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The models currently used to determine strains, stresses, and deflections in beams and plates made of magnetostrictive films deposited on nonmagnetic substrates are based on the assumption that the film is relatively thin compared to the substrate. Despite the lack of self-consistency and the limitations of these models, they can be used to calculate approximate strains and deflections when the ratio of the thickness of the film to the thickness of the substrate is smaller than about 0.001; even then they do not consistently predict stresses or energies. Unfortunately, the large deflections required in modern applications are only achievable with films that do not satisfy this assumption of relative film thinness, and the results obtained with the traditional models show large errors. In these circumstances it is necessary to introduce robust methods that can be applied regardless of the relative magnitude of the thickness of the film. In this article, one such method is presented. The method represents a self-consistent approach based on the minimization of the total internal energy of a film-substrate system, performed based on the assumption that the magnetostrictive strains can be modeled as anisotropic expansional strains. The expressions obtained using this approach can be used to calculate strains, stresses, deflections, and energies in an accurate way. The method is suitable for generalization to the cases in which the deformation of beams and plates is produced not only due to magnetostriction in the films, but may also include thermal, piezoelectric, or hygroscopic strains.

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Polymeric-based microparticles and fibers are tailorable for a wide range of common industrial and biomedical applications, while multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are among the most useful macromolecules based on their outstanding electronic, mechanical, and optical properties at the nanoscale. If one combines these nanostructures with various polymeric precursors, their range of potential applications becomes even greater. One of the simplest and most affordable methods for fabricating micro- and nanostructures is electrospinning. Herein we demonstrate how MWCNTs may be used to produce tailor-made organic–organic poly­(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) microparticles and fibers via electrospinning by studying their structural, vibrational, rheological, and mechanical properties’ dependence on their solvent (ethanol (EtOH) or dimethyl­formamide (DMF)) and resulting morphology. Specifically, we find clear differences in morphologies from perfectly spherical and isolated microparticles to fibers mats, or a combination of fibers with entangled beads, with solvent type and concentration. On the basis of our findings, we propose that the mechanism governing the shape and size of the particles is a competition between the solvent’s surface tension, dielectric constant, and viscoelastic properties. We show, based on both our experimental results and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, that OH functionalization of the MWCNTs is essential for achieving high PVP coverages and promoting the stability of the resulting PVP/MWCNT nanocomposite. Finally, by fabricating PVP/MWCNT fiber mats, we demonstrate that low concentrations (0.01–0.1 wt %) of MWCNTs led to a qualitative improvement (∼250%) in the resulting mechanical properties, i.e., a reinforced composite. These results show how by controlling the solvent’s dielectric constant, surface tension, and polymer concentration, one may produce tailor-made polymeric nanomaterials in combination with other organic/inorganic nanoparticles, i.e., silver, gold, or carbon allotropes, for next-generation applications.

The volume electrical resistivity of a unidirectional continuous carbon fiber thermoplastic (nylon-6) matrix composite was found to be an indicator of strain and damage during repeated loading in the fiber direction. The through-thickness resistivity irreversibly and gradually decreased upon damage (probably fiber-matrix debonding) during repeated compression or tension. Moreover, it reversibly and abruptly increased upon matrix damage, which occurred reversibly near the peak stress of a stress cycle. In addition, the resistivity increased reversibly upon tension in every stress cycle, and decreased reversibly upon compression in every stress cycle. On the other hand, the longitudinal resistivity irreversibly and gradually increased upon damage. Moreover, it decreased reversibly upon tension in every stress cycle and increased reversibly upon compression in every stress cycle. The throughthickness resistivity was a better indicator of damage and strain than the longitudinal resistivity. WTRODUCTIOlll olymer-matrix composites with continuous carbon

The development of sustainable, cost-efficient, and high-performance nanofluids is one of the current research topics within drilling applications. The inclusion of tailorable nanoparticles offers the possibility of formulating water-based fluids with enhanced properties, providing unprecedented opportunities in the energy, oil, gas, water, or infrastructure industries. In this work, the most recent and relevant findings related with the development of customizable nanofluids are discussed, focusing on those based on the incorporation of 2D (two-dimensional) nanoparticles and environmentally friendly precursors. The advantages and drawbacks of using 2D layered nanomaterials including but not limited to silicon nano-glass flakes, graphene, MoS 2 , disk-shaped Laponite nanoparticles, layered magnesium aluminum silicate nanoparticles, and nanolayered organo-montmorillonite are presented. The current formulation approaches are listed, as well as their physicochemical characterization: rheology, viscoelastic properties, and filtration properties (fluid losses). The most influential factors affecting the drilling fluid performance, such as the pH, temperature, ionic strength interaction, and pressure, are also debated. Finally, an overview about the simulation at the microscale of fluids flux in porous media is presented, aiming to illustrate the approaches that could be taken to supplement the experimental efforts to research the performance of drilling muds. The information discussed shows that the addition of 2D nanolayered structures to drilling fluids promotes a substantial improvement in the rheological, viscoelastic, and filtration properties, additionally contributing to cