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The carbon/glass hybrid rod exhibits high tensile strength, light weight, and strong corrosion resistance. However, the bottleneck of interlayer splitting exists in the interlayer hybrid rod, severely impeding safe operation. To solve the problem of rod splitting, this paper proposed a new scheme of an intralayer carbon/glass hybrid rod. Based on the material constitutive model, a full‐scale simulation model was developed. The stress distribution and deformation of the hybrid rod were analyzed and the progressive damage mechanism of the hybrid rod was explained. The results indicated that, for the intralayer carbon/glass hybrid rod, (a) the ultimate experimental tensile load witnessed a significant increase, rising by 14.0% from 452.4 to 515.7 kN compared to the interlayer hybrid rod; (b) the numerical model predicted the tensile load of 525.9 kN, with an error of 1.9% compared to the test result, meeting engineering accuracy requirements; (c) the elastic deformation stage saw a 146.7% increase from 280.2 to 691.3 MPa in the maximum axial stress of the carbon‐fiber layer, and a 120% increase from 89.8 to 198.0 MPa in the maximum radial stress of the glass fiber layer as the tensile displacement increased from 0.16 to 0.32 mm. In conclusion, the intralayer carbon/glass hybrid rod proposed in this paper can significantly improve the tensile strength compared to the interlayer hybrid rod, which can accelerate the application of carbon/glass hybrid rods in oil and gas fields. Highlights: According to the problem of interlayer splitting in the interlayer carbon/glass hybrid rods, a novel scheme of an intralayer carbon/glass hybrid rod was proposed.Based on the material constitutive model, a full‐scale simulation model of an intralayer carbon/glass hybrid rod was developed to analyze the stress distribution and deformation response under tensile load.The dynamic progressive damage analysis method for intralayer carbon/glass hybrid rods was proposed to reveal the damage evolution mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Windows are commonly the primary way for noise to enter the building environment. Most windows achieve higher sound insulation targets by simply increasing glass thickness or laminate. However, the glass thickness cannot be increased freely due to the window frame's limitation. This research selects eleven kinds of asymmetric insulating laminated glass (glass + polyvinyl butyral + glass + air + glass) within 27 mm, which are the typical thicknesses of window frames. The three pieces of glass have equal thicknesses. The half-space acoustics method investigated the acoustic properties and modal behavior of the glass with finite thickness. The results show that when PVB or three glass increases simultaneously, and the sound insulation of each glass can be improved by 0.9∼3.4 dB or 3.7∼21.8 dB at first resonant frequencies, respectively. The glass with the best sound insulation is 7 mm glass + 0.76 mm polyvinyl butyral + 7 mm glass + 5 mm air + 7 mm glass (7 + 0.76 + 7 + 5A + 7 for short). Its sound transmission loss (TL) is 38.5 dB from 125 to 4000 Hz and 16.8 dB in the first resonant frequency (200 Hz). In addition, its first resonant frequency is the highest among eleven kinds of glass, and the number of natural frequencies in the low frequency range is only 9. These findings can provide a basis for designing asymmetric insulating laminated glass to improve the low frequency noise reduction effect effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to understand the coupling between time-dependent behaviours (viscoelasticity, viscoplasticity) and damage mechanisms within carbon woven-ply polyphenylene sulfide (C/PPS) thermoplastic composites subjected to creep loadings at T > Tg (Glass transition temperature), it is necessary to develop experimental protocols adapted to high temperature conditions. To this aim, the present study combines different complementary techniques (acoustic emission, edge replication, fractographic analysis, tomography) allowing in-situ analyses of the damage mechanisms that coexist and interact during the different phases of creep-type loadings. These techniques provide information to quantify and dissociate the different material behaviours (viscoelasticity, viscoplasticity, damage). Two main damage mechanisms are identified: intra-bundle cracking and inter-bundle cracking leading to extensive meta-delamination. Image analyses based on morphological operations allow the evaluation of the surface cracking density (intra- and inter-strand) from edge replicas. At macroscopic scale, the thermo-mechanical response is little influenced by the viscous behaviour of angle-ply C/PSS laminates though their thermo-mechanical behaviour is mainly driven by the PPS matrix. At micro and mesoscopic scales, the results clearly show the onset and propagation of time-dependent damage in C/PPS specimens. By implementing this protocol, the acoustic emission monitoring associated with the quantification of the cracking density proved to be relevant and complementary to study the coupling between viscous effects and damage within C/PPS laminates subjected to high temperature loading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanical soft–hard transition of hydrogels is desired in conditions‐adaptive deformation and mechanics reconfiguration applications. However, highly efficient, stimuli‐responsive, and reversible transition strategies are hard to achieve. Inspired by the supercooling of salt‐aqueous solutions, solid and supersaturated hydrogels are prepared based on a hydrophilic polymer network and salt‐aqueous solution. The inner crystallization‐ or melting‐induced reversible phase‐change realizes the switch between the soft hydrogel (modulus: 0.1 MPa) and rigid composite (modulus: 24.0 MPa). The soft and supersaturated hydrogels easily deform to achieve diverse new 3D models and the unfamiliar soft–hard transition makes temporary shapes be efficiently fixed (hardening). Interestingly, the initial hydrogel's shapes can be regenerated relying on the resilience of the polyacrylamide network when the crystal is melted (softening). Shape memory, complex surface morphology replication, rapid mold application, and self‐supporting laminated glass are accomplished by this unique crystallization‐melting introduced soft–hard transition. This phase change soft‐hard switching strategy will broaden the functionalities of hydrogels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using glass as a structural element that could obtain the role of the primary load-bearing elements of iconoclast structures has had a superficial history. Because of its aesthetic and admissible mechanical properties, glass has been considered one of the structural elements in the construction industry. Because of its extrasafety, laminated glass on top of the most widely used elements has been appraised with more depth. The study aimed to evaluate the failure modes in laminated glass and the possibility of detecting the pre-failure status of the surveyed elements, referring to the proffered approaches and image processing (IP) procedures in the literature. The outcomes have compared the peculiarity and strength points of various routes and have reached the inference for proper approaches in every procedure. According to the results, image processing (IP) is the most appropriate method of pre-failure detection in load-bearing laminated glass elements. Among the image processing (IP) techniques, digital image correlation has the widest application. The results of this study, in combination