GRI are formulated to reveal the two key strengthening mechanism: dislocation blocking and crack shielding, respectively. The two problems are solved analytically by the Generalized Kelvin's Solution (GKS) based method for 3D elasticity and Fredholm integral integration technique. Exact closed form solution for the Peach-Koehler (P-K) force on the dislocation loop is obtained. An efficient numerical scheme is developed to solve the Fredholm integral integration for the crack problem with very high accuracy. It is shown that our theoretical model can well capture and explain the strengthening mechanism observed in experiments. Moreover, the dominant role of Poisson's ratio on the strengthening efficiency is also revealed by our model. This finding implies the exciting possibility that the strength of GMNCs can be tailored by controlling the Poisson's ratio of the metal matrix. The present theoretical modeling can provide valuable insights into the mechanics-based design of GMNCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]