1. Controlling the mechanical response of stochastic lattice structures utilizing a design model based on predefined topologic and geometric routinesInga Krešić, Jasmin Kaljun, Nebojša Rašović, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: The paper explores enhancing the mechanical behavior of stochastic lattice structures through a semi-controlled design approach. By leveraging the Gibson-Ashby model and predefined geometric routines, the study aims to optimize the mechanical response of lattice structures under compressive stress. Transitioning from stochastic to semi-controlled tessellation using Rhinoceros 7 software enables more predictable deformation behavior. Design parameters such as node formation, strut thickness, and lattice generation patterns are correlated with relative density to regulate stiffness and strength. Experimental validation using Acrylic Styrene Acrylonitrile (ASA) filament demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed design model. The research emphasizes the importance of understanding internal mechanics by introducing a novel design approach to control geometry and topology arrangement in shaping lattice properties. By introducing a semi-controlled mechanism, the study seeks to improve the reliability and uniformity of mechanical responses in lattice structures. The findings highlighted the benefits of semi-controlled design approaches in achieving tailored mechanical properties. Specimens were compression tested in quasi-static uniaxial loading and showed that structures created with parabolic distribution dimensioned by hp=0.5hv originated the most reliable and most vital mechanical response compared with other design models, including typical Voronoi distribution. The improved mechanical response in between proposed design models constantly progressed by about 15% on average consecutively, starting from the parabolic distribution dimensioned by hp=1.0hv as the weakest ranked, up to the best one, dimensioned by hp=0.5hv , even better than the typical Voronoi distribution. The proposed design model has introduced an entirely novel approach that significantly enhances the product’s volume tessellation using routines that guarantee the validity of geometric and topologic entities. Uniaxial compression tests on lattice blocks highlighted the effect of the proposed approach on the mechanical properties of these structures, having shown particularly crucial repeatability and stability. Overall, the paper contributes to advancing the field of lightweight lattice structures through the novel design methodology and material characterization. Ključne besede: Voronoi tessellation, lightweight design, node connectivity, mechanical response Objavljeno v DKUM: 15.01.2026; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 0
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2. Deformation behaviour of optimised three-dimensional axisymmetric chiral auxetic structuresNejc Novak, Alen Grebo, Matej Borovinšek, Lovre Krstulović-Opara, Zoran Ren, Matej Vesenjak, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Background/Objectives: Developing functional tissue constructs via 3D bioprinting relies heavily on scaffold architecture, demanding precise mechanical tunability and highresolution feature fidelity. Methods: This paper presents a novel approach utilising photocurable resins and resin 3D printing to fabricate auxetic axisymmetric chiral structures (ACSs), which can be used for advanced scaffold engineering. Results: The experimental tests showed that the optimised ACS (optACS) possess superior mechanical properties compared to their non-optimised counterpart. Both analysed structures possess an auxetic behaviour up to 40% longitudinal strain, with a Poisson’s ratio of about −0.1. Conclusions: This auxetic capability is promising for biomedical applications, particularly in developing enhanced stents or tissue scaffolds. Ključne besede: auxetic, axisymmetric chiral structures, 3D printing, mechanical testing, deformation behaviour, optimisation Objavljeno v DKUM: 10.12.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 6
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3. Integrated design, simulation, and experimental validation of advanced cellular metamaterialsNejc Novak, Zoran Ren, Matej Vesenjak, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Cellular metamaterials offer supreme properties for engineering, medicine, and defence, but their transition to industrial use faces design, fabrication, and characterisation challenges. This review provides an overview of 20 years of advancements in cellular structures, from open-cell foams to triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS), presenting novel fabrication techniques (e.g., explosive compaction for UniPore structures) and demonstrating validated computational models for optimising graded auxetic and hybrid TPMS lattices. The study indicates that porosity and base material primarily govern energy absorption, with closed-cell foams and TPMS outperforming other geometries. Additive manufacturing enables spatially graded designs with tailored mechanical properties. This work accelerates the development of next-generation metamaterials for crash absorption, blast protection, and biomedical devices. Ključne besede: cellular structures, metamaterials, experimental testing, computational simulations, mechanical properties Objavljeno v DKUM: 09.12.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 3
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4. Fatigue of triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) metamaterials – a reviewŽiga Žnidarič, Branko Nečemer, Matej Vesenjak, Srečko Glodež, 2025, pregledni znanstveni članek Opis: A review of the fatigue behavior of triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) metamaterials with consideration for their fabrication is presented in this paper. The review analyses the most common TPMS geometries used due to their mechanical characteristics. Production methods and the base materials used are presented with the key advantages and drawbacks. Furthermore, the mechanical characteristics of cellular structures with emphasis on TPMS geometries are described. Lastly, the state-of-the-art findings of their fatigue behavior are analyzed and explained. Based on the findings in this article, cellular geometries based on TPMS are superior to conventional cellular structures when comparing their fatigue life. Because of the smooth transitions between struts or surfaces, the stress distribution is much more uniform without stress concentration zones. Ključne besede: cellular structures, TPMS metamaterials, production technologies, mechanical characterization, fatigue behavior Objavljeno v DKUM: 09.12.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 5
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5. Mechanical uniaxial compression of 3D-printed non-periodic ASA lattice structures using semi-controlled design modelsNebojša Rašović, Inga Krešić, Jasmin Kaljun, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: 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. Ključne besede: semi-controlled Voronoi tessellation, stress–strain curve, mechanical response Objavljeno v DKUM: 03.11.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 7
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6. Green engineering of bio-epoxy resin: functionalized iron-oxide nanoparticles for enhanced thermal, mechanical, surface and magnetic propertiesKlementina Pušnik Črešnar, Julio Vidal, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: In the pursuit of environmental sustainability, reduced emissions, and alignment with circular economy principles, bio-epoxy resin nanocomposites have emerged as a promising alternative to traditional petroleum-based resins. This study investigates the development of novel bio-epoxy nanocomposites incorporating iron-oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3, MnP) as multifunctional fillers at loadings of 0.5 wt.% and 3.0 wt.%. MnP nanoparticles were synthesized and subsequently functionalized with citric acid (MnP-CA) to enhance their surface properties. Comprehensive characterization of MnP and MnP-CA was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) to determine the crystalline structure, attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and zeta potential measurements to confirm surface functionalization. The bio-epoxy resins matrix (bio-EP), optimized for compatibility with MnP and MnP-CA, was thoroughly analyzed in terms of chemical structure, thermal stability, curing behavior, dynamic–mechanical properties, and surface characteristics. Non-isothermal differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was employed to evaluate the curing kinetics of both the neat (bio-EP) and the MnP/MnP-CA-reinforced composites, offering insights into the influence of nanoparticle functionalization on the resin system. Surface zeta potential measurements further elucidated the effect of filler content on the surface charge and hydrophilicity. Magnetic characterization revealed superparamagnetic behavior in all MnP- and MnP-CA-reinforced (bio-EP) composites. This research provides a foundational framework for the design of green bio-epoxy nanocomposites, demonstrating their potential as environmentally friendly materials and representing an emerging class of sustainable alternatives. The results underscore the viability of bio-epoxy systems as a transformative solution for advancing sustainable resin technologies across eco-conscious industries. Ključne besede: bio-based epoxy (nano)composites, curing behavior, dynamic mechanical properties, surface properties Objavljeno v DKUM: 06.08.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 10
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7. A comprehensive review of the advances, manufacturing, properties, innovations, environmental impact and applications of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC)Gregor Kravanja, Ahmad Rizwan Mumtaz, Stojan Kravanja, 2024, pregledni znanstveni članek Opis: The article presents the progress and applications of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC), a revolutionary material in modern construction that offers unparalleled strength, durability, and sustainability. The overview includes the historical development of UHPC, covering its production and design aspects, including composition and design methodology. It describes the mechanical properties and durability of UHPC and highlights recent innovations and research breakthroughs. The potential integration of multifunctional properties such as self-heating, self-sensing, self-luminescence and superhydrophobicity, is explored. In addition, advances in nanotechnology related to UHPC are addressed. Beyond the actual material properties, the article presents an environmental impact assessment and a life-cycle cost analysis, providing an insight into the wider implications of using UHPC. To illustrate the environmental aspects, the determination of CO2 emissions is explained using three numerical examples. Finally, various applications of UHPC are presented, focusing on the construction of buildings and bridges. By synthesizing the above-mentioned aspects, this review paper captures the dynamic landscape of UHPC and serves as a valuable resource for researchers and engineers in the field of construction materials. Ključne besede: ultra-high-performance concrete, UHPC, manufacturing, mechanical properties, durability, multifunctionality, environmental impact assessment, life-cycle costs Objavljeno v DKUM: 02.07.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 30
