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In practical applications, TiNi shape memory alloys (SMAs) exhibit behavior that can pose a challenge with current constitutive models and their implementations in finite element method (FEM) software. TiNi SMA devices typically operate in the forward or reverse martensitic transformation regime, which is known as subloop loading. During such cyclic loading–unloading, the hysteresis stress–strain loop changes because of material damage, which can be considered the fatigue of TiNi SMAs. During both the loading and unloading processes, the stress plateau decreases. At the same time, the accumulated (residual) martensitic transformation strain increases. In this study, the experimental investigation results and observations of the aforementioned phenomena are presented. Next, the phase-field damage model is employed, along with a modified Lagoudas constitutive model, to simulate the change in stress–strain hysteresis. Furthermore, a fatigue function is used to simulate the accumulation of martensitic transformation strain. The experimental stress–strain response is compared with the simulation results, and good quantitative and qualitative agreement is obtained. The damage and martensitic volume fraction with respect to strain are discussed for full-loop and subloop loading. The observations and conclusions, as well as open questions, are presented. Possible directions for future research are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Modeling and characterization of ductile fracture in metals is still a challenging task in the field of computational mechanics. Experimental testing offers specific responses in the form of crack-mouth (CMOD) and crack-tip (CTOD) opening displacement related to applied force or crack growth. The main aim of this paper is to develop a phase-field-based Finite Element Method (FEM) implementation for modeling of ductile fracture in stainless steel. (2) A Phase-Field Damage Model (PFDM) was coupled with von Mises plasticity and a work-densities-based criterion was employed, with a threshold to propose a new relationship between critical fracture energy and critical total strain value. In addition, the threshold value of potential internal energy—which controls damage evolution—is defined from the critical fracture energy. (3) The material properties of AISI 316L steel are determined by a uniaxial tensile test and the Compact Tension (CT) specimen crack growth test. The PFDM model is validated against the experimental results obtained in the fracture toughness characterization test, with the simulation results being within 8% of the experimental measurements. (4) The novel implementation offers the possibility for better control of the ductile behavior of metallic materials and damage initiation, evolution, and propagation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This paper is concentrated on the characteristics and effects of the classical electoral systems, that is, the system of the relative majority, the system of the absolute majority and the proportional system. These systems, in addition to their positive, also result in negative effects which are not easy to eliminate as they are themselves the result of the nature of these same systems. Aiming to eliminate the negative effects of the electoral system, today we are more inclined towards combined systems and proportional systems of moderate proportionality. The author suggests that the future changes in the electoral system of the Republic of Serbia should be founded on the model of proportional electoral system of moderate proportionality with the introduction of more electoral units.

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The paper presents the procedure for determining the factor of safety (FoS) using the strength reduction method (SRM) for the case of a concrete damage plasticity constitutive model. The SRM was originally used in a slope stability analysis and in its original form, this method was applied by reducing the shear strength of the material. Since damage in concrete occurs due to exceeding the normal stresses in the principal directions, and not due to exceeding the shear strength, this method was modified and adapted to the concrete damage plasticity constitutive model. Instead of reducing the failure surface, the parameters which describe the mechanical behavior in the case of uniaxial compression and uniaxial tension were reduced. In this way, the reduction of stress and the corresponding strain was carried out in the entire range of total strain, without changing the shape of the failure surface in the deviator plane. For the proposed methodology, a numerical algorithm was developed and implemented into the software PAK. The algorithm was verified through test examples and the obtained results were compared with analytically calculated FoS. The excellent agreement is observed between the FoS obtained by applying the proposed algorithm and the analytically calculated FoS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a method for implicit stress integration of the Drucker-Prager material model with kinematic hardening. The stress integration of the material model is conducted using the incremental plasticity method, while the kinematic hardening of material is defined using nonlinear Armstrong-Frederick hardening. This type of granular material hardening occurs as a consequence of the cyclic loading effects, such as the seismic load. For this reason, this material model is used for the earthquake analysis in the soil mechanics. Yield surface of the material model changes its position under the cyclic loads in the stress space, whereas there is no change in the size of the yield surface in deviatoric plane. The developed algorithm of the material model has been implemented in the software package PAK. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. TR37013 i br. TR32036]