with other pieces of research, may propound a database for evaluating the failure status of glass structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a new method for synthesizing cold‐resistant laminated anti‐fire glass using a K2O·nSiO2‐based ultrathin flexible membrane, which is prepared by vacuum surface treatment method with ball‐milled core–shell SiO2 emulsion (55 wt%). We systemically characterize the mechanical, optical, rheological, cold‐resistant, fire‐resistant, and weather‐resistant performances of this glass. The formation mechanism of K2O·nSiO2‐based ultrathin membrane is studied in detail using multispeckle diffusing–wave spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Then, the tensile strength, plasticity, and rheological behavior of the materials with different moduli are characterized. Combined with thermal gravity analysis, we characterize the compositions of K2O·nSiO2‐based materials with different moduli. For the K2O·nSiO2‐based ultrathin flexible membrane, the appearance of air‐conducting microchannels is designed, resembling the Wu Zhu coin morphology (a square hole circular coin in ancient China) or honeycomb wall morphology. These structures endow the visible region of the anti‐fire glass with a reduced presence of microbubbles. As a type of building safety glass, the spongelike microporous insulation layer can increase the heat‐insulating time in the event of a fire. Furthermore, the weather‐resistant performance of this glass is demonstrated to be more than 3000 h through an ultraviolet test. This work also provides a new routine for synthesizing high‐quality anti‐fire glass with different shapes, including curved surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanocrystalline cesium tungsten bronze (CsxWO3) exhibits high transparency and near-infrared blocking effect caused by localized surface plasmon resonance and small-polaron absorption, making it a promising transparent heat insulation material. CsxWO3 has certain application in energy-saving coated glass for building, but its application in laminated glass, another widely used building glass, has rarely been studied. The research on laminated glass mainly focuses on safety, but it also has high energy-saving potential, and the research in this area is relatively backward. Compared with the glass coating whose thickness limits the application of thermal insulation materials, the interlayer of laminated glass can introduce both infrared shielding materials and low thermal conductivity materials by virtue of its larger thickness, so as to achieve better thermal insulation effect. Herein, a new type of thermal insulation laminated glass was proposed. For this purpose, two types of thermal insulation nanomaterials, nanocrystalline CsxWO3 and SiO2 aerogel, were incorporated into polyvinyl butyral (PVB) to prepare PVB/CsxWO3/ SiO2-aerogel composite for the preparation of laminated glass. The materials containing CsxWO3 exhibited high visible light transmittance (75%) and NIR shielding rate (77%). In addition, when appropriate content of SiO2 aerogel was added, the thermal insulation was further improved with minimal change in the transmittance spectrum. The PVB/CsxWO3/SiO2-aerogel achieved both good visible light transmittance and excellent thermal insulation performance, making it a composite material for laminated glass in line with contemporary green energy-saving concepts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current work, fiber‐metal laminates (FMLs) consisting of alternated continuous fiber‐reinforced thermoplastic composite layers and aluminum alloy sheets were proposed by the hot‐pressing method. Carbon fiber‐reinforced polyamide 6 (PA6/CF) and glass fiber‐reinforced polypropylene (PP/GF) prepregs were selected as composite layers. The effect of the assembly method between composite prepreg and aluminum sheets as well as the stacking configurations on the flexural response of FMLs were investigated. Meanwhile, the macro and micro‐structural observations were performed to characterize failure mechanisms in these structures. Experimental results revealed that the strength and stiffness of hybrid FLMs depended on the material property on the surface layer. With the stacking sequence of aluminum sandwiched by PA6/CF achieved the highest flexural strength of 535.3 MPa and modulus of 63.6 GPa in the series of FMLs, which could achieve satisfied lightweight and strength‐stiffness properties. The ductile deformation of aluminum sheets and fracturing and pulling out of the fibers were the main characterized failure mechanisms of thermoplastic FMLs. For glass fiber‐metal laminates, stacking configurations of three aluminum sheets alternation with four PP/GF intermediate layers achieved a favorable flexural property. Above all, the proposed thermoplastic FMLs have great potential in civil applications especially in the automobile industry as structural parts. Highlights: Thermoplastic fiber‐metal laminates are designed and fabricated.The assembly method and stacking sequences influence the flexural property.FMLs with PA6/CF and aluminum achieve satisfied strength stiffness.PP/GF prepreg and aluminum layer display ductile deformation mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aerospace, automotive, and energy industries can use fiber‐reinforced composites due to their high specific strength and stiffness. However, unexpected external impacts in work cause internal damage and residual strength loss in composite structures. Another ongoing issue is the sustainable management of composite materials' end‐of‐life. The quasi‐static indentation properties of glass epoxy composites are investigated in this study using different kinds of novel filler materials that are recycled from old composite materials: recycled milled carbon (rmCF), recycled milled Kevlar filler (rmKF), and an innovative hybrid filler (rmBF) composed of recycled milled carbon and Kevlar fillers (rmBF). Surface roughness and hardness studies assessed the quasi‐static indentation (QSI) response of neat glass epoxy and glass epoxy composites loaded with fillers using indentation force, absorbed energy, residual dent depth, and evolution of damage area. Compared to the baseline samples, the rmCF composites performed exceptionally well, showing a 16% increase in peak force, a 59% decrease in damaged area, and a 6.32% and 22.5% reduction in surface roughness, respectively (Ra and Sa). After QSI tests, rmC filler samples had 26.8% higher residual flexural strength than neat glass epoxy composites in a three‐point bending test. Through toughening mechanisms like filler interlocking and bridging, micrographs captured using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed that recycled fillers provide a higher level of stiffness, better energy dissipation, less damaged area, and overall improved hardness. Highlights: Recycled milled carbon (rmCF) and Kevlar hybrid fillers (rmKF) have been integrated into glass/epoxy composites.The damage tolerance of glass epoxy composites was as a whole significantly improved by the rmCF integration.The Kevlar fillers' inadequate adhesion and interlaminar shear strength were compensated for by the Hybrid fillers (rmBF).Micrographs taken with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) clearly show the fillers' role in the resistance to damage propagation processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study looks at the mechanical and free vibration properties of glass laminated with functionalized aluminium reinforced epoxy. NaOH, K2Cr2O7, Fe2(SO4)3. XH2O, and C8H18O3Si were employed to functionalize aluminum. The flexural, impact, and shear strengths, as well as their failures, were investigated using electron microscope images. The impulsive hammer approach was applied to investigate laminate vibration behaviour. The results showed that the flexural strength (623.83 MPa), impact strength (76.41 J/mm2), and shear strength (55.31 MPa) of C8H18O3Si functionalized laminates outperformed those of other functionalized laminates. The improvement of mechanical properties was due to the change in interfacial adhesion. This is dependent on the functionalization of aluminium used in stacked laminates. Moreover, C8H18O3Si functionalized laminates exhibit a higher natural frequency and higher damping than other functionalized laminates. This natural frequency and damping are enhanced due to the strong mechanical interlocking between polymer and metal adhesion. It was noted that the same laminates have higher toughness than other laminates because of the high impact energy obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In present investigation, experimental and numerical approaches were combined to investigate the distance between impact positions (DBIP) effects upon impact response and damage accumulation regarding carbon/glass hybrid laminates with multiple low‐velocity impacts. Force/energy‐time curves as well as force‐displacement curves with respect to the laminates with three various impact energies at four different impact positions were obtained from experiment data. Then C‐scans were made to quantify the damage of all the impacted specimens. Additionally, an integrated multi‐impact model was created considering both interlaminar delamination and intralaminar damage. Continuum damage mechanics model (CDM) was developed to calculate the impact resistance regarding laminates under various impact loadings with high efficiency. The simulation and experimental results agreed well. Moreover, the qualitative effects of impact positions on the laminates' mechanical responses were summarized utilizing predictive model that validated. Highlights: The effect of the DBIP on the impact response and damage accumulation of carbon/glass hybrid laminates subjected to multiple low‐velocity impacts was studied.An integrated multi‐impact model was developed to predict the impact resistance of laminates under various impact loadings with high efficiency.The qualitative effects of impact positions on the laminates' mechanical responses were summarized using a validated predictive model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An evaluation of the interlaminar fracture toughness of polyamide/glass fiber laminates with various layups is reported. Due to large differences in thermal expansion coefficients of fiber and binder the laminates with layups where single layers are swapped exhibit high warping. A technique for avoiding this is proposed, allowing evaluating interlaminar fracture toughness of various angle interfaces. Two different layups for evaluating the Mode I and II interlaminar fracture toughness are tested. The differences of delamination behavior of a number of different-angle fiber interfaces are shown and analyzed. The applicability of the proposed testing technique is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advantages of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in fortifying the glass fiber reinforced polymeric (GFRP) composites are discussed in this paper. Bolted steel straps are utilized at the edges of composite plate to establish clamped conditions in the test setup. To minimize uncertainties caused by bolt attachments, a genetic algorithm-based model updating approach has been implemented by introducing artificial linear springs at the margins to achieve a better balance between theory and reality. The accuracy of the plate's results (natural frequencies and mode shapes) is verified, and the mechanical properties of randomly dispersed CNTs are incorporated in the formulations of folded plates. Remarkably, the motion equations are brought forward by the first order shear deformation theory (FSDT). Thereafter, two-directional generalized differential quadrature (2D-GDQ) technique is employed to determine natural frequencies from available motion, continuity, and boundary equations. The results of the folded plate are validated first by an experimental modal testing and finally some effective parameters such as folding angle, CNT weight ratio, boundary condition and flange-shape length are examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The drilling of composite structure leads to its damage, near the peripheral areas of the drilled hole, due to the laminar structure of the composites. The goodness of a drilling process can be evaluated by measuring the extent of the damage caused by it. In the present study, lock-in thermography non-destructive inspection method is proposed to characterise the drilling damages in glass fiber–reinforced polymer panel. A semi-automated image processing methodology is proposed to calculate damage parameters, namely delamination area and size, and delamination factor. The effect of excitation frequency on the damage characterisation is studied to decide the optimum frequency range to measure the damage parameters through signal-to-noise ratio and damage visibility. The damage parameters are measured at optimum frequency. The study showed that the lock-in thermography technique has the potential to characterise drilling damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing a high-performance electrode with low Ir loading for the anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) stands as the primary challenge in advancing proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE). In this study, we designed an electrode comprising a self-supported interlayer of TiO 2 nanotubes (TiO 2 NTs) on Ti felt, followed by a coating of IrRuO x on TiO 2 NTs/Ti felt. Due to a significant electrochemical active area (ECSA) and lattice contraction, Ti/TiO 2 NTs/IrRuO x -20 V effectively boost the oxygen evolution activity, achieving an Ir loading of 85.1 μg cm−2 and an overpotential of only 190 mV@10 mA cm−2. Both the interlayer and IrRuOx coating contribute to increased durability. The stability test reveals that Ti/TiO 2 NTs/IrRuO x -20 V remains stable for up to 300 h@10 mA cm−2 in 0.5 M H 2 SO 4. Moreover, the electrode lasts 260 h@500 mA cm−2 in a full cell. This study suggests a promising direction for the design of future electrodes. [Display omitted] • The interlayer serves to protect the Ti felt and supports the anodic catalyst. • The Ti/TiO 2 NTs/IrRuO x -20 V exhibits an optimum TiO 2 NTs length for enhanced activity. • TiO 2 interlayer reduces noble metal loading and improves OER performance. • The incorporation of the interlayer decreases crack width, resulting in improved stability of the electrode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent explosions and impact events have highlighted the exposure of civil structures, prompting the need for resilient new constructions and retrofitting of existing ones. Laminated glass panels, particularly in glazed facades, are increasingly used to enhance blast resistance. However, the understanding of glass fragments and their interaction with the interlayer is still incomplete. This paper investigates experimentally the quasi-static and dynamic responses of cured and uncured polymers for seven different materials—two different products of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), two ethylene vinyl acetate products (EVA), one product of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and two