1. Comparative evaluation of corrosion resistance of AISI 316L and Ti6Al4V dental materials under simulated inflammatory conditionsMojca Slemnik, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Titanium and its alloys, as well as stainless steel, are commonly used materials for implants in the human body due to their excellent biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and mechanical properties. However, the long-term performance of these materials in the oral cavity can be affected by the complex oral environment, including the ingestion of food, beverages, and oral hygiene products, leading to the presence of various ions, pH fluctuations, and inflammatory processes. In this study, the corrosion properties of two biocompatible materials, Ti6Al4V and AISI 316L stainless steel, are investigated under varying oral inflammatory conditions. Using potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), SEM, and EDS analysis, the corrosion behaviour of both materials was analysed in environments simulating mild and severe inflammation. Results indicate that Ti6Al4V exhibits superior corrosion resistance at low H2O2 concentrations mimicking mild inflammation, with significantly lower corrosion rates compared to AISI 316L. However, at higher H2O2 concentrations, which correspond to severe inflammation, AISI 316L shows better resistance despite its susceptibility to pitting corrosion. Both alloys show reduced passivation after 72 h, with corrosion products accumulating on the surface after 96 h, contributing to repassivation. These results emphasise the need for individualized material selection in dental applications based on a patient’s susceptibility to oral inflammation. Keywords: corrosion, EIS, inflammatory conditions, titanium, stainless steel, dental materials Published in DKUM: 19.05.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 0
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2. A HepG2 cell-based biosensor that uses stainless steel electrodes for hepatotoxin detectionMartin Rozman, Zala Štukovnik, Ajda Sušnik, Amirhossein Pakseresht, Matej Hočevar, Damjana Drobne, Urban Bren, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: Humans are frequently exposed to environmental hepatotoxins, which can lead to liver
failure. Biosensors may be the best candidate for the detection of hepatotoxins because of their high
sensitivity and specificity, convenience, time-saving, low cost, and extremely low detection limit. To
investigate suitability of HepG2 cells for biosensor use, different methods of adhesion on stainless
steel surfaces were investigated, with three groups of experiments performed in vitro. Cytotoxicity
assays, which include the resazurin assay, the neutral red assay (NR), and the Coomassie Brilliant Blue
(CBB) assay, were used to determine the viability of HepG2 cells exposed to various concentrations of
aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and isoniazid (INH) in parallel. The viability of the HepG2 cells on the stainless
steel surface was quantitatively and qualitatively examined with different microscopy techniques. A
simple cell-based electrochemical biosensor was developed by evaluating the viability of the HepG2
cells on the stainless steel surface when exposed to various concentrations of AFB1 and INH by using
electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results showed that HepG2 cells can adhere to the
metal surface and could be used as part of the biosensor to determine simple hepatotoxic samples. Keywords: HepG2 cell line, impedance biosensor, adhesion, hepatotoxins, stainless steel Published in DKUM: 10.04.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 3
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3. Modeling of tensile test results for low alloy steels by linear regression and genetic programming taking into account the non-metallic inclusionsMiha Kovačič, Uroš Župerl, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: Štore Steel Ltd. is one of the biggest flat spring steel producers in Europe. The main
motive for this study was to study the influences of non-metallic inclusions on mechanical properties
obtained by tensile testing. From January 2016 to December 2021, all available tensile strength data
(472 cases–472 test pieces) of 17 low alloy steel grades, which were ordered and used by the final
user in rolled condition, were gathered. Based on the geometry of rolled bars, selected chemical
composition, and average size of worst fields non-metallic inclusions (sulfur, silicate, aluminium
and globular oxides), determined based on ASTM E45, several models for tensile strength, yield
strength, percentage elongation, and percentage reduction area were obtained using linear regression
and genetic programming. Based on modeling results in the period from January 2022 to April 2022,
five successively cast batches of 30MnVS6 were produced with a statistically significant reduction
of content of silicon (t-test, p < 0.05). The content of silicate type of inclusions, yield, and tensile
strength also changed statistically significantly (t-test, p < 0.05). The average yield and tensile strength
increased from 458.5 MPa to 525.4 MPa and from 672.7 MPa to 754.0 MPa, respectively. It is necessary
to emphasize that there were no statistically significant changes in other monitored parameters. Keywords: mechanical properties, tensile test, tensile strength, yield strength, percentage elongation, percentage reduction area, low alloy steel, modeling, linear regression, genetic programming, industrial study, steel making, optimization Published in DKUM: 24.03.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 2
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4. Strain rate-dependent compressive properties of bulk cylindrical 3D-printed samples from 316L stainless steelMichaela Neuhauserova, Petr Koudelka, Tomáš Fíla, Jan Falta, Václav Rada, Jan Sleichrt, Petr Zlámal, Anja Mauko, Ondřej Jiroušek, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: The main aim of the study was to analyse the strain rate sensitivity of the compressive
deformation response in bulk 3D-printed samples from 316L stainless steel according to the printing
orientation. The laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) method of metal additive manufacturing was
utilised for the production of the samples with three different printing orientations: 0◦
, 45◦
, and 90◦
.
The specimens were experimentally investigated during uni-axial quasi-static and dynamic loading.
A split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) apparatus was used for the dynamic experiments. The
experiments were observed using a high-resolution (quasi-static loading) or a high-speed visible-light
camera and a high-speed thermographic camera (dynamic loading) to allow for the quantitative and
qualitative analysis of the deformation processes. Digital image correlation (DIC) software was used
for the evaluation of displacement fields. To assess the deformation behaviour of the 3D-printed
bulk samples and strain rate related properties, an analysis of the true stress–true strain diagrams
from quasi-static and dynamic experiments as well as the thermograms captured during the dynamic
loading was performed. The results revealed a strong strain rate effect on the mechanical response of
the investigated material. Furthermore, a dependency of the strain-rate sensitivity on the printing
orientation was identified. Keywords: 3D printing, laser powder bed fusion, 316L stainless steel, printing direction, split Hopkinson pressure bar Published in DKUM: 20.03.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 2
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5. Combined effects of metakaolin and hybrid fibers on self-compacting concreteNatalija Bede Odorčić, Gregor Kravanja, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: There is a need to develop new construction materials with improved mechanical performance and durability that are low-priced and have environmental benefits at the same time. This
paper focuses on the rheological, mechanical, morphological, and durability properties of synthetic
and steel fiber reinforced self-compacting concrete (SCC) containing 5–15% metakaolin (M) by mass
as a green replacement for Portland cement. Testing of the fresh mixes included a slump-flow test,
density, and porosity tests. Mechanical properties were determined through compression and flexural
strength. A rapid chloride penetrability test (RCPT) and the chloride migration coefficient were used
to assess the durability of the samples. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) with energy dispersion
spectrometry (EDS) was used to study the concrete microstructure and the interfacial transition zone
(ITZ). The results show that a combination of metakaolin and hybrid fibers has a negative effect on
the flowability of SCC. In contrast, the inclusion of M and hybrid fibers has a positive effect on the
compressive and flexural strength of SCC. The fracture of SCC samples without fibers was brittle
and sudden, unlike the fiber-reinforced SCC samples, which could still transfer a considerable load
with increasing crack mouth opening deflection. Overall, the chloride migration coefficients were
reduced by up to 71% compared to the control mix. The chloride reduction is consistent with the
resulting compact concrete microstructure, which exhibits a strong bond between fibers and the
concrete matrix. Keywords: self-compacting concrete, synthetic and steel fibers, metakaolin, rheology, mechanical properties, chloride penetration, SEM-EDS Published in DKUM: 12.03.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 3
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6. The MINLP approach to topology, shape and discrete sizing optimization of trussesSimon Šilih, Zdravko Kravanja, Stojan Kravanja, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: The paper presents the Mixed-Integer Non-linear Programming (MINLP) approach to the
synthesis of trusses. The solution of continuous/discrete non-convex and non-linear optimization
problems is discussed with respect to the simultaneous topology, shape and discrete sizing optimization of trusses. A truss MINLP superstructure of different topology and design alternatives
has been generated, and a special MINLP model formulation for trusses has been developed. In the
optimization model, a mass objective function of the structure has been defined and subjected to
design, load and dimensioning constraints. The MINLP problems are solved using the Modified
Outer-Approximation/Equality-Relaxation (OA/ER) algorithm. Multi-level MINLP strategies are introduced to accelerate the convergence of the algorithm. The Modified Two-Phase and the Sequential
Two-Phase MINLP strategies are proposed in order to solve highly combinatorial topology, shape
and discrete sizing optimization problems. The importance of local buckling constraints on topology
optimization is also discussed. Some simple numerical examples are shown at the end of the paper to
demonstrate the suitability and efficiency of the proposed method. Keywords: structural synthesis, topology optimization, discrete sizing optimization, mixed-integer non-linear programming, MINLP, modified OA/ER algorithm, multi-level MINLP strategies, steel structures, trusses Published in DKUM: 11.03.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 3
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7. Simulation and mechanical properties of fine-grained heat-affected zone microstructure in 18CrNiMo7-6 steelTomaž Vuherer, Fidan Smaili, Edvard Bjelajac, Mirza Manjgo, Gorazd Lojen, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: Heat-affected zones (HAZs) in real welds are usually quite narrow, and consequently most standard mechanical tests are difficult or even impossible. Therefore, simulated microstructures are often used for mechanical tests. However, the most often used weld thermal cycle simulator produces only a few millimeters wide area of simulated microstructure in the middle of specimens. Consequently, these kind of simulated specimen are not suitable for standard tensile tests, and even for Charpy impact tests, the simulated area can be too narrow. Therefore, to investigate the mechanical properties of a fine-grain heat-affected zone in 18CrNiMo7-6 steel, two methods were used for simulation of as-welded microstructures: (a) a weld thermal cycle simulator, and (b) as an alternative, though not yet verified option, austenitizing in a laboratory furnace + water quenching. The microstructures were compared and mechanical properties investigated. The grain sizes of the simulated specimens were 10.9 μm (water-quenched) and 12.6 μm (simulator), whereby the deviations from the real weld were less than 10%. Both types of simulated specimen were used for hardness measurement, Charpy impact tests, and fatigue tests. Water-quenched specimens were large enough to enable standard tensile testing. A hardness of 425 HV, yield strength Rp02 = 1121 MPa, tensile strength Rm = 1475 MPa, impact energy KV = 73.11 J, and crack propagation threshold ΔKthR = 4.33 MPa m0.5 were obtained with the water quenched specimens, and 419 HV, KV = 101.49 J, and ΔKthR = 3.4 MPa m0.5 with the specimens prepared with the simulator. Comparison of the results confirmed that the annealed and quenched specimens were suitable for mechanical tests of FG HAZs, even for standard tensile tests. Due to the use of simulated test specimens, the mechanical properties determined can be linked to the FG HAZ microstructure in 18CrNiMo7-6 steel. Keywords: weld joint, fine-grained HAZ, simulation of microstructure, hardness, impact toughness, tensile properties, fatigue crack growth, 18CrNiMo7-6 steel Published in DKUM: 05.12.2024; Views: 0; Downloads: 8
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8. Flower-like superhydrophobic surfaces fabricated on stainless steel as a barrier against corrosion in simulated acid rainRegina Fuchs-Godec, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: Functionalisation of the metal surface of low-carbon ferritic stainless steel (from hydrophilic to hydrophobic properties) was achieved by flower-like hierarchical structures on a steel substrate prepared by a low-cost immersion method. The flower-like structured hydrophobic layers on the steel substrate were obtained by immersing the samples in an ethanolic solution of stearic acid with the addition of various concentrations of expired vitamin E ((+)α-tocopherol). The stability and corrosion-inhibiting effect of the hierarchically structured (such as natural cornflower) hydrophobic layers were studied systematically during short and long immersion tests, 120 h (five days) in an acidic environment (pH = 3) using potentiodynamic measurements, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and chronopotentiometry. The surfaces of the samples, their wettability, surface morphology and chemical composition were characterised by contact angle measurements, SEM, ATR-FTIR and EDAX. After 120 h of immersion, the inhibition efficiency of the flower-like structured hydrophobic layers on the steel substrate in the selected corrosion medium remained above 99%, and the hierarchical structure (flower-like structure) was also retained on the surface. Keywords: acid rain, corrosion, flower-like structure, inhibition, stainless steel Published in DKUM: 05.12.2024; Views: 0; Downloads: 4
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9. Effect of residual stresses on the fatigue stress range of a pre-deformed stainless steel AISI 316L exposed to combined loadingDarko Jagarinec, Nenad Gubeljak, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: AISI 316L austenitic stainless steel is utilized in various processing industries, due to its abrasion resistance, corrosion resistance, and excellent properties over a wide temperature range. The physical and mechanical properties of a material change during the manufacturing process and plastic deformation, e.g., bending. During the combined tensile and bending loading of a structural component, the stress state changes due to the residual stresses and the loading range. To characterize the component’s stress state, the billet was bent to induce residual stress, but a phase transformation to martensite also occurred. The bent billet was subjected to combined tensile–bending and fatigue loading. The experimentally measured the load vs. displacement of the bent billet was compared with the numerical simulations. The results showed that during fatigue loading of the bent billet, both the initial stress state at the critical point and the stress state during the dynamic loading itself must be considered. Analysis was demonstrated only for one single critical point on the surface of the bent billet. The residual stresses due to the phase transformation of austenite to martensite affected the range and ratio of stress. The model for the stress–strain behaviour of the material was established by comparing the experimentally and numerically obtained load vs. displacement curves. Based on the description of the stress–strain behaviour of the pre-deformed material, guidelines have been provided for reducing residual tensile stresses in pre-deformed structural components. Keywords: metastable austenitic stainless steel, fatigue, residual stress, phase transformation Published in DKUM: 28.11.2024; Views: 0; Downloads: 6
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10. Numerical simulation of fatigue crack growth and fracture in welded joints using XFEM—a review of case studiesAleksandar Sedmak, Aleksandar Grbović, Nenad Gubeljak, Simon Sedmak, Nikola Budimir, 2024, review article Abstract: Numerical simulation of fatigue crack growth in welded joints is not well represented in the literature, especially from the point of view of material heterogeneity in a welded joint. Thus, several case studies are presented here, including some focusing on fracture, presented by two case studies of mismatched high-strength low-alloyed (HSLA) steel welded joints, with cracks in the heat affected zone (HAZ) or in weld metal (WM). For fatigue crack growth, the extended finite element method FEM (XFEM) was used, built in ABAQUS and ANSYS R19.2, as presented by four case studies, two of them without modelling different properties of the welded joint (WJ). In the first one, fatigue crack growth (FCG) in integral (welded) wing spar was simulated by XFEM to show that its path is partly along welded joints and provides a significantly longer fatigue life than riveted spars of the same geometry. In the second one, an integral skin-stringer panel, produced by means of laser beam welding (LBW), was analysed by XFEM in its usual form with stringers and additional welded clips. It was shown that the effect of the welded joint is not significant. In the remaining two papers, different zones in welded joints (base metal—BM, WM, and HAZ) were represented by different coefficients of the Paris law to simulate different resistances to FCG in the two cases; one welded joint was made of high-strength low-alloyed steel (P460NL1) and the other one of armour steel (Protac 500). Since neither ABAQUS nor ANSYS provide an option for defining different fatigue properties in different zones of the WJ, an innovative procedure was introduced and applied to simulate fatigue crack growth through different zones of the WJ and evaluate fatigue life more precisely than if the WJ is treated as a homogeneous material. Keywords: fatigue crack growth, extended finite element method, welded joints, fatigue life, highstrength low-alloyed steel Published in DKUM: 25.11.2024; Views: 0; Downloads: 7
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