The mechanical response of blast-resistant vehicles, such as Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs), Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicles (MICVs), Armored Personal Vehicles (APVs), and Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected (MRAP) vehicles, is crucial for their effective design. When designing armored vehicles, it is important to achieve a balance between rigid designs that transmit blast forces to the troop's cabins and softer designs that prevent excessive structure deformation hazardous to the troops. This study investigates the performance of V-shaped plates at different angles under blast loading. The focus is on modeling blast effects using the Conventional Weapon (ConWep) method and the Johnson-Cook material model. The material used for V-shaped protective plates STRENX700 (S690QL) armor steel is commonly used for blast protection in Anti-Landmine (ALM) Vehicles. The blast-wave induces large deformation, erosion, high strain rates, non-linear material behavior and fragmentation. The numerical simulation results are presented in the form of vertical displacement of the central node on the protective plate, von Mises equivalent stress, and equivalent plastic strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a comparative analysis of numerical simulations of blood flow through the left ventricle using SPH (LS-DYNA) and FVM (Ansys Fluent) solvers. Numerical simulations based on SPH and FVM methods can provide a more comprehensive understanding of cardiac blood flow patterns. In Fluent, left ventricle walls were modeled as boundary conditions with zero fluid velocity, while in the LS-DYNA software the walls were modeled with fixed particles. Boundary conditions were also prescribed on the appropriate regions (inlet, outlet, symmetry). In both programmes, inlet and outlet velocities were defined using table functions corresponding to the real cardiac cycle. For generating fluid flow in SPH, injection particles at mitral valve and deactivation planes at aortic semilunar valve were used. Numerical analysis results are given comparatively in both cases at the corresponding times. By comparing the results, it can be concluded that SPH can be efficiently used for the analysis of blood flow through the left ventricle. Although the modeling procedure, as well as the calculation itself, takes much longer to execute using SPH, this method offers possibilities such as studying FSI phenomena or tracking the movement of particles through the fluid domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim. Practical difficulties, particularly long model development time, have limited the types and applicability of computational fluid dynamics simulations in numerical modeling of blood flow in serial manner. In these simulations, the most revealing flow parameters are the endothelial shear stress distribution and oscillatory shear index. The aim of this study was analyze their role in the diagnosis of the occurrence and prognosis of plaque development in coronary artery bifurcations. Methods. We developed a novel modeling technique for rapid cardiovascular hemodynamic simulations taking into account interactions between fluid domain (blood) and solid domain (artery wall). Two numerical models that represent the observed subdomains of an arbitrary patient-specific coronary artery bifurcation were created using multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) coronagraphy and ultrasound measurements of blood velocity. Coronary flow using an in-house finite element solver PAK-FS was solved. Results. Overall behavior of coronary artery bifurcation during one cardiac cycle is described by: velocity, pressure, endothelial shear stress, oscillatory shear index, stress in arterial wall and nodal displacements. The places where (a) endothelial shear stress is less than 1.5, and (b) oscillatory shear index is very small (close or equal to 0) are prone to plaque genesis. Conclusion. Finite element simulation of fluid-structure interaction was used to investigate patient-specific flow dynamics and wall mechanics at coronary artery bifurcations. Simulation model revealed that lateral walls of the main branch and lateral walls distal to the carina are exposed to low endothelial shear stress which is a predilection site for development of atherosclerosis. This conclusion is confirmed by the low values 􀀃of oscillatory shear index in those places.

Background/Aim. Medial open wedge tibial osteotomy is one of the most widely accepted method of treatment for varus knee deformity in younger patient population. Its success depends on the quality of fixation and preservation of the outer cortex of the tibia. The aim of the study was to evaluate stress distribution in five numerically designed plate configurations which can be used in open wedge tibial osteotomy. Methods. The paper describes the 3D numerical model of the tibia with 10° varus deformity correction obtained by an optical scanner ATOS. The simulation anticipated axial compressive loads of 700 N, 1 400 N and 2 100 N. We used a modification of the standard T-plate in all of the five tested models. Modalities were tested with and without a metal block, and with and without a stable angle fixation plates and screws. Software PAK was used in the analysis of stress distribution. Results. With exception for the standard T-plate configuration without the supporting block, the loads up to 1400 N did not result in critical stresses on the outer cortex of the tibia in the remaining four models. There is an objective risk of possible failure of the outer cortex and loss of correction at a load of 2100 N in all configurations. The plate model with the angle stable fixation and the supporting metal block showed the most optimal distribution of stresses on the plate-bone composite compared to other models. Conclusion. The standard T-plate configuration without supporting metal block is not sufficient to stabilize the open wedge osteotomy of the tibia. Numerical models of the angle stable T-plate and the supporting metal block achieved a favorable distribution of stresses on the bone and implant which require further biomechanical testing.