SentryGlas products (SG)—that were tested between 21 and 32 °C (69.8 and 89.6 °F), which is the recommended room temperature. In these experiments, the responses of PVB, EVA, TPU, and SG were evaluated under a quasi-static strain rate of 0.033 s−1 and compared to the results under a relatively higher strain rate of 2 s−1. Moreover, the high strain rate loading of the materials was accomplished using a drop-weight testing appliance to evaluate the engineering stress–strain response under strain rates between 20 and 50 s−1. The results demonstrated that with strain rates of 20 s−1, PVB behaved like a material with viscoelastic characteristics, but at 45 s−1 strain rates, PVB became a non-elastic material. SG, on the other hand, offered both a high stiffness and a high level of transparency, making it a very good alternative to PVB in structural applications. In contrast, after the maximum stress point, the response to the failure of the seven materials differed significantly. The tests provided ample information for evaluating alternative approaches to modeling these different materials in blast events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanical analysis of photovoltaics and building integrated photovoltaics is a key step for their optimal design and certification, and requires careful consideration, alongside solar power, durability and functionality issues. The solar cells are encapsulated in thin interlayers that are usually composed of a viscoelastic Ethylene–Vinyl Acetate compound, and protected by thin glass and/or plastic layers. This paper investigates the out-of-plane bending response of a full-scale commercial PV module and focuses attention on the shear bonding efficiency of the thin encapsulant for quasi-static and dynamic mechanical considerations. The parametric analytical analysis, carried out in this study for a laminated glass plate, highlights the possible consequences of the viscoelastic shear coupling on the cross-section load-bearing demand in the covers. As a direct effect of severe operational conditions (i.e., ageing, non-uniform/cyclic thermal gradients, humidity, extreme mechanical/thermal loads, etc.) the shear rigidity and adhesion of these films can suffer from repeated/progressive modification and even degradation, and thus induce major stress and deflection effects in the out-of-plane mechanical response of the PV module components. The minimum shear bond efficiency required to prevent mechanical issues is calculated for various configurations of technical interest. Accordingly, it is shown how the quasi-static and dynamic mechanical performance of the system modifies as a function of a more rigid or weak shear coupling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of adhesively bonded joints between composite panels, metal panels, or between composites and metals are used in the aerospace and automotive industries to avoid stress concentrations due to fasteners while reducing weight. Quantifying the bond thickness allows for confidence that loading is being properly transferred. This study presents a methodology to measure bondline thickness using the data obtained from an immersion quality ultrasound scan using an out‐of‐tank, field‐portable, utlrasonic testing (UT) scanner. Eighteen bonded coupons were fabricated using a paste‐type adhesive filling a range of gaps between substrates of 0.254 and 1.27 mm. Three adhesively bonded coupon types were investigated: carbon fiber laminates, fiber glass laminates, and aluminum plates. A semiautomated algorithm is presented to quantify bondline thickness from the ultrasound data for each coupon type, generating a spatially varying 3D point cloud of adhesive thickness. Bondline measurements obtained using ultrasound are then validated over two orthogonal planes against measurements taken from x‐ray computed tomography reconstructions. Results indicate a typical accuracy of 0.081 mm for bondline thickness quantification for all samples studied, with the results from the inspection of the composite coupons yielding an error of 0.078 mm, whereas the accuracy when scanning the aluminum coupons yielded an error of 0.086 mm. Highlights: Field‐portable, inspection station is presented for full waveform ultrasonics.Mathematical procedure to characterize adhesive bondline thickness.Results are presented for a variety of material systems and adhesive thicknesses.Results are validated against x‐ray computed tomography with a typical accuracy of 0.081 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The van der Waals (vdW) heterojunctions of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) provide an advanced platform for interlayer exciton generation to detect the exceeding cutoff wavelengths of individual TMDCs. Herein, the first demonstration of high‐performance infrared (IR) photodetectors driven by interlayer excitons and based on HfS2/MoS2 vdW heterojunctions grown by chemical vapor deposition is presented. HfS2 exhibits selective growth only on MoS2, establishing a vertical heterojunction that effectively generates interlayer excitons. The synthesized HfS2/MoS2 vertical heterojunction with type‐II band alignment exhibits a low interlayer bandgap and a significantly large interface area, enabling highly efficient IR detection. Moreover, the built‐in potential in HfS2/MoS2 plays a pivotal role in the outstanding photoresponse by suppressing the dark current and providing gradient band bending for the interlayer exciton‐induced photocarriers to drift toward each electrode. The HfS2/MoS2 photodetector exhibits remarkable performance, achieving a detectivity (D*) of ≈7 × 1013 Jones at 1550 nm, D* of ≈2 × 1014 Jones at 980 nm, and fast response time of 60 µs, surpassing previously reported 2D photodetectors. Overall, the successful demonstration of a photodetector based on vdW epitaxial HfS2/MoS2 paves the way for the advancement of large‐scale high‐performance IR sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a Whipple structure to enhance the impact resistance of graphene/aluminum alloy composites by varying the interlayer spacing between graphene and aluminum alloy. The increased interlayer spacing provides more deformation space for the graphene to absorb more deformation energy, and enables the formation of a debris cloud from the bullet fragments and graphene fragments, significantly reducing the impact energy per unit area of the next material. The impact limit serves as a critical metric for assessing the impact resistance of the Whipple structure. Based on molecular dynamics simulations, we developed a machine learning model to predict the protection of aluminum alloy, and quickly determined the impact limits of velocity, bullet radius, and interlayer spacing by using the machine learning model. An empirical equation for the impact limit of interlayer spacing was established. The results showed that non-zero interlayer spacing can significantly improve the impact resistance of the hybrid structure; to fully exploit the superior impact resistance of this Whipple structure, the number of graphene layers should be at least 3. Furthermore, at high impact velocities and large bullet radii, the impact limit of the interlayer spacing exhibits a substantial correlation with the number of graphene layers. These results provide valuable information for the design of the impact resistance of the graphene/aluminum alloy composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate structural analyses of continuous fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) are imperative for diverse engineering applications, demanding efficient material constitutive models. Nonetheless, the constitutive modeling of FRPs is complicated by the nonlinear behavior resulting from internal damages and the inherent plasticity. Consequently, this study presents an innovative anisotropic constitutive model for FRPs, designed to adeptly capture both the damage evolution and plasticity. All requisite parameters can be easily obtained through fundamental mechanical tests, rendering the model practical and user-friendly. The model utilizes the three-dimensional Puck criteria to determine damages, initiating the evolution process through a combination of continuum damage mechanics and linear stiffness attenuation methods. This evolution is coupled with a one-parameter plastic model. Subsequently, the numerical implementation method, integrated into ANSYS, is detailed. This emphasizes the Cauchy stress and consistent tangent stiffness solution strategy. Finally, the effectiveness of the developed model is demonstrated through comprehensive verification, encompassing existing biaxial tension and open-hole-tension tests conducted on carbon and glass FRP laminates. The simulation results exhibit a remarkable correspondence with the experimental data, validating the reliability and accuracy of the proposed model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the LES model, the compressible transient CFD simulation combined with the acoustic finite element method optimizes the effect of the rearview mirror and side window glass on in-vehicle noise from the perspective of sound source and transmission. The primary and secondary orders of the influence of different mirror shape and side window glass geometric parameters on the noise in the car were obtained through the design and analysis of orthogonal experiments, and the results of the flow and sound fields were compared. The following results are presented: acoustic source noise reduction from the rearview mirror is mainly affected by acoustic pressure excitation. The proportion of the mirror body of the rearview mirror, the angle of the lower edge, and the length of the mirror column affect the noise in the car in turn. The noise reduction control with PVB laminated glass as the transmission path is mainly limited by the low frequency turbulent pressure excitation. The inner and outer thicknesses of PVB laminated glass have different influences on the noise in the car under different frequency bands, and the results in the full frequency band are mainly affected by the low frequency band. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transparent sapphire and magnesium aluminum spinel (MgAl 2 O 4) ceramic was first brazed using La 2 O 3 -SiO 2 -B 2 O 3 -Nb 2 O 5 (LSBN) or La 2 O 3 -SiO 2 -B 2 O 3 -Nb 2 O 5 -MgO (LSBNM) glass filler. The Al 2 O 3 layer was formed at MgAl 2 O 4 /LSBN interface or sapphire/LSBNM interface, which caused the decrease of light transmission of joints. To avoid the formation of this interface layer, sapphire/LSBN/LSBNM/MgAl 2 O 4 joints with double glass interlayers were fabricated by using a two-step joining method consisting of high-temperature coating and low-temperature bonding. After the first step of high-temperature coating, no interfacial layer was observed in sapphire/LSBN glass and MgAl 2 O 4 /LSBNM glass samples. During the bonding process, low bonding temperature (750 °C) resulted in cracks and unbonding, while high bonding temperature (950 °C) caused the crystallization of glass interlayers. However, when the bonding temperature was 850 °C, the in-line transmission and shear strength of the sapphire/MgAl 2 O 4 joints reached 78.3% and 52 MPa, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, a simple, solvent‐free method to fabricate polymer‐encapsulated halide perovskite photoconductors is described. Dry mechanochemical synthesis is used to prepare CsPbBr3 in the presence of poly(butyl methacrylate) (PBMA). The resulting composite powder is then heated and pressed into a free‐standing disk with a thickness controlled by a metallic spacer ring. The disk can be laminated on a glass substrate patterned with interdigitated electrodes, resulting in a planar photoconductor device. The best photoconductive performance is obtained for disks that consist of 75 wt.% CsPbBr3 in PBMA, reaching a detectivity of ≈2 × 1011 Jones. Moreover, by adjusting the thickness of the disk, narrowband detectors can be obtained due to charge collection narrowing. Depending on the thickness of the pressed disk, the position and width of the detectivity peak can be tuned. At last, the disks are tested as possible absorber materials for X‐ray detectors, where ow detection limit, and fast and linear response are measured for perovskite‐polymer disks with 50 wt.% perovskite content. This work shows a simple and versatile approach toward the fabrication of halide perovskite photodetectors, which can be carried out in air and without the use of solvents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyvinyl butyral (PVB) is widely used as an interlayer material in laminated glass applications, mainly in the automotive industry, but also for construction and photovoltaic applications. Post-consumed laminated glass is a waste that is mainly landfilled; nevertheless, it can be revalorized upon efficient separation and removal of adhered glass. PVB interlayers in laminated glass are always plasticized with a significant fraction in the 20–40% w/w range of plasticizer, and they are protected from the environment by two sheets of glass. In this work, the aim is to develop a thorough characterization strategy for PVB films. Neat reference PVB grades intended for interlayer use are compared with properly processed (delaminated) post-consumed PVB grades from the automotive and construction sectors. Methods are developed to open opportunities for recycling and reuse of the latter. The plasticizer content and chemical nature are determined by applying well-known analytical techniques, namely, FT-IR, TGA, NMR. The issue of potential aging during the life cycle of the original laminated material is also addressed through NMR. Based on the findings, a sensor capable of directly sorting PVB post-consumer materials will be developed and calibrated at a later stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamic responses and generated voltage in a curved sandwich beam with glass reinforced laminate (GRL) layers and a pliable core in the presence of a piezoelectric layer under low-velocity impact (LVI) are investigated. The current study aims to carry out a dynamic analysis on the sandwich beam when the impactor hits the top face sheet with an initial velocity. For the layer analysis, the high-order shear deformation theory (HSDT) and Frostig's second model for the displacement fields of the core layer are used. The classical non-adhesive elastic contact theory and Hunter's principle are used to calculate the dynamic responses in terms of time. In order to validate the analytical method, the outcomes of the current investigation are compared with those gained by the experimental tests carried out by other researchers for a rectangular composite plate subject to the LVI. Finite element (FE) simulations are conducted by means of the ABAQUS software. The effects of the parameters such as foam modulus, layer material, fiber angle, impactor mass, and its velocity on the generated voltage are reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transparent sapphire and magnesium aluminum spinel (MgAl 2 O 4) ceramic was first brazed using La 2 O 3 -SiO 2 -B 2 O 3 -Nb 2 O 5 (LSBN) or La 2 O 3 -SiO 2 -B 2 O 3 -Nb 2 O 5 -MgO (LSBNM) glass filler. The Al 2 O 3 layer was formed at MgAl 2 O 4 /LSBN interface or sapphire/LSBNM interface, which caused the decrease of light transmission of joints. To avoid the formation of this interface layer, sapphire/LSBN/LSBNM/MgAl 2 O 4 joints with double glass interlayers were fabricated by using a two-step joining method consisting of high-temperature coating and low-temperature bonding. After the first step of high-temperature coating, no interfacial layer was observed in sapphire/LSBN glass and MgAl 2 O 4 /LSBNM glass samples. During the bonding process, low bonding temperature (750 °C) resulted in cracks and unbonding, while high bonding temperature (950 °C) caused the crystallization of glass interlayers. However, when the bonding temperature was 850 °C, the in-line transmission and shear strength of the sapphire/MgAl 2 O 4 joints reached 78.3% and 52 MPa, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was motivated by the need for a mechanistic-empirical (ME) design method applicable to asphalt pavements after mill-and-overlay repairs that include reinforcing grids; the focus was solely on the mechanistic component. A new model, based on layered theory, was developed – coupling in one single framework the following features: elastic layers for representing subgrade and unbound layers, fragmented layers for representing existing aged and densely cracked asphalt concrete (AC), imperfect bonding conditions for representing any differential slippage between adjoining layers, thermo-viscoelastic layer properties for representing new AC, and moving loads for representing traffic conditions. Grid effects were modelled as a combination of three contributions: the presence of an additional thin high-modulus elastic layer within the pavement system, the influence of a grid on interlayer bonding between layer above and below it, and the influence of a grid on the properties of the surrounding AC. These contributions require new grid-related modelling inputs that are physically meaningful and generic – not limited to any specific product. A secondary objective of the work was to generate some initial intuition on the mechanistic effects of interlayer grids. Accordingly, the new model was demonstrated in a parametric investigation covering a synthetic milled-and-overlaid structure with and without reinforcement. Findings from this demonstration provided an initial validation for the new model, given the conformity to findings from experimental studies. Overall, the new model is deemed a candidate computational engine for a ME design applicable to new and rehabilitated asphalt pavement systems. Furthermore, it can serve as an analysis tool to guide manufacturers on improving their products or showcasing existing capabilities in a quantified manner. Lastly, the new model can support the design of experimental setups for assessing grid effects within asphalt pavement systems, and therefore ensure the collection of usable measurements for subsequent mechanistic interpretation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glass-based materials, including polymer/glass stack ups, are attractive structural blocks for packaging substrates supporting 5 G and 6 G microelectronic modules and components. We present the first broadband characterization of AGC Inc. EN-A1 alkali-free boroaluminosilicate glass and of Ajinomoto Build-up Film (ABF) laminated on soda-lime float glass substrate from 200 GHz to 2.5 THz with a commercial terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) system. The refractive index n (ν) , attenuation coefficient α (ν) , permittivity ε ′ (ν) , and loss tangent tan δ (ν) of EN-A1 glass as well as laminated ABF are n EN - A 1 = 2.376 , α EN - A 1 = 31.1 cm - 1 , ε EN - A 1 ′ = 5.64 , tan δ EN - A 1 = 0.062 , and n ABF = 1.9 , α ABF = 30 cm - 1 , ε ABF = 3.8 , tan δ ABF = 0.072 , all at 1 THz. Our results validate the promising perspective of both EN-A1 glass and ABF polymer materials as microwave and THz packaging solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study highlights the formability of hybrid nanofiller modified Glass Reinforced Laminate (GLARE) laminate, by considering the formability index, anisotropic characteristics, and surface crack length, which represent the considerations of forming capability, inherent material property, and damage tolerance, respectively. The GLARE laminates were manufactured by using hybrid fillers, multi‐walled carbon nanotube/nanoclay (MWCNT/NC), and multi‐walled carbon nanotube/Mg‐Al layered double hydroxide (MWCNT/Mg‐Al LDH). The formability analysis was carried out through the results of tensile test and Erichsen cupping test. The anisotropy of the laminate was accounted by considering the parameters, normal anisotropy, and planar anisotropy. The microscopic analysis was performed after the formability test to measure the surface crack length to interpret the forming response of the laminate with hybrid fillers. Desirability function approach (DFA) was applied to prioritize the laminates against the formability index, the anisotropy characteristics, and surface crack length. The results showed that the GLARE laminates with single filler are more suitable for forming operations than the laminates with hybrid fillers. The nanofillers with mixed morphology induced brittleness in the binder. Among the laminates with hybrid fillers, the combination of MWCNT/Mg‐Al LDH exhibited improved compliance with the forming operation. Nanofillers modified adhesives used in the fabrication of GLARE laminates proved to enhance the mechanical properties of laminates. The results of the present study showed an insight into the formability of the laminate. The understanding about the formability of GLARE laminate enables the designer to design automotive and aircraft lightweight structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is the first edition of a special issue on the assessment and mitigation of fire risk in buildings and urban areas. The contributions in this edition come from researchers around the world and cover a range of topics. Some of the studies include investigating fire danger in Norwegian wooden homes, improving fire prediction models using R language, mapping urban vulnerability to fire hazards in Iran, studying the fire performance of laminated glass in high-rise buildings, and identifying critical factors affecting fire safety in high-rise buildings in the Emirate of Sharjah. Other studies explore risk assessment in UK road tunnels, ignition frequencies of structural fires in Australia, building resistance to wildfires in Portugal, fire spread in informal settlements, fire risk assessment in the historic city center of Aveiro, Portugal, and estimating the suppression performance of a water mist system. The editor expresses gratitude to the authors and peer reviewers for their contributions. [Extracted from the article]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the potential for S‐LEC™ Solar Control Film L, a heat insulating interlayer film for laminated glass developed by Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd., to reduce the burning sensation caused by near infrared (NIR) radiation. Methods: A crossover study was performed in 49 male and female subjects, using three different combinations of laminated glass with interlayer films. Subjects placed their right hand under each glass in an NIR irradiation device. The dorsal side of the right hand was irradiated with NIR for 30 s and the onset and degree of a burning sensation was measured. Results: Laminated glass with S‐LEC™ Solar Control Film L reduced the burning sensation caused by NIR and delayed the onset of the sensation, compared with the control glasses. Conclusion: The use of S‐LEC™ Solar Control Film L in the laminated glass of vehicles may improve passenger comfort and prevent skin disorders such as photoaging caused by prolonged exposure to NIR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CaS:Eu2+,Ce3+ are widely used in various fields, which is due to their excellent luminescent properties. However, the traditional high-temperature solid state synthesis of CaS has the disadvantage of large particle size and easy agglomeration. Also, the CaS-based material is unstable and decomposes easily in humid air. In the present study, CaS:Eu2+, Ce3+(here denoted as CaS:EuCe) phosphors with a uniform particle size, good dispersion, and small particle size (Dv50 = 13.46 μm, abbreviated as D50) have been obtained using a novel coprecipitation-mesophase decomposition (CMD) method. In addition, the inorganic-organic bilayer modification technology has been used to form core-shell structured CaS:EuCe@CaZnOS@Si69 phosphors, which could resist acidic/basic solutions and moist air. Its surface property changed from hydrophilicity (water contact angle 37.28°) to hydrophobicity (water contact angle 112.23°). Finally, the optimized phosphor was used to prepare luminescent film laminated glass, which showed the potential for use in plant growth. The reaction process of the CaS phosphor, as prepared by the CMD method, and the mechanism of the bilayer surface modification, have here been discussed in detail. We believe that the here-developed synthesis method provides a new strategy for the preparation of high-performance chalcogenide phosphors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laminated glass panels are often used to enhance the blast resilience of buildings by replacing the inherently brittle, monolithic glass that has historically been used in building façades. These composite ductile panels offer superior blast resistance and result in reduced glass-related injuries due to the interlayer's ability to provide residual resistance following fracture of the glass layers and to retain glass fragments. The various analysis methods that have been developed to support the blast design of laminated glass panels and reduce the need for expensive blast testing are reviewed in this paper. The focus is on panels with polyvinyl butyral, as this is the most commonly used interlayer in building façades. The methods identified are categorised into empirical design guidance, analytical models, finite-element analysis and equivalent single-degree-of-freedom methods, thereby enabling a comparison of the modelling principles adopted and the material properties assumed within the different categories. This is informed by first presenting a brief overview of the material properties of laminated glass under blast conditions. The consistency of the underlying structural mechanics principles is discussed by comparing the methodologies across the different categories. Finally, the ease of application is considered, highlighting the methods that are often preferred by practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laminated glass is extensively used in automotive windshields, making it crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of its fracture mechanism to ensure driver and pedestrian safety in various windshield impact scenarios. Current research on the cohesive zone model of glass impact failure has encountered challenges related to accuracy and computational efficiency. This paper addresses these issues by utilizing the finite element software LS-DYNA, which integrates a cohesive zone model and thick shell (Tshell) elements to simulate and analyze the impact failure process of laminated glass. The combination of Tshell and cohesive elements was validated using a DCB example. Subsequently, the proposed method was applied to simulate the impact damage on an automobile's front windshield, providing valuable insights from the obtained results. Finally, the influence of curvature, the number of layers, and the thickness ratio of each layer were investigated, leading to some valuable conclusions. Firstly, an increase in the thickness of the upper glass layer correlates with a decrease in the peak acceleration of the dummy-head model due to the ductility of PVB material. Secondly, when a curvature exists, the arched configuration of the windshield promotes higher resistance against impact, consequently leading to increased peak acceleration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In manufacturing industries, polymers are widely used due to their exceptional physiochemical and mechanical characteristics. It consists of high strength, low weight, corrosive resistivity, and ease of fabrication. Glass fiber is more cost-effective and easily available than other fibers such as carbon, aramid and kevlar. The most challenging issue for the manufacturer in the laminated polymer is the non-homogeneity and anisotropic behavior. This nature also hinders the machining performance of laminated polymer composites, which are entirely different from metals and their alloys. The supplements of nanomaterials enhanced the physiomechanical properties and the machining efficiency of fiber laminates. This work highlights the machining (drilling) aspect of glass fiber-reinforced polymer composites modified by multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT). The effect of drilling factors such as spindle speed (S), feed rate (F), and MWCNT weight percent (wt.%) on machining responses such as Thrust force (Th), Torque (T), and Surface roughness (SR) has been investigated. The drilling operations were conducted using the 5 mm diameter TiAN (Sic coated) according to the response surface methodology (RSM) design. The process constraints were controlled by the hybrid module of additive ratio assessment (ARAS) and the Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) algorithm. The nature-inspired principles of the bee are used to optimize the objective function. The multiple responses were aggregated using the ARAS method, and its objective function is fed into the ABC algorithm. It was remarked that the hybrid ARAS-ABC is more capable than the traditional ARAS, with an overall improvement of 7.33% in assessment values. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) test confirms the feasibility of the proposed hybrid (ARAS-ABC) module to achieve a favorable machining environment while drilling modified nanocomposites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As was shown in the previous part of the study, windshields are an important part of the passive safety means of modern low-floor trams with an extraordinary effect on pedestrian safety in a pedestrian–tram collisions. Therefore, maximum attention must be paid to the definition of tram windshield characteristics. This article describes a windshield crash test, from which data are obtained to verify the feasibility of the applied computational approaches. A developed analytical model is utilised for a simple description of the energy balance during collision with an illustrative definition of the important parameters of laminated glass as well as their clear physical interpretations. The finite element analysis (FEA) performed in Ansys software using two versions of material definition, namely a simpler (*MAT_ELASTIC with nonlocal failure criterion) and a more complex (*MAT_GLASS with brittle stress-state-dependent failure) material model, which are presented as suitable for obtaining a detailed description of the shattering process of laminated glass, which can also be used effectively in windshield engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Part quality monitoring and control in wire-based directed energy deposition additive manufacturing (w-DEDAM) processes has been garnering continuous interest from both the academic and industrial sectors. However, maintaining a consistent layer height and ensuring that the wall height aligns closely with the design, as depicted in computer-aided design (CAD) models, pose significant challenges. These challenges arise due to the uncertainties associated with the manufacturing process and the working environment, particularly with extended processing times. To achieve these goals in an industrial scenario, the deposition geometry must be measured with precision and efficiency throughout the part-building process. Moreover, it is essential to comprehend the changes in the interlayer deposition height based on various process parameters. This paper first examines the behaviour of interlayer deposition height when process parameters change within different wall regions, with a particular focus on the transition areas. In addition, this paper explores the potential of geometry monitoring information in implementing interlayer wall height compensation during w-DEDAM part-building. The in-process layer height was monitored using a coherent range-resolved interferometry (RRI) sensor, and the accuracy and efficiency of this measurement were carefully studied. Leveraging this information and understanding of deposition geometry, the control points of the process parameters were identified. Subsequently, appropriate and varied process parameters were applied to each wall region to gradually compensate for wall height. The wall height discrepancies were generally compensated for in two to three layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyvinyl butyral (PVB) laminated glass is widely used in architectural structures and automotive glass due to its remarkable cushioning and cohesive properties, and its lamination thickness has a significant effect on the overall impact resistance of the glass. In this paper, two conventional laminated glass thicknesses of 0.76mm and 1.52mm were selected to study the dynamic performance and damage morphology of laminated glass under three different impact velocities using light gas gun impact tests combined with industrial CT scanning-3D reconstruction techniques. The results showed that the PVB sandwich thickness had a significant positive correlation with the energy absorption effect, but under different impact velocities and glass thickness, the sandwich thickness and impact resistance showed a differentiated “marginal effect”. At moderate impact velocities, the impact resistance was most sensitive to the change in sandwich thickness. With the increase in glass thickness, the sensitivity of impact resistance to the change of sandwich thickness decreased. According to the characterization of full-dimensional cracks under medium-velocity impact conditions, it could be seen that the sandwich had the function of buffering dissipation and gathering recovery in different stress directions, and the thickness of the sandwich was a key functional parameter to reduce the flying of glass fragments. Therefore, the results of this study can provide a reference for the analysis and design of the impact resistance of PVB laminated glass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Delamination is one of the life‐limiting failure modes for fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite composites resulting in poor damage tolerance, as this failure mode occurs at considerably lower loads. Owing to the enormous demand and mass production of FRP composites, a large amount of fiber waste is produced worldwide. This triggers concern about utilizing these fiber wastes for some valuable applications. The present study aims to improve the overall damage tolerance of laminated glass/epoxy composites via the introduction of waste short carbon fibers (SCFs) reinforcement in the epoxy matrix. The effect of various SCF contents (0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 wt%) in glass fiber/epoxy composites were evaluated experimentally for their interlaminar fracture toughness in terms of both crack development and propagation under mode I and II interlaminar fracture toughness tests, at elevated temperatures (30, 50, and 70°C). Based on the experimental results, glass/epoxy composite with 0.1 wt% of SCF revealed 13.49% and 20.45% increment in mode I and II interlaminar fracture toughness, respectively, at ambient temperature. A positive reinforcement effect could be noticed for GIC and GIIC values up to 50°C. However, due to residual interfacial stresses, interfacial debonding, and epoxy softening, a negative reinforcement effect could be noticed at 70°C. Delamination initiation and crack propagation mechanisms have been explored at elevated temperatures. Fractographic studies have been carried out using a scanning electron microscope to identify the failure mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interlayer energy landscape of layered materials is essential to disassemble their structure–property relationships. However, a clear definition of interlayer electronic coupling that generally rules the interlayer energy landscape for their outstanding electronic and tribological properties, remains a matter of debate. Herein, diverse methods for electron coupling are evaluated to discriminate their feasibility to interpret interlayer sliding energy landscape for frictional sliding or stacking faults, by using density functional theory calculation of the layered models in the case of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). It is discovered that the charge density evolution in dynamic stacking configurations dictates the interlayer energy landscape along the sliding pathway, challenging the prevailing belief that the energy corrugation arises from the nonuniform distribution of charge density or the charge density in the interface region. The present studies may open the way to disassemble the electron coupling principle underlying interlayer energy landscape for structure–property relationships as stacking faults, registry effects, even superlubric behavior in layered structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid advancement of additive manufacturing technologies for concrete construction requires further understanding of material performance and its relationship with print parameters such as interlayer time-lapse and workability retention during the print. This study addresses the effects of the time delay between consecutive extruded layers on the mechanical performance of printed concrete using a mix designed by Quikrete. A series of specimens were prepared with printing delays of 10, 15, 30, and 60 min. This work correlates the change in fracture properties, mechanical performance, and workability retention with the interlayer time-lapse between two consecutive concrete layers. Interlayer time-lapse is defined as the time difference in printing of two consequent layers of concrete. It affects individual properties differently based on the loading direction and test types, but it is consistent in terms of interlayer performance. The understanding of the effect of interlayer time-lapse on the fracture properties between two consecutive printed layers fills the knowledge gaps in printed concrete research. Therefore, this study can help researchers perform required optimization and safely estimate the performance of printed concrete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]