Presently, Functionally Graded Materials (FGMs) are extensively utilised in several industrial sectors, and the modelling of their mechanical behaviour is consistently advancing. Most studies investigate the impact of layers on the mechanical characteristics, resulting in a discontinuity in the material. In the present study, the extended Finite Element Method (XFEM) technique is used to analyse the damage in a Metal/Ceramic plate (FGM-Al/SiC) with a circular central notch. The plate is subjected to a uniaxial tensile force. The maximum stress criterion was employed for fracture initiation and the energy criterion for its propagation and evolution. The FGM (Al/SiC) structure is graded based on its thickness using a modified power law. The plastic characteristics of the structure were estimated using the Tamura-Tomota-Ozawa (TTO) model in a user-defined field variables (USDFLD) subroutine. Validation of the numerical model in the form of a stress-strain curve with the findings of the experimental tests was established following a mesh sensitivity investigation and demonstrated good convergence. The influence of the notch dimensions and gradation exponent on the structural response and damage development was also explored. Additionally, force-displacement curves were employed to display the data, highlighting the fracture propagation pattern within the FGM structure.

The presence of geometric discontinuity in a material reduces considerably its resistance to mechanical stresses, therefore reducing the service life of materials. The analysis of structural behaviour in the presence of geometric discontinuities is important to ensure the proper use, especially if it is regarding a material of weak mechanical properties such as a polymer. The objective of the present work is to analyse the effect of the notch presence of variable geometric shapes on the tensile strength of epoxy-type polymer specimens. A series of tensile tests were carried out on standardised specimens, taking into account the presence or absence of a notch. Each series of tests contains five specimens. Two notch shapes were considered: circular (hole) and elliptical. The experimental results in terms of stress–strain clearly show that the presence of notches reduces considerably the resistance of the material, where the maximum stress for the undamaged specimen was 41.22 MPa and the lowest stress for the elliptical-notched specimen was 11.21 MPa. A numerical analysis by the extended finite element method (XFEM) was undertaken on the same geometric models; in addition, the results in stress–strain form were validated with the experimental results. A remarkable improvement was obtained (generally an error within 0.06%) for strain, maximum stress, Young’s modulus and elongation values. An exponential decrease was noted in the stress, strain, and Young’s modulus in the presence of a notch in the material.

Aluminium and layered composite structures currently play a crucial role in the aviation sector. These structures may be susceptible to inadvertent impacts from several sources. Low-velocity impact is a type of unintended aggression that causes severe harm to composite materials and can greatly diminish their residual resistance. This research presents a novel stack of unconventional hybrid laminates aimed at improving both stiffness and elasticity through a multi-material design. We focus on analyzing the main factors responsible for impact damage in hybrid structure. Tie contact were used between plies of the composite plate in all models. Using the HASHIN criterion, we analyze the impact velocity, impact sequence, composite thickness, impact energy level, impact efforts, and damaged zones in the composite, matrices, and fibers. The primary results indicate that both impact energy and composite thickness have a substantial influence on the energy absorbed by the composite and the impact exerted in the affected area.

Purpose: This study aims to develop high-performance truck trailer supports using polyamide PA6, a thermoplastic material renowned for its mechanical strength, durability and adaptability to extreme conditions. By analysing the material’s properties and exploring manufacturing methods such as injection moulding and 3D printing, the research seeks to optimise the design and production of supports capable of withstanding heavy-duty mechanical stresses. The ultimate goal is to provide the transport industry with reliable, cost-effective and durable solutions that meet safety standards and performance demands, ensuring enhanced operational efficiency and resilience in challenging environments.Design/methodology/approach: The study investigates the design and production of truck trailer supports using polyamide PA6, chosen for its high mechanical strength, thermal stability, and resistance to wear and chemical exposure. The research evaluates manufacturing techniques, including injection moulding and 3D printing, to optimise part performance and durability under heavy-duty mechanical stresses. Emphasis is placed on designing supports capable of enduring harsh environmental conditions while ensuring safety and cost-efficiency. By leveraging the superior properties of PA6, the study aims to develop reliable solutions that meet the transport industry’s stringent performance and economic requirements.Findings: The study confirms that using PA6 polyamide for truck trailer supports is an innovative and cost-effective solution, offering superior mechanical performance and environmental resistance. A detailed analysis of PA6 properties and manufacturing methods reveals its suitability as a robust and durable alternative for trailer supports. This integration marks a significant advancement in improving trailer efficiency and performance while maintaining quality standards. The findings underscore the importance of leveraging technological advancements to address challenges in innovation and sustainability, supporting the growth of the transport and logistics sector.Originality/value: This study introduces an innovative approach to designing truck trailer supports by utilising polyamide PA6, highlighting its superior mechanical properties and environmental resilience. By combining material analysis with advanced manufacturing techniques, such as injection moulding and 3D printing, the research provides a novel framework for producing durable, cost-effective components tailored to the transport industry’s demands. The originality lies in the integration of PA6 into heavy-duty applications, showcasing its potential to enhance performance, efficiency and sustainability. This work adds significant value by addressing critical industry challenges and offering practical solutions that align with modern safety and environmental standards.

The main objective of this work is to characterise sandwich panels with carbon/epoxy composite skins and cores of different materials (Expanded polystyrene foam, polyurethane foam injection and polyurethane foam sample) under three-point bending tests in free/free vibration and under repeated impact. The analysis of the behavior of the different sandwich panels under bending and vibration aims to determine the flexibility or stiffness of these panels. However, the analysis under repeated impact aims to determine the failure modes and the strength of the three sandwich panels. Indeed, the damage analysis was carried out using piezoelectric sensors connected to an acquisition chain using an advanced signal processing technique, which allows precise detection and quantification of damage. Using piezoelectric technology, this detection system ensures structures’ safety and reliability by allowing early and accurate detection of potential damage. Indeed, relying on piezoelectric sensors bonded to sandwich panels to capture vibration responses can improve its safety, thus reducing maintenance costs and ensuring an extension of its service life. The results of the various tests showed that carbon fibre resin matrix composite skin offers good protection to the different types of cores used in the sandwich panels. In addition, the composite sandwich panel with an expanded polystyrene core responded better than the other panels in bending and vibration tests. In repeated impact tests, the composite sandwich panel with foam core and the composite sandwich panel with injected polyurethane foam core proved effective in absorbing initial impacts. On the other hand, the sandwich panel with an expanded polystyrene core showed its ability to absorb repeated impacts while ensuring more extended degradation than the other two sandwich panels.