Abstract: Tubular offshore structures are commonly assembled using welded joints, creating areas of stress concentration and potential fatigue failure. This study focuses on tubular T, Y and K joints, a common offshore structural component. Finite element modeling is used to predict stress concentration factors (K_t) for various loading conditions on the T, Y and K joints. The goal is to calculate Kt values and compare them to existing theoretical solutions from literature. Additionally, the influence of different loading modes (tension, bending) on the K_t values is investigated. By using advanced modeling techniques, this work aims to provide new insight into the behavior of tubular T, Y and K joints connections under realistic offshore loading conditions. The results can help improve design standards and fatigue life predictions for these critical structural joints.

DOI: 10.5267/j.esm.2023.11.002
Keywords: Steel pipe, Welding, Tensile, Bending, Tubular junctions, Finite element

	© 2010 by the authors; licensee Growing Science, Canada. This is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the license. Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY)

Abstract: In the article, on the basis of previously conducted theoretical and experimental studies, a phys-ical model of the process of additional impact on the basis of non-uniform plastic deformation is developed and investigated. On the basis of the physical model, a mathematical model of the additional impact is developed, the generalizing factor of which in the case of asymmetric de-formation is the external moment from the side lines.

DOI: 10.5267/j.esm.2023.11.001
Keywords: Additional effect, Metal, Plastic deformation, Rolling

	© 2010 by the authors; licensee Growing Science, Canada. This is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the license. Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY)

Abstract: Recently, the development of cross-laminated timber (CLT) products that can substitute large-dimensional wood for structures and reduce waste of wood products with small dimensions and pieces continues to be developed, and demand from industries continues to increase. Therefore, this study aims to measure and analyze the mechanical properties of cross-laminated timber (CLT) products designed with a typical arrangement of the Lampung region, Indonesia, called a screen arrangement. Measurement and analysis of mechanical properties include measuring load tests and analyzing moments and stiffness of CLT products intended for floor and beam structures. The screen-type wood arrangement used in the product consists of an inner screen arrangement, an outer screen arrangement, and a standing screen arrangement with polyvinyl acetate adhesive. Load test measurements were carried out using a universal testing machine (UTM) and moment and bending stress analysis using engineering mechanics. Generally, the results show that CLT products with standing screens have smaller mechanical properties than those intended for floors and beams. This research shows that the typical CLT arrangement of the Lampung region (Indonesia), in the form of a screen, has strong mechanical properties and characteristics that can be compared with other arrangements.

DOI: 10.5267/j.esm.2023.10.005
Keywords: cross-laminated timber, measurement, stiffness, wood engineering, wood strength

	© 2010 by the authors; licensee Growing Science, Canada. This is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the license. Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY)

Abstract: Hurricanes are one of the most significant causes of human and material losses in the Caribbean region. These events have demonstrated their devastating impact on housing and infrastructure. The assessment of the vulnerability of buildings with light roofs, at the initial design stage, is considered to be a fundamental step in the mitigation of these damages and losses. This paper presents the introduction of an indicator-based vulnerability assessment in an effort to mitigate these damages in advance. This indicator facilitates the design team's decision to select the appropriate light roof alternative subject to strong winds at the conceptual stage of the process. The indicators that contribute to the conceptual assessment of vulnerability were identified based on a comprehensive review of the literature and numerical simulations of the risk scenarios using CFD/FEM software’s. The ranking of indicator weights was determined by the Kano method according to experts' opinions. A desktop application has been developed for the assessment of the vulnerability of light roof variants for buildings at the conceptual design stage. The results reported in a case study demonstrate the viability of the desktop application based on the vulnerability indicator to assist decision making in the conceptual design stage.

DOI: 10.5267/j.esm.2023.10.004
Keywords: Conceptual design, Vulnerability, Strong winds, Light roofs, Indicator

	© 2010 by the authors; licensee Growing Science, Canada. This is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the license. Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY)

Abstract: Amongst various structures, 2D panels are widely used in many industries and in each application, there are many ambient vibrations which can be converted into electrical energy. The very efficient method to utilize can be using piezoelectric patches which are stuffiest enough for various applications like energy harvesting. This study presents a novel approach for investigating energy harvesting in smart structures using composite panels integrated with piezoelectric patches. The panels are chosen to symmetry-balanced laminated composites, and modal and harmonic analysis conducted using the Rayleigh-Ritz method. To compute the kinetic and potential energy components of the piezoelectric patches at a local level, piecewise Heaviside functions are employed, and these energy components are integrated into the equations of motion together with those of the host composite plate. The results of the numerical method are validated by a commercial finite element software (FEM) COMSOL and there is a good match between FEM and this paper results. By subjecting the laminated composite with piezoelectric patches to forced vibration while varying the lamination parameter, the power output is optimized. The findings emphasize the substantial impact of the lamination parameter on power output, indicating that modifications can result in significant power output increase.

