Exploring the Correlation Between Functional Gradients in Material Properties and Solute Diffusion Across the Osteochondral Interface

The solute transport across the osteochondral (OC) interface is of crucial metabolic importance for a normal function of articular cartilage, and, therefore, for the OC interface as a whole. A better understanding how the mechanical- and physiological properties of the OC interface affect the solute transport across the OC interface could lead...

Modelling gas fracturing in saturated clay samples using triple-node zero-thickness interface elements

Geological Disposal Facilities (GDF) for radioactive waste will generally rely on clay-rich materials as a host geological formation and/or engineered barrier. Gas will be produced within the GDF, which can build up significant gas pressure and will activate the migration of gas through the clay materials via different transport mechanisms....

Finite Element Model For Interfaces In Compatibilized Polymer Blends: A Comparative Study on the Mixed-Mode Response of Cohesive Zone Models Implemented With Small and Large Displacement Assumptions

Designing and modeling compatibilized polymer blends require accurate interface model. In addition, it is possible that crazing occurs during failure of the interfaces leading to large deformation prior to complete failure and therefore must be accounted for by the interface model.<br/><br/>A preliminary literature review showed that existing...

Property-based functional gradients for biomimetic composites

Functional gradients in hard-soft interfaces are abundant in nature, and we often mimic them to create strong and tough composites. A powerful tool for the designs and fabrication of biomimetic composites is voxel-based multi-material 3D printing. Earlier researches mainly focused on using this technique in the creation of gradients based on...

Sub-increment Based Iterative Constitutive Model for Cyclic Cracking-Crushing-Shearing in Masonry Interface Elements

Masonry is one of the most commonly used construction materials for residential buildings and historic buildings around the world. Some of these buildings are located at seismic zones, while unreinforced masonry structures are vulnerable to seismic loads. To assess the existing masonry buildings and to design new masonry structures, nonlinear...

Model for alkali-silica reaction expansions in concrete using zero-thickness chemo-mechanical interface elements

Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR) is a particular type of chemical reaction in concrete, which produces cracking and overall expansion of the affected structural element due to the formation of expansive reaction products within the cracks. This paper develops the formulation of a coupled Chemo-Mechanical (C-M) Finite Element (FE) model for...

Dynamic Substructuring for Efficient Vibrational Studies in Buildings

As a reaction to urban densication, light weight building is an attractive concept for optimally utilizing the capacity of the existing built environment. A common issue paired with light weight construction is the need to engage in vibrational design, in order to minimize hindrance due to human activities such as walking, that cause vibrations...