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8. 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, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: 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. Ključne besede: TPMS, interpenetrating phase composite, polymer filler, hybrid structure, experimental testing, mechanical properties, strain rate effect Objavljeno v DKUM: 26.05.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 18
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9. Effect of micro- and nano-lignin on the thermal, mechanical, and antioxidant properties of biobased PLA–lignin composite filmsSofia P. Makri, Eleftheria Xanthopoulou, Panagiotis A. Klonos, Alexios Grigoropoulos, Apostolos Kyritsis, Konstantinos Tsachouridis, Antonios Anastasiou, Ioanna Deligkiozi, Nikolaos P. Nikolaidis, Dimitrios Bikiaris, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Bio-based poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composite films were produced using unmodified soda
micro- or nano-lignin as a green filler at four different contents, between 0.5 wt% and 5 wt%. The PLA–
lignin composite polymers were synthesized by solvent casting to prepare a masterbatch, followed by
melt mixing. The composites were then converted into films, to evaluate the effect of lignin content
and size on their physicochemical and mechanical properties. Differential scanning calorimetry
(DSC), supported by polarized light microscopy (PLM), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR), X-ray
diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were employed to investigate the
PLA crystallization and the interactions with Lignin (L) and Nanolignin (NL). The presence of
both fillers (L and NL) had a negligible effect on the glass transition temperature (chain diffusion).
However, it resulted in suppression of the corresponding change in heat capacity. This was indicative
of a partial immobilization of the PLA chains on the lignin entities, due to interfacial interactions,
which was slightly stronger in the case of NL. Lignin was also found to facilitate crystallization, in
terms of nucleation; whereas, this was not clear in the crystalline fraction. The addition of L and
NL led to systematically larger crystallites compared with neat PLA, which, combined with the
higher melting temperature, provided indications of a denser crystal structure in the composites. The
mechanical, optical, antioxidant, and surface properties of the composite films were also investigated.
The tensile strength and Young’s modulus were improved by the addition of L and especially NL.
The UV-blocking and antioxidant properties of the composite films were also enhanced, especially
at higher filler contents. Importantly, the PLA–NL composite films constantly outperformed their
PLA–L counterparts, due to the finer dispersion of NL in the PLA matrix, as verified by the TEM
micrographs. These results suggest that bio-based and biodegradable PLA films filled with L, and
particularly NL, can be employed as competitive and green alternatives in the food packaging
industry. Ključne besede: poly(lactic acid), PLA, lignin, nanolignin, composite films, nucleation, mechanical properties, antioxidant activity, food packaging Objavljeno v DKUM: 26.03.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 4
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10. In-plane deformation behavior and the open area of rotating squares in an auxetic compound fabricPolona Dobnik-Dubrovski, Nejc Novak, Matej Borovinšek, Matej Vesenjak, Zoran Ren, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: A conventional compound fabric was used to develop a modern, multifunctional material
with an auxetic behaviour and a tailored open area for particle filtration. Such material was produced
using traditional textile technology and laser cutting, to induce a rotating squares unit geometry. The
behaviour was investigated of three different rotating unit cell sizes. The laser slit thickness and the
length of the hinges were equal for all three-unit cells. The tensile properties, Poisson’s ratio and
auxetic behaviour of the tested samples were investigated, especially the influence of longitudinal
displacement on the fabric’s open area and the filtered particle sizes (average and maximum). Results
show that the developed compound fabric possesses an average negative Poisson’s ratio of up to
−1, depending on the applied auxetic geometry. The larger rotating cell size samples offer a higher
average negative Poisson’s ratio and a higher breaking strength due to the induced slits. The findings
highlight the usefulness of patterned cuts in conventional textile materials to develop advanced
auxetic textile materials with tailored geometrical and mechanical properties. Ključne besede: compound textile material, auxetic structure, open area, filtration, mechanical properties, Poisson’s ratio Objavljeno v DKUM: 25.03.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 15
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