The three-point bending test is a valuable method for evaluating the mechanical properties of 3D-printed biomaterials, which can be used in various applications. The use of 3D printing in specimen preparation enables precise control over material composition and microstructure, facilitating the investigation of different printing parameters and advanced materials. The traditional approach to analyzing the mechanical properties of a material using a three-point bending test has the disadvantage that it provides only global information about the material’s behavior. This means that it does not provide detailed insight into the local strain distribution within the material. However, the 2D Digital Image Correlation (DIC) method offers additional insight, especially in terms of strain localization. DIC is an optical technique that measures full-field displacements and strains on the surface of a sample. PLA and enhanced PLA-X material were utilized to create three-point bending samples. The aim of this paper was to analyze and compare the influence of aging on the mechanical properties of PLA and enhanced PLA-X materials using three-point bending coupled with the DIC method. The results showed statistically significant differences between the PLA and PLA-X, for both the new and aged materials. The aged PLA samples had the highest average value of maximal force around 68 N, which was an increase of 8.8% compared to the new PLA samples. On the other hand, the aged PLA-X material had an increase of 7.7% in the average maximal force compared to the new PLA-X samples. When comparing the two materials, the PLA samples had higher maximal force values, 6.2% for the new samples, and 7.3% for the aged samples. The DIC results showed that both the new PLA and PLA-X samples endured higher strain values at Points 1 and 2 than the aged ones, except for the aged PLA-X sample at Point 2, where the new sample had higher strain values. However, for the first 5 min of the experiment, both materials exhibited identical behavior, after which point significant differences started to occur for both materials, as well as at Points 1 and 2. A more profound comprehension of the biomechanical characteristics of both PLA and PLA-X material is essential to enhance the knowledge for potential biomedical applications. The DIC method was found to be a powerful tool for analyzing the deformation and failure behavior of samples and for complementing the traditional approach to material testing.

Data on the strain and stress status of the pipe in the circumferential direction are required for various pipe manufacturing procedures (e.g., in the oil business, the process of manufacturing seamless pipes with a conical shaft). The aim of this study is to develop a procedure to determine the strain and stress behavior of Pipe Ring Tensile Specimens (PRTSs) in the hoop direction, as there are a lack of official standardized methods for testing PRTS. This paper discusses the application of the Digital Image Correlation method for testing plastic PRTSs. PRTSs are tested using a specially designed steel tool with two D blocks. A 3D-printed PRTS is placed over two D-shaped mandrels, which are fixed on a tensile tool and tensile testing machine. The strain evolution in the gage length of the specimens is captured using the three-dimensional Digital Image Correlation (3D DIC) method. To check the geometry of the cross-section of the PRTS after fracture, all the specimens are 3D scanned. For the study, six groups of PRTS are analyzed, consisting of three filling percentages (60, 90, and 100%) and two geometry types (Single and Double PRTS). The results show that the type and percentage of filling, as well as the method of printing, affect the material behavior. However, the approach with the DIC system, 3D printer, and scanner shows that they are effective instruments for mapping complete strain fields in PRTS, and thus are effective in characterizing the mechanical properties of pipes.

This paper presents a part of development of a non-standard method for testing of cylindrical test specimens for measurement of fracture properties of pipeline materials. This method for testing of cylindrical structures working under pressure is based on determining of fracture mechanics parameters on SENT (Single Edge Notched Tension) specimens and new PRNT (Pipe Ring Notched Tension) specimens. In this work, both types of specimens required for this testing were manufactured from polyamide PA12 by using SLS (selective laser sintering) additive manufacturing method. Testing of the specimens is performed on the universal device for testing of mechanical properties of materials Shimadzu, AGS-X 100 kN. The tensile testing is accompanied by GOM Aramis 2M system, used for digital image correlation. By using these two systems, test results are obtained for ring-shaped and SENT specimens, including forces, displacements and fracture mechanics parameters CMOD (Crack Mouth Opening Displacement) and CTOD-?5 (Crack Tip Opening Displacement obtained by ?5 technique), as well as crack growth. Repeatability of this process, along with valid result consistency, represent the basis for further development of the new method, including the determining of energy-based fracture mechanics parameters: J integral and stress intensity factor.

Fused deposition modeling is one of the most widely used 3-D printing technologies, among other additive manufacturing processes, because it is easy to use, can produce parts faster, and the cost of the finished part is low. Printing processes and finished parts are often studied and characterized using different techniques to collect mechanical, numerical, thermal and dimensional data, with the aim of improving and optimizing the result. The first part of this research is based on the observation of temperature changes with a thermal imaging camera during the fused deposition modeling printing process and during the cooling process after printing. Specimens of polylactic acid and polylactic acid-X improved with second-phase particles were prepared to compare the thermal and dimensional properties of the two materials. The obtained results determined the characteristic temperature behavior of the materials. In the second part of the research, a 3-D optical scanner was used to verify the stability and accuracy of the printed specimens over time. The proposed measurement period showed that stabilization of the parameters takes place, and further follow-up should be performed thereafter.

Various pipe production procedures, including the construction of seamless pipes using a shaft with the conical tip in the oil industry, require data on the circumferential strain and stress state of the pipe. A method for measuring the displacement, strain and stress behavior of a pipe ring tensile specimen (PRTS) in the hoop direction is what this study’s goal was to develop, as there was a lack of a standardized testing process. For the study, five single S235JRH steel PRTS were tested. In the paper, it is presented how to test S235JRH steel PRTS using a Digital Image Correlation method, Thermal Imaging camera, and 3D scanner. A specially designed steel tool with two D blocks was developed for testing steel PRTS. The strain progression was documented using the 3D Digital Image Correlation method. Using a thermographic camera, an attempt was made to analyze the change in the temperature field of the PRTS during the test. All the specimens were subjected to 3D scanning to verify the cross-sectional geometry of the PRTS after a fracture. Fractures of all Single PRTS occurred in the break zone and almost identical places. The deviation value for the Experimental Ultimate strength value (true stress value) higher than the theoretical Ultimate strength value. Deviation value for the Experimental 0.2% Offset Yield Strength value is higher than the theoretical value. The results of the analysis of cross-sectional dimensions revealed a more significant variation in the thickness of the PRTS compared to its width. A potential area of literature review is the application of a high-resolution thermal imaging camera and the analysis of the stress state of the material using it.

This study investigates the cavitation erosion resistance of pyrophyllite-based composites reinforced with 20 wt.% of cordierite, mullite and zirconium-silicate, sintered at 1200 ?C. The phase composition and microstructural features of the sintered samples were analyzed using XRD and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Cavitation resistance was evaluated using the ultrasonic vibratory method with a stationary sample according to ASTM G32, by monitoring the mass loss and surface degradation as a function of exposure time. The results show that the addition of refractory phases with higher hardness significantly improves the cavitation resistance of pyrophyllite. Among the investigated compositions, the sample reinforced with cordierite (P+C) exhibited the lowest cavitation rate (0.145 mg/min) and minimal surface damage, attributed to its compact and homogeneous microstructure that suppresses microcrack initiation and propagation. The samples containing zirconium-silicate (P+Z) demonstrated moderate improvement, while mullite-reinforced samples (P+M) showed the least enhancement due to their elongated grain morphology facilitating brittle fracture. These findings indicate that cordierite is the most effective reinforcing phase for improving the cavitation durability of pyrophyllite-based ceramics, enabling their potential application in hydrodynamic systems exposed to cavitation-induced wear.