DOI: 10.5267/j.esm.2023.10.003
Keywords: Composite panel, Energy Harvesting, Optimization, Piezoelectric patches

	© 2010 by the authors; licensee Growing Science, Canada. This is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the license. Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY)

Abstract: Composite marine structures are crucial for maritime and aerospace applications due to their strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. To ensure their reliability and durability, a methodology to predict the damage criticality and service life of composite marine T-joints is essential. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) has emerged as a powerful tool for preliminary design and structural evaluation of complex structures, reducing the need for extensive experimental work and leading to substantial cost savings. This research project aims to conduct a comprehensive FEA of composite T-joints, considering alternative skin, core, and infill materials. Structural analyses under various loading conditions will evaluate overall deflection and stress levels, aiming to enhance the design and reliability of composite marine constructions, ultimately improving their performance and extending their service life in demanding maritime and aerospace environments.

DOI: 10.5267/j.esm.2023.10.002
Keywords: Finite Element Analysis, T-Joint, Composite Material

	© 2010 by the authors; licensee Growing Science, Canada. This is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the license. Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY)

Abstract: Without a doubt, lightweight materials of high strength are in high demand in the automotive, aerospace, biomedical, and other industries that require such materials. Processing or manufacturing such materials has been a vital topic in contemporary research, as well as material development in the industry. A possible solution for the processing of lightweight materials of high strength is to target lightweight materials by nature such as magnesium and improve their mechanical properties such as stiffness, strength, and hardness. The aforementioned properties are sometimes achieved by processing soft and light materials through High-Pressure Torsion. In this work, Magnesium with Silicon Carbide nanoparticles (Mg-SiC) was strengthened and hardened through the High-Pressure Torsion (HPT) processing technique. The samples were compressed with a pressure of 6.0 GPa and twisted at the rotating speed of 1 rpm with varying numbers of turns N = 0, N = 1, N = 5 and N = 10 at a temperature of 23°C. The processed samples were prepared for the experimental investigation of microstructural characterization and hardness test examinations. Microstructural results showed that grain refinements of material can be achieved through HPT processing methods, which reduced the average grain sizes of unprocessed (N = 0) Mg alloy samples from 149.9 µm to 27.1 µm after processing ten turns. However, hardness test results do not indicate any significant improvement after one HPT processing turn although homogeneity is attained at five processing turns within the nanocomposites.

DOI: 10.5267/j.esm.2023.10.001
Keywords: Microhardness, High-Pressure Torsion, Magnesium with Silicon Carbide, Microstructural Characterisation, Grain size

	© 2010 by the authors; licensee Growing Science, Canada. This is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the license. Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY)

Abstract: For the past 19 years, high entropy alloys (denoted as HEAs) have piqued the interest of many researchers due to their unique properties. Sputtering High Entropy Alloys on bulk materials, on the other hand, have been widely utilized due to their low cost of manufacture. This paper reviews the most recent trends and advancements in sputtered HEA coatings, thin film research, and development. Firstly, HEA coating and thin films were introduced. Then, a look at sputtering technologies and procedures is presented, followed by a summary of recent research on sputtered HEA thin films, properties, and applications. From reviewed literature, it can be deduced that HEAs that include the full nitride element have greater mechanical and elastic properties, and HEAs generally have the potential for structural, industrial, biomedical, and energy applications. Finally, it is suggested that new stable HEA films and coating research initiatives with various materials be undertaken to widen its applications.

DOI: 10.5267/j.esm.2023.9.002
Keywords: High entropy alloys, HEAs applications, HEAs properties, Thin films, Sputtering

	© 2010 by the authors; licensee Growing Science, Canada. This is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the license. Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY)

Abstract: In this work, accelerated thermal aging at different temperatures was performed on high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles and specimens for food packaging. The degradation of HDPE was followed macroscopically by tensile and compression tests to evaluate the decrease in mechanical properties. The data obtained from these tests are used to calculate a new static damage law and the life fraction of this polymer. A prediction of the lifetime of HDPE was determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) in dynamic mode. The evolution of the crystallinity rate during accelerated thermal aging was carried out using FOURIER transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR). The results obtained show a remarkable degradation of the mechanical properties in traction and compression by calculation of the static damage, and the physical and chemical properties by the analysis of the rate of crystallinity as well as the prediction by the law of Arrhenius.

DOI: 10.5267/j.esm.2023.9.001
Keywords: HDPE, Accelerated thermal aging, Kissinger model, Static damage, Life fraction

	© 2010 by the authors; licensee Growing Science, Canada. This is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the license. Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY)