1. Mechanical uniaxial compression of 3D-printed non-periodic ASA lattice structures using semi-controlled design modelsNebojša Rašović, Inga Krešić, Jasmin Kaljun, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: This work examines the mechanical behaviour of 3D-printed stochastic lattice structures fabricated using a semi-controlled design. A primary goal is to predict and optimize the mechanical response of these Acrylic Styrene Acrylonitrile (ASA) filament structures when subjected to compressive stress. By transitioning from a purely stochastic method to a semi-controlled tessellation approach within Rhinoceros 7 software, we effectively generated the proposed design models. This methodology results in mechanical responses that are both predictable and reliable. The design parameters, including nodal formation, strut thickness, and lattice generation based on a predefined geometric routine, are associated with the regulation of the relative density. This approach aims to minimize the effect of relative density on the actual stiffness and strength evaluation. Our findings are cantered on the compressive testing of structures, which were generated using a Voronoi population distributed along a parabolic curve. We analyzed their mechanical response to the point of failure by examining stress–strain fluctuations. Three distinct behaviour stages are observed: elastic range, plastic range, and collapse without densification. The influence of crosslink geometry on the elastic responses was highlighted, with parabolic configurations affecting the peak stresses and elastic line slopes. The structures exhibited purely brittle behaviour, characterized by abrupt local cracking and oscillatory plateau formation in the plastic stage. Keywords: semi-controlled Voronoi tessellation, stress–strain curve, mechanical response Published in DKUM: 03.11.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 5
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2. Analyzing site-specific tractor draft force in different passes during plowingMateja Ortopan, Vojislav Simonović, Nevena Tasić, Emil Veg, Ivan Zlatanović, Nenad Gubeljak, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: The difference in draft force is analyzed for six different passes during longitudinal plowing of the plot. The force is measured indirectly using four strain transducers. Values of the force are obtained by calculation after previous calibration and then measurements in the experimental field. The strain readings on the sensors installed on the outside of the tractor lower links are used. Similar values are obtained on the other two sensors installed on the inside of the links. The biggest difference is observed between the first and second pass, respectively, the second and third one for which the value of effect size amounts to 0,824 and 0,835 respectively. The study highlights draft force in the function of soil resistance as an exceptionally important parameter in the analysis of agricultural soil and suggests the expansion of current routine in precision agriculture mapping. Keywords: draft force, lower links, pass, strain transducer Published in DKUM: 02.07.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 4
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3. Quasi-static and impact behaviour of polymer-metal interpenetrating phase TPMS compositesNejc Novak, Oraib Al-Ketan, Anja Mauko, Lovre Krstulović-Opara, Shigeru Tanaka, Matej Borovinšek, Boštjan Vihar, Uroš Maver, Kazuyuki Hokamoto, Matej Vesenjak, Zoran Ren, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Interpenetrating phase composites (IPC) are materials with two or more mutually continuous, interconnected phases. This structure allows each phase to retain its properties, while together they exhibit enhanced synergistic properties. In this work, polymer-metal IPCs with Triply Periodical Minimal Surface (TPMS) structures were fabricated and tested for their mechanical properties at different impact velocities (ranging from 0.1 mm/s to 250 m/s). Samples. The samples comprise a stainless steel reinforcement phase and two polymeric matrices (silicone and epoxy). Computed tomography was used to evaluate the internal structure and the fabrication quality. The results showed that the samples were thoroughly infiltrated with polymeric filler, achieving a high degree of homogeneity in the composite. The compression tests of silicone-filled IPCs showed an increase in stiffness. Still, the Specific Energy Absorption (SEA) was not improved due to the non-optimal stiffness ratio between the polymeric matrix and the metallic reinforcement phase. However, using epoxy as the matrix resulted in the SEA enhancement of 38 %. This is attributed to the interlocking mechanism between the two phases, which improved the macroscopic mechanical properties. The compression tests showed significant strain rate hardening due to the base material’s strain rate sensitivity and the inertia effects. Keywords: TPMS, interpenetrating phase composite, polymer filler, hybrid structure, experimental testing, mechanical properties, strain rate effect Published in DKUM: 26.05.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 14
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4. Simple method for measuring and mapping of site-specific draft force during plowing : Elektronski virVojislav Simonović, Emil Veg, Miloš Milošević, Dragan Milković, Filip Jerenec, Nenad Gubeljak, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: This paper presents and analyzes the procedure for indirect measurement of soil mechanical properties using strain transducers installed on the lower links of the tractor and corresponding acquisition equipment, along with simultaneous use of the tractor unit positioning equipment in the field during tillage operation with a two-furrow plough. Sensors are installed and calibrated according to measurement requirements and after the Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis of the tractor lower links. The results obtained for the draft force longitudinal measurements are well consistent with expected results predicted by using the Goryachkin approach and ASAE Standard D497.4. The presented method can be successfully applied to measure the draft force when performing any other operation in the field. Maps produced by measuring the draft force are very useful in precision seeding in terms of varying seeding depth or soil amelioration. Such maps can be a useful layer in any other decision-making considerations in precision agriculture. Keywords: draft force, lower links, plowing, strain transducer Published in DKUM: 17.03.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 12
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5. A short-range quasi-distributed strain and temperature sensing system utilizing a standard telecom laser diodeJure Javornik, Denis Đonlagić, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: This article presents a short-range fiber-optic quasi-distributed sensing device suitable for strain and temperature measurement. The sensing assembly consists of an fs laser inscribed reference mirror and a sensing array of equidistantly positioned mirrors. Utilization of the reference mirror and proper sensor geometry selection provides the possibility for a high-resolution spectral interrogation of the sensing array while relying on an ordinary, cost-effective distributed feedback (DFB) telecom laser diode. Beside the telecom DFB diode, the entire interrogation system includes only an additional detector, optical coupler, analog interface and a microcontroller. Measurement resolution better than 1 µε was demonstrated experimentally at a sampling rate exceeding 65 samples per second, while utilizing a sensing device with a typical length of 50 mm and spatial resolution of approximately 2 mm. To demonstrate the application potential of the proposed measuring device, a few different packages and sensor configurations were demonstrated and tested, including a system for tactile sensing applications and a short-range quasi-distributed temperature measurement probe. Keywords: optical fiber sensors, short-range quasi-distributed fiber-optic sensor, strain/temperature sensing device, cost-effective interrogation system, tactile sensing, phase subtraction Published in DKUM: 03.02.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 30
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6. Fatigue analysis of axisymmetric chiral cellular structures made out of 316L stainless steelŽiga Žnidarič, Branko Nečemer, Nejc Novak, Srečko Glodež, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Abstract In the proposed study, the fatigue analysis of an axisymmetric chiral cellular structure and its modified form, made of stainless steel 316L, is carried out. The main goal of the original structure geometry was to absorb as much mechanical energy as possible with its auxetic behaviour. However, it was found through testing that its response could be improved by modifying the thickness of the struts through the structure. Representative models for the original and modified geometries were generated using a script adapted for this numerical simulation. Three different types of displacement in the shape of sine waves were used to load the structures. A hexagonal mesh was assigned and determined by convergence analysis. An existing material model with the necessary LCF parameters was assigned in the computational analyses. The data from multiple simulations were recorded and presented in graphs that showed how the fatigue life of the structures changed depending on the level of strain. We also analysed stresses and plastic deformations that occur in the structures. The results showed that, despite a better stress distribution, the fatigue life of the optimised structure was shorter in all cases. Keywords: cellular structures, chiral structures, fatigue, strain-life approach, numerical analysis Published in DKUM: 10.01.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 11
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7. High strain rate hardening of metallic cellular metamaterialsNejc Novak, Matej Vesenjak, Zoran Ren, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Strain rate hardening caused by the changed deformation mode is a fascinating phenomenon in cellular metamaterials where the material’s stiffness and energy absorption capabilities increase as the strain rate increases. This unique behaviour is attributed to a combination of micro-inertia effects, base material’s strain rate hardening and inertia effects. At high strain rates, the metamaterial’s inertia influences its deformation response, which changes to shock mode. This work briefly presents the geometry and fabrication of different metallic metamaterials. Then, it evaluates their mechanical response at different strain rates, ranging from quasi-static to intermediate dynamic and shock, determined by experimental and computational investigation. The three deformation modes can be separated into two critical loading velocities, unique for each metamaterial, which are also presented and compared in this work for various metamaterials. The investigations show that the deformation mode change in metallic metamaterials depends on their porosity. The critical velocities separating the deformation modes decrease with increasing porosity, i.e., decreased density of the metamaterial results in reduced critical loading velocities. The shock deformation mode in cellular metamaterials is thus attainable at much lower loading velocities than in homogeneous (nonporous) materials. Keywords: metamaterials, cellular structures, high strain rate, experimental testing, computational modelling, compression loading, mechanical properties Published in DKUM: 22.05.2024; Views: 204; Downloads: 29
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8. Mechanical behaviour of photopolymer cell-size graded triply periodic minimal surface structures at different deformation ratesYunus Emre Yilmaz, Nejc Novak, Oraib Al-Ketan, Hacer Irem Erten, Ulas Yaman, Anja Mauko, Matej Borovinšek, Miran Ulbin, Matej Vesenjak, Zoran Ren, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: This study investigates how varying cell size affects the mechanical behaviour of photopolymer Triply Periodic Minimal Surfaces (TPMS) under different deformation rates. Diamond, Gyroid, and Primitive TPMS structures with spatially graded cell sizes were tested. Quasi-static experiments measured boundary forces, representing material behaviour, inertia, and deformation mechanisms. Separate studies explored the base material’s behaviour and its response to strain rate, revealing a strength increase with rising strain rate. Ten compression tests identified a critical strain rate of 0.7 s−1 for “Grey Pro” material, indicating a shift in failure susceptibility. X-ray tomography, camera recording, and image correlation techniques observed cell connectivity and non-uniform deformation in TPMS structures. Regions exceeding the critical rate fractured earlier. In Primitive structures, stiffness differences caused collapse after densification of smaller cells at lower rates. The study found increasing collapse initiation stress, plateau stress, densification strain, and specific energy absorption with higher deformation rates below the critical rate for all TPMS structures. However, cell-size graded Primitive structures showed a significant reduction in plateau and specific energy absorption at a 500 mm/min rate. Keywords: cellular materials, triply periodical minimal surface, photopolymer, mechanical properties, strain rate, experimental compressive testing, computer simulations Published in DKUM: 22.05.2024; Views: 216; Downloads: 41
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9. High strain-rate deformation analysis of open-cell aluminium foamAnja Mauko, Mustafa Sarıkaya, Mustafa Güden, Isabel Duarte, Matej Borovinšek, Matej Vesenjak, Zoran Ren, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: This study investigated the high-strain rate mechanical properties of open-cell aluminium foam M-pore®. While previous research has examined the response of this type of foam under quasi-static and transitional dynamic loading conditions, there is a lack of knowledge about its behaviour under higher strain rates (transitional and shock loading regimes). To address this gap in understanding, cylindrical open-cell foam specimens were tested using a modified Direct Impact Hopkinson Bar (DIHB) apparatus over a wide range of strain rates, up to 93 m/s. The results showed a strong dependency of the foam's behaviour on the loading rate, with increased plateau stress and changes in deformation front formation and propagation at higher strain rates. The internal structure of the specimens was examined using X-ray micro-computed tomography (mCT). The mCT images were used to build simplified 3D numerical models of analysed aluminium foam specimens that were used in computational simulations of their behaviour under all experimentally tested loading regimes using LS-DYNA software. The overall agreement between the experimental and computational results was good enough to validate the built numerical models capable of correctly simulating the mechanical response of analysed aluminium foam at different loading rates. Keywords: Open-cell aluminium foam, Micro-computed tomography, High-strain rate, Direct impact hopkinson bar, Digital image correlation, Computer simulation Published in DKUM: 06.12.2023; Views: 428; Downloads: 62
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10. The multi-strain probiotic OMNi-BiOTiC® Active reduces the duration of acute upper respiratory disease in older people : a double-blind, randomised, controlled clinical trialMaja Strauss, Dušanka Mičetić-Turk, Mateja Lorber, Maja Šikić Pogačar, Anton Koželj, Ksenija Tušek-Bunc, Sabina Fijan, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: Immunosenescence is the adverse change in the human immune function during aging, leaving older people more prone to an increased risk of infections and morbidity. Acute upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are very common among older people, often resulting in continued morbidity and mortality. Therefore, approaches, such as consuming probiotics, that shorten the duration or even reduce the incidence of URTIs in older people are being studied. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a multi-strain probiotic OMNi-BiOTiC® Active, which contains 11 live probiotic strains, on the incidence, duration, and severity of URTIs in older people. In this randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled study, 95 participants, with an average age of 70.9 years in the probiotic group and 69.6 years in the placebo group, were randomly allocated to two groups: 1010 cfu per day of the multi-strain probiotic intervention OMNi-BiOTiC® Active (49) or placebo (46). The incidence of URTIs in older people after 12 weeks supplementation with OMNi-BiOTiC® showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.5244). However, the duration of the URTI infections was statistically significantly different between the groups (p = 0.011). The participants that consumed the probiotic had an average duration of illness of 3.1 ± 1.6 days, whilst participants that received the placebo had symptoms for an average of 6.0 ± 3.8 days (p = 0.011). Statistically significant differences in lymphocyte counts in both groups after supplementation (p = 0.035 for the probiotic group and p = 0.029 for the placebo group) and between both groups were found (p = 0.009). Statistically significant differences in eosinophil (p = 0.002) and basophil counts (p = 0.001) in the probiotic groups before and after supplementation with probiotics were also found. Supplementation with the multi-strain probiotic OMNi-BiOTiC® Active may benefit older people with URTIs. Larger randomised controlled clinical trials are warranted. Clinical Trial Registration; identifier NCT05879393. Keywords: upper respiratory tract infection, URTI, duration of illness, probiotics, multi-strain, older people, immune function Published in DKUM: 27.11.2023; Views: 470; Downloads: 26
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