1. Chemical analysis of thermally aged cables in nuclear power plantsMarko Pirc, Jurij Avsec, Dijana Vrsaljko, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: The paper presents findings on the implementation of various mechanical and chemical diagnostic procedures aimed at enhancing the monitoring of cable insulation conditions in Krško Nuclear Power Plant (NEK). This article introduces the advancement of four novel diagnostic testing methodologies for evaluating the mechanical and chemical properties of cable insulation: Indenter Modulus (IM), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-Ray Fluorescence Spectral Analysis (XRF). Experiments were performed on diverse samples of widely used nuclear-qualified cable polymer materials, including Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPR) and Crosslinked Polyethylene (XLPE), all with a Chlorosulphonated Polyethylene (CSPE) jacket. Samples from various vintages were subjected to additional temperature ageing in many stages, to establish field testing acceptability requirements and assess the remaining lifespan of the polymer insulation. Diagnostic tests were performed and some preliminary results are reported.
Ključne besede: cable, ageing, nuclear, diagnostic testing criteria, chemical condition monitoring
Objavljeno v DKUM: 16.06.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 0
 Povezava na datoteko |
2. The national assessment of mathematics in high schools in Italy with Slovene as the language of instructionDaniel Doz, 2019, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: In the following paper, we analyzed the question types in the INVALSI national mathematics assessments in Italian high schools with Slovene as the language of instruction. Through a statistical analysis, we found that closed-type questions were more frequent than open-type questions. A greater presence of closed-type questions could lead to the issue of guessing and cheating. Moreover, a greater quantity of closed-type questions could lead to a partial evaluation of knowledge, since procedures and other mathematical competences are not considered. In our research, we also considered the topics of the questions that were presented in national assessments.
Ključne besede: mathematics, Slovene education in Italy, national examinations, testing
Objavljeno v DKUM: 10.06.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 0
 Celotno besedilo (256,15 KB)
Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
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, 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: 3
Celotno besedilo (10,05 MB)
Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
4. Fatigue behaviour of copper-brazed 316L stainless steelJernej Kralj, Blaž Hanželič, Srečko Glodež, Janez Kramberger, Roman Satošek, Branko Nečemer, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: The plate heat exchanger (PHE) is a component that provides heat to be transferred from hot water to domestic cold water with-out mixing them with high efficiency. Over the lifetime of the PHE, cyclic pressure acts on the brazing points and the plates, andthis can lead to fatigue failure. The fatigue behaviour of the PHE, designed by using copper-brazed 316L (also known as 1.4404) stainless steel, was investigated by performing fatigue tests to obtain the S-N curve of the analysed brazed joint. The fatigue tests were performed on a Vibrophore 100 testing machine under the load ratio R= 0.1 for different values of calculated ampli-tude stress. Based on the obtained experimental results, an appropriate material model of the analysed brazed joint was created, which was validated with a numerical calculation in the framework of a program code Ansys. A validated material model canthen be used for the subsequent numerical analysis of the PHE.
Ključne besede: plate heat exchanger, brazed joint, fatigue, experimental testing
Objavljeno v DKUM: 10.04.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 9
Celotno besedilo (2,28 MB)
Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
5. A computational model for analysing the wear behaviour of polymer gearsAljaž Ignatijev, Srečko Glodež, Aleš Belšak, Matej Borovinšek, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: In the presented study, a computational model was developed to analyse the wear behaviour of contacting mechanical elements like gears, bearings, etc. The model was built in the framework of the PrePoMax open-source CalculiX FEM (Finite Element Method) solver and enables a detailed analysis of the meshing dynamics of contacting mechanical elements. The model also considers the hyperelastic behaviour of the material in contact and the impact of operating temperature. The developed computational model was evaluated on a spur gear pair, where the pinion made of POM (Polyoxymethylene) was meshed with a support gear made of case-hardened steel 16MnCr5. The computational results were compared with the analytical results according to the VDI 2736 guidelines and experimental results on the real gear pairs. Compared to the standardised procedure according to the VDI 2736 guidelines, the model's main advantage is the geometry updating after a chosen number of loading cycles, enabling a more accurate prediction of wear behaviour under rolling/sliding loading conditions.
Ključne besede: wear, polymer gears, computational modelling, experimental testing
Objavljeno v DKUM: 08.04.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 9
Celotno besedilo (5,53 MB)
Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
6. Structural integrity and life assessment of Ti-6Al-4V orthopaedic implantsKatarina Čolić, Svetlana M. Kostić, Simon Sedmak, Nenad Gubeljak, Aleksandar Grbović, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: This paper presents an experimental and numerical analysis of the mechanical behaviour of orthopaedic implants with crack-type defects, considering the principles and advantages of the modern X-FEM method, which was used due to limitations of traditional FEM in terms of crack growth simulation, especially for complex geometries. In X-FEM, the finite element space is enriched with discontinuity functions and asymptotic functions at the crack tip, which are integrated into the standard finite element approximation using the unity division property. Though rare, femoral component failures are well-documented complications that can occur after hip prosthetic implantation. Most stem fractures happen in the first third of the implant due to the loosening of the proximal stem and fixation of the distal stem, leading to bending and eventual fatigue failure. The main goal of this paper was to obtain accurate and representative models of such failures. Experimental analyses of the mechanical behaviour of implants subjected to physiological loads, according to relevant standards, using a new combined approach, including both experiments and numerical simulations was presented. The goal was to verify the numerical results and obtain a novel, effective methodology for assessing the remaining fatigue life of hip implants. For this purpose, the analysis of the influence of Paris coefficients on the total number of cycles was also considered. Hence, this simulation involved defining loads to closely mimic real-life scenarios, including a combination of activities such as ascending stairs, stumbling, and descending stairs. The tensile properties of the titanium alloy were experimentally determined, along with the Paris law coefficients C and m. The finite element software ANSYS 2022R2 version was used to develop and calculate the three-dimensional model with a crack, and the resulting stresses, stress intensity factors, and the number of cycles presented in the figures, tables, and diagrams. The results for the fatigue life of a partial hip implant subjected to various load cases indicated significant differences in behaviour, and this underscores the importance of analysing each case individually, as these loads are heavily influenced by each patient’s specific activities. It was concluded that the use of numerical methods enabled the preliminary analyses of the mechanical behaviour of implants under fatigue loading for several different load cases, and these findings can be effectively used to predict the possibility of Ti-6Al-4V implant failure under variable cyclic loads.
Ključne besede: structural integrity, fatigue fracture, extended finite element method (XFEM), experimental testing, DIC, numerical simulations, stress intensity factor, orthopaedic implants, crack-type defect
Objavljeno v DKUM: 21.03.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 8
Celotno besedilo (5,22 MB)
Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
7. Fatigue behaviour of PA66 GF30 at different temperaturesMarko Zadravec, Janez Kramberger, Branko Nečemer, Srečko Glodež, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: A comprehensive experimental investigation to understand the mechanical properties and fatigue behaviour of glass-reinforced polyamide (PA66 GF30) at different temperatures is presented in this paper. The specimens for quasi-static and fatigue testing were machined from previously extruded plates, where two orientations were considered: (i) the extrusion direction (ED) and (ii) the direction perpendicular to extrusion (PED). Both the quasi-static and fatigue tests were performed under different temperatures (22 ◦C and 100 ◦C). The fatigue tests were performed in a load control regime under pulsating loading (R = 0.1) to create S–N curves for all the temperatures and loading directions. The experimental results of the quasi-static tests showed that the test specimens manufactured in the extrusion direction have better mechanical properties when compared to those of the specimens manufactured perpendicular to the extrusion direction. Furthermore, the analysis of the quasi-static tensile test results showed that tensile strength, yield strength, and the modulus of elasticity are significantly dependent on the temperature and deteriorate when the temperature is increased from 22 ◦C to 100 ◦C. The results of the fatigue tests showed that at both the temperatures (22 ◦C and 100 ◦C), the samples produced in the direction of extrusion exhibited higher fatigue strength than those produced perpendicular to the direction of extrusion. For all the sample orientations, the fatigue strength decreased significantly with increasing temperature. The obtained experimental results could be very useful when designing and dimensioning different dynamically loaded engineering components made of PA66 GF30 subjected to high temperatures.
Ključne besede: PA66 GF30, increased temperatures, fatigue, experimental testing
Objavljeno v DKUM: 10.03.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 6
Celotno besedilo (1,93 MB)
Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
8. Development of novel hybrid TPMS cellular lattices and their mechanical characterisationNejc Novak, Oraib Al-Ketan, Matej Borovinšek, Lovre Krstulović-Opara, Reza Rowshan, Matej Vesenjak, Zoran Ren, 2021, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Uniform lattices composed of one type of lattice structure repeated periodically have been extensively investigated in literature for their mechanical and physical properties. Their promising properties, which include a desirable combination of high strength, stiffness and toughness, suggest that hybrid structures made of two or more lattice types can exhibit even more advantageous and desired properties. In this work, the mechanical properties of hybrid cellular structures designed using implicit functions are investigated both experimentally and numerically. Two proposed samples are investigated comprised of a Gyroid and a Diamond unit cells hybridised linearly and radially. First, a finite element computational model was utilised in LS-DYNA to capture the mechanical properties of the additively manufactured constituent lattices (i.e., Gyroid and Diamond) made of stainless steel 316L and tested under dynamic and quasi-static loading conditions. The model was validated for three different relative densities. Then, the validated computational model was then tested to predict the mechanical behaviour of the proposed hybrid lattices. Finally, the proposed hybrid lattices were fabricated and mechanically tested to obtain their mechanical properties. A good agreement between experimental and computational results was achieved. The validated computational models will be used to evaluate other designs of TPMS lattices and their crashworthiness performance for protective equipment applications.
Ključne besede: cellular materials, triply periodical minimal surface, hybrid lattices, experimental testing, computational modelling, multi-morphology
Objavljeno v DKUM: 27.11.2024; Ogledov: 3; Prenosov: 11
Celotno besedilo (3,99 MB)
Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
9. The thermomechanical, functional and biocompatibility properties of a Au–Pt–Ge alloy for PFM dental restorationsPeter Majerič, Minja Miličić Lazić, Dijana Mitić, Marko Lazić, Ema Krdžović Lazić, Gyöngyi Vastag, Ivan Anžel, Vojkan Lazić, Rebeka Rudolf, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: A high-noble Au–Pt–Ge porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) dental alloy without the known adverse metallic elements and with the addition of germanium (Ge) was produced as a more cost-effective alternative to other precious alloying metals, with investigations for determining the functionality and clinical use of this alloy. The thermomechanical, biocompatibility, durability, workability and economic characteristics of the produced dental alloy were investigated. These properties were investigated with in vitro biocompatibility testing on human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs); static immersion testing for metal ion release; DSC analysis; hardness, tensile testing, density and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) measurements; metallographic and SEM/EDX microstructure investigations; and finally with the production of a test PFM dental bridge. The results of the thermomechanical testing showed alloy properties suitable for dental restorations and clinical use, with somewhat lower mechanical properties, making the alloy not suitable for extensive multiunit fixed restorations. The microstructure investigations showed segregations of Ge in the homogeneous alloy matrix, which reduce the alloy’s mechanical properties. The produced PFM dental bridge showed excellent workability of the alloy in a dental laboratory setting, as well as a high standard of the final dental restoration. The ion release was negligible, well below any harmful quantities, while the cell viability examination showed significantly higher viability ratings on polished alloy samples as compared to as-cast samples. The results showed that a dental substructure in direct contact with oral tissue and fluids should be highly polished. The performed investigations showed that the produced PFM dental alloy is suitable for clinical use in producing high-quality dental restorations with high biocompatibility for patients prone to metal allergies
Ključne besede: noble metal dental alloys, metal–ceramic alloys, materials testing, biocompatibility testing
Objavljeno v DKUM: 25.11.2024; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 9
Celotno besedilo (11,75 MB)
Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
10. Optimization of billet cooling after continuous casting using genetic programming—industrial studyMiha Kovačič, Aljaž Zupanc, Robert Vertnik, Uroš Župerl, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: ŠTORE STEEL Ltd. is one of the three steel plants in Slovenia. Continuous cast 180 mm × 180 mm billets can undergo cooling to room temperature using a turnover cooling bed. They can also be cooled down under hoods or heat treated to reduce residual stresses. Additional operations of heat treatment from 36 h up to 72 h and cooling of the billets for 24 h, with limited capacities (with only two heat treatment furnaces and only six hoods), drastically influence productivity. Accordingly, the casting must be carefully planned (i.e., the main thing is casting in sequences), while the internal quality of the billets (i.e., the occurrence of inner defects) may be compromised. Also, the stock of billets can increase dramatically. As a result, it was necessary to consider the abandoning of cooling under hoods and heat treatment of billets. Based on the collected scrap data after ultrasonic examination of rolled bars, linear regression and genetic programming were used for prediction of the occurrence of inner defects. Based on modeling results, cooling under hoods and heat treatment of billets were abandoned at the casting of several steel grades. Accordingly, the casting sequences increased, and the stock of billets decreased drastically while the internal quality of the rolled bars remained the same.
Ključne besede: billet cooling, continuous casting, ultrasonic testing, logistic regression, genetic programming, industrial study, steel making, optimization
Objavljeno v DKUM: 25.11.2024; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 10
Celotno besedilo (1,68 MB)
Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
