Shyamala Devi M , Yuvaraj Natarajan , Sri Preethaa K․R , Priya S
{"title":"Thermal imagery temperature gradient analysis through deformable transformer residual regression network for crack severity estimation","authors":"Shyamala Devi M , Yuvaraj Natarajan , Sri Preethaa K․R , Priya S","doi":"10.1016/j.apples.2025.100265","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apples.2025.100265","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Structural crack severity estimation is critical for preventive maintenance, yet conventional approaches often fall short in capturing subsurface defects from thermal imagery due to noise and irrelevant metadata. This paper proposes a novel Vision Deformable Transformer Normalized Residual Regression Network (ViTNResNet18) for temperature gradient analysis and crack severity estimation. The thermal crack images used in this work are sourced from Mendeley Crack900 dataset. The ViTNResNet18 begins by automatically cropping to eliminate FLIR logos and temperature scales, ensuring focus on relevant thermal data. The novelty of the model is Gradient Thermal Filtering (GTF) that combines gradient magnitude, direction, thermal flow, Gabor frequency, and thermal clusters into a unified fused image to enhance crack feature representation. Subsequently, a Heat Dispersion Profile (HDP) is generated to extract critical thermal texture and gradient descriptors. The core ViTNResNet18 replaces standard ResNet18 blocks with Normalized Residual Blocks (NRB) to stabilize local feature extraction, while a ViT Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) fusion module is introduced after average pooling to capture global thermal dependencies. Unlike conventional ViT models, the proposed ViTNResNet18 replaces fixed linear projections with an offset predictor Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) and Deformable Positional Embedding (DPE), allowing adaptive focus on temperature gradient variations. The extracted heat dispersion profile is embedded along with transformer features and passed through an MLP regression head to directly estimate crack width and depth. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves crack severity prediction accuracy of 99.60 %, significantly outperforming traditional models. The ViTNResNet18 delivers an intelligent and scalable solution for structural crack severity estimation by improving the accuracy of defect detection and quantification contributing to resilient infrastructure.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72251,"journal":{"name":"Applications in engineering science","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100265"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145158365","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Optimization of fibre-reinforced composites for lightweight ballistic body armour","authors":"Elias Wakshume , Semayat Fanta , Solomon Seid , Kumlachew Yeneneh","doi":"10.1016/j.apples.2025.100262","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apples.2025.100262","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study presents an innovative approach to optimizing fiber-reinforced composite materials for ballistic body armor, enhancing protection against 7.62 mm AK-47 rifle bullets. Through finite element analysis (FEA), the mechanical responses of Kevlar/alumina and Dyneema/epoxy composites were investigated under ballistic impact conditions. FEA results indicate that Dyneema/epoxy could provide a significant reduction in areal density (≈56.9 %) and an improved energy-absorption capacity (≈55.1 %) relative to the Kevlar/alumina system considered here; these values are derived from numerical simulations validated against literature data and should be confirmed with targeted ballistic experiments. The novelty of this research lies in the comparative investigation and optimization of next-generation lightweight composite systems, including Dyneema/epoxy, Kevlar/alumina vests used by Ethiopian military forces. This is one of the first studies to integrate finite element simulations, and damage mechanics (Hashin criteria) to quantify the ballistic performance of these advanced composites under real-world threat levels. Moreover, this research introduces a new paradigm in ballistic armor design by systematically correlating weight efficiency, damage resilience, and stress–strain behavior in multi-layered composite laminates. The study highlights the cost-effectiveness and potential of Dyneema/epoxy to redefine ballistic protection by balancing weight, efficiency, durability, and impact resistance. These findings establish Dyneema/epoxy as a next-generation material for advanced body armor applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72251,"journal":{"name":"Applications in engineering science","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100262"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145158363","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effects of fly ash and ground bottom ash from thermal power plants on workability, compressive strength and durability of high performance fine-grained concrete","authors":"Thanh Ha Le , Dinh Loc Mai , Thi Hue Ta","doi":"10.1016/j.apples.2025.100261","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apples.2025.100261","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper presents the effects of fly ash (FA) and ground bottom ash (BA) on the workability, compressive strength, sulfate resistance and resistance to Chloride ion penetration of high performance fine-grained concrete. The bottom ash was ground in a ball mill for 90 min. Cement was partially replaced with FA/ BA at replacement levels of 10 %, 20 %, and 30 % by weight. The experimental results indicate that increasing the FA content improved the workability of the concrete while reducing the required amount of superplasticizer. In contrast, increasing the BA content decreased workability, necessitating a higher dosage of superplasticizer. Concrete incorporating BA exhibited higher compressive strength than the control mix (100 % cement), with BA being more effective than FA in enhancing strength. Additionally, concrete containing FA/ BA demonstrated greater sulfate resistance and resistance to Chloride ion penetration compared to the control mix. Higher replacement levels of FA/ BA led to further improvements in sulfate resistance and resistance to Chloride ion penetration, with BA showing more pronounced effects than FA.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72251,"journal":{"name":"Applications in engineering science","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100261"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145105741","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Brayan Daniel Duran Flores , Edgar Adhair Montes Gómez , Luis Arturo Soriano Avendaño , Miguel Ángel Castellón Medinaceli
{"title":"Mechanical analysis of an ultra-light chassis model for a single-seat vehicle","authors":"Brayan Daniel Duran Flores , Edgar Adhair Montes Gómez , Luis Arturo Soriano Avendaño , Miguel Ángel Castellón Medinaceli","doi":"10.1016/j.apples.2025.100260","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apples.2025.100260","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The article presents a mechanical analysis of an ultra-light chassis designed for a single-seat vehicle, focusing on weight optimization and energy efficiency. The methodology includes material selection using constraint graphs and mechanical testing, with aluminum 6060 chosen for its favorable strength-to-weight ratio. Tensile and flexural tests were conducted to evaluate the material’s strength, followed by static, dynamic load, and wind tunnel simulations in SOLIDWORKS, validating the aerodynamic and structural design The results show good safety factor distribution throughout the chassis, although a critical component, Element 58 (rear suspension support), has a low safety factor and exceeds the yield limit under maximum load conditions, indicating a need for redesign or reinforcement. Recommendations include increasing the cross-sectional area of the critical element or using a higher-strength material to ensure structural integrity and enhance the vehicle’s overall performance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72251,"journal":{"name":"Applications in engineering science","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100260"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145106094","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Editorial on SI “Viscoplasticity: Theory, Modelling and Applications”","authors":"Lorenzo Fusi , Georgios C. Georgiou","doi":"10.1016/j.apples.2025.100246","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apples.2025.100246","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":72251,"journal":{"name":"Applications in engineering science","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article 100246"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144919880","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yiteng Li , Xupeng He , Shouxiang Mark Ma , Hyung Kwak , Hussein Hoteit
{"title":"Quantification of Surface Roughness Effect on NMR T2 Relaxation Using a Novel 3D Pore Surface Roughness Characterization Workflow","authors":"Yiteng Li , Xupeng He , Shouxiang Mark Ma , Hyung Kwak , Hussein Hoteit","doi":"10.1016/j.apples.2025.100258","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apples.2025.100258","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Evaluation of pore size distributions in porous rocks using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) T<sub>2</sub> relaxation time typically assumes spherical pores with smooth surfaces. This simplification leads to inaccuracies by neglecting the impact of surface roughness on NMR T<sub>2</sub> relaxation. Previous studies have attempted to incorporate the surface roughness effect into surface relaxivity to reduce these systematic errors in the estimation of pore size distribution, but these methods are often sample-specific, thereby limiting their broader applicability. To overcome these limitations, we propose a novel image-based surface sourghness characterization workflow and develop a correlation to correct the shortened T<sub>2</sub> relaxation times in rough spherical pores. Unlike previous approaches, our method decouples the geometric impact of surface roughness from surface relaxivity, preserving the fast diffusion limit and enhancing generalizability. The workflow simplifies roughness characterization by transforming each 3D volumetric pore structure into roughness profiles, deriving a dimensionless pore roughness coefficient (PRC). Random walk simulations are then employed to compute T<sub>2</sub> relaxation times for various pore configurations. The T<sub>2</sub> correction factor is defined as the ratio of the T<sub>2</sub> relaxation times in rough pores to those in the corresponding spherical pores of the same volume. A nonlinear mapping between PRC and T<sub>2</sub> correction factor is established to correct the NMR T<sub>2</sub> relaxation time. Numerical results demonstrate that the proposed method accurately predicts the intrinsic pore radius, making it a practical postprocessing tool for extracting representative pore sizes from NMR T<sub>2</sub> relaxation times while accounting for surface roughness effects.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72251,"journal":{"name":"Applications in engineering science","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100258"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145020333","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Optimal structural design of helical springs with Ludwik-type elastic–plastic materials","authors":"Dongming Wei , Adilet Otemissov , Xinaer Mandaiye , Shubing Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.apples.2025.100259","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apples.2025.100259","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Motivated by the limitations of idealized power-law assumptions in spring design, this work revisits the optimization of compressive helical springs using a more realistic Ludwik-type elastic–perfect plastic material model. Unlike earlier approaches, we explicitly incorporate the pitch angle in computing the total wire length, improving geometric accuracy. A unified root-solving algorithm is introduced to handle the Karush–Kuhn–Tucker conditions efficiently, eliminating the need for case-by-case treatment. The proposed design is benchmarked against the DIN standard, which is often overlooked in analytical studies. To ensure practical relevance, finite element simulations are performed in COMSOL and show good agreement with theoretical predictions. The combination of refined geometry, nonlinear mechanics, and comparative validation provides a more robust optimization framework that bridges theoretical modeling with engineering practice. We believe this approach offers new insight into spring design for advanced structural materials.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72251,"journal":{"name":"Applications in engineering science","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100259"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144926436","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Luca Piancastelli, Irene Giusti, Marella De Santis
{"title":"Assessment of main bearing displacements in the monoblock of a commercial common rail diesel engine","authors":"Luca Piancastelli, Irene Giusti, Marella De Santis","doi":"10.1016/j.apples.2025.100254","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apples.2025.100254","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates the structural behavior of the monoblock crankcase of a commercial common rail diesel engine, with a specific focus on the displacements of main bearing housings under realistic operating conditions. A detailed reverse engineering approach was employed to reconstruct the crankcase geometry, followed by finite element simulations of critical load cases derived from combustion pressure and inertial dynamics. The mechanical design criteria of crankcases and hydrodynamic bearing systems are reviewed to define acceptable tolerance ranges and deformation limits. Stress and displacement analyses were conducted across multiple engine operating scenarios to identify critical regions and evaluate the structural integrity of the engine block. Results indicate that the most significant bearing misalignments occur at central supports, suggesting potential areas for reinforcement or design improvement. The findings support the application of precise manufacturing techniques and modular design philosophies to ensure bearing alignment and engine reliability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72251,"journal":{"name":"Applications in engineering science","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100254"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144922742","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aveen K P , Ullal Vignesh Nayak , K M Pranesh Rao , Shivaramu H T , V Londhe Neelakantha , Shashikumar C M
{"title":"Optimization of drilling parameters to minimize delamination in CNT-filled GFRP composites using machine learning","authors":"Aveen K P , Ullal Vignesh Nayak , K M Pranesh Rao , Shivaramu H T , V Londhe Neelakantha , Shashikumar C M","doi":"10.1016/j.apples.2025.100257","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apples.2025.100257","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Composites are most commonly fastened in assemblies by drilling. The current investigation examines the effect of the drilling factors on the quality of the drilled holes. The holes were drilled on epoxy resin polymer composites reinforced using glass fibers with Carbon nano tube (CNT) as fillers. Hand-layup was done to fabricate the composites. The laminated composites were produced with 0 %, 1 %, and 1.5 % of CNT fillers. Operating parameters such as spindle speeds-1000 rpm, 2000 rpm, and 3000 rpm, feed rates- 50 mm/min, 100 mm/min and 150 mm/min were used during the experiments. Torque (T) and thrust force (F) were measured using a digital drilling machine with a dynamometer. A machine learning based multi-output random forest regression model with hyper parameter tuning was used to predict the T, F, and delamination factor (F<sub>d</sub>). The algorithm showed that the most important parameter that influenced delamination was speed (s) followed by the feed rate (f) and filler content respectively. Further, it predicted the thrust force and F<sub>d</sub> with ±5% accuracy and T with ±10% accuracy. The best combination of speed, feed, filler which would result in a minimized F<sub>d</sub> was arrived at with the help of a Bayesian optimization.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72251,"journal":{"name":"Applications in engineering science","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article 100257"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144831420","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Prediction of fatigue cracking in asphaltic pavement under local traffic conditions: Application to Semel-Patel highway-Duhok","authors":"Noor Akram Alaani","doi":"10.1016/j.apples.2025.100255","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apples.2025.100255","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Fatigue cracking was among the most prevalent types of distress affecting asphalt concrete pavements in Iraq, which had been exacerbated by base destabilisation and inadequate subgrade drainage and resulted from recurrent traffic loads that exceeded design specifications. The study focused on a 15-kilometer section of the Semel-Patel Highway near Duhok, where this type of cracking had significantly increased maintenance costs, however addressing it could help reducing expenditures on long term. The NCHRP mechanistic-empirical fatigue life prediction model (NCHRP 9–44A/PMED) was used to forecast the number of load repetitions that are possible until cracking occurred. Layer stiffness, traffic spectra, climate, and drainage condition were among the field condition inputs that had been adjusted by laboratory testing and field observations. Notable results revealed: the subgrade moisture and binders had a significant impact on the expected fatigue life, underscoring the significance of appropriate drainage enhancements and binder selection to prolong pavement life. This model proposed as a decision-support tool for pavement design optimization and maintenance management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72251,"journal":{"name":"Applications in engineering science","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article 100255"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144858554","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}