Strict requirements that are put on mechanical constructions from the aspect of increase of exploitation periods and reduction of their weights, therefore of their prices as well, implicate developments and applications of new composite...

In this study, a multi-objective optimization regarding the tribological characteristics of the hybrid composite with a base material of aluminum alloy A356 as a constituent, reinforced with a 10 wt.% of silicon carbide (SiC), size 39 µm, and 1, 3, and 5 wt.% graphite (Gr), size 35 µm, was performed using the Taguchi method, gray relational analysis (GRA), and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) decision-making methods. Tribological tests were carried out on a “block on disc” type tribometer with lubrication. Load, sliding speed, and graphite mass concentration were analyzed as input parameters. As output parameters, wear rate and coefficient of friction were calculated. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to identify all parameters that have a significant influence on the output multi-response. It was found that the normal load has the highest influence of 41.86%, followed by sliding speed at 32.48% and graphite addition at 18.47%, on the tribological characteristics of composites. Multi-objective optimization determined that the minimal wear rate and coefficient of friction are obtained when the load is 40 N, the sliding speed is 1 m/s, and the composite contains 3 wt.% Gr. The optimal combination of parameters achieved by GRA was also confirmed by the TOPSIS method, which indicates that both methods can be used with high reliability to optimize the tribological characteristics. The analysis of worn surfaces using scanning electron microscopy revealed adhesive and delamination wear as dominant mechanisms.

Polymer composites reinforced with nanofillers, synthetic fibers, and inorganic fillers have progressed rapidly, yet recent advances remain fragmented across filler-specific studies and often lack unified mechanistic interpretation. This review addresses this gap by presenting an interphase-centric, mechanism-driven framework linking processing routes, dispersion and functionalization requirements, interphase formation, and the resulting structure–property relationships. Representative quantitative datasets and mechanistic schematics are integrated to rationalize nonlinear mechanical reinforcement, percolation-controlled electrical/thermal transport, and thermal stabilization and barrier effects across major filler families. The review highlights how reinforcement efficiency is governed primarily by interfacial adhesion, filler connectivity, and processing-induced microstructural evolution rather than filler loading alone. Key challenges limiting scalability are critically discussed, including dispersion reproducibility, viscosity and processability constraints, interphase durability, and recycling compatibility. Finally, mechanism-based design rules and future outlook directions are provided to guide the development of high-performance, multifunctional, and sustainability-oriented polymer composite systems.

This paper explains development of the general mathematical model of trochoidal gearing that can be applied for gerotor pumps and cyclo reducers. The model analyzes geometry and physics of the gearing pair in trochoidal pump where the outer gear has one tooth more than the inner gear. The inner gear profile is described by peritrochoid equidistance and the outer gear profile by circular arc. Mathematical model of gearing with clearances is based on the principle of an ideal profile development. Minimum clearance height between teeth profiles in relation to instantaneous gear ratio is determined. The influence of gear profile geometrical parameters on gearing process, clearance height change, and pulsation of drive moment is analyzed and presented in numerical examples. Obtained results can be used for the design of the trochoidal gearing where accurate and silent operation is required.

This paper presents research of the impact toughness and hardness distribution in specific zones of a ‘single V’butt multiple-pass welded joints of the high-strength low-alloyed steels. Obtained values of the impact toughness are analyzed in correlation with a microstructure in specific zones of the welded joint, together with the micro hardness distribution found in the related zones. Based on the carried out analysis and results obtained in experiments, the applied technology of welding was evaluated. The original conclusions on influence of the selected welding procedure manual metal arc (MMA) for the root passes and metal active gas (MAG) for the filling and covering passes) on impact toughness of the high-strength low-alloyed steels are drawn. The paper also presents discussion on the valid standards and recommendations related to welding of those steels, from the aspect of applications in design of steel welded constructions.

This article presents the analyses of the forces and moments between gears in contact with a gerotor pump. The objective was to reach a more accurate solution for the problems related to load distribution in trochoidal pumps with fixed shaft axes. Calculation of contact forces is complex due to the simultaneous contact of several trochoidal teeth during the load transfer and additional compressive fluid forces that act on the teeth flanks. A simple physical model and a suitable analytical model are used for this analysis. Compressive fluid forces are simulated with single force applied in the middle of the line that separates the suction and upward pressure zone. During the teeth engagement there is also a change in fluid volumes between teeth. This creates pressure change that needs to be considered and calculated at an arbitrary moment of the engagement process. Finite element analysis (FEA) was used to determine the reaction forces that depend on instantaneous moments as well. Analysis shows that if a chamber pressure variation is taken into account, higher values of driving moment and support reaction forces will be generated. Designers can use the obtained results to develop a higher efficiency gerotor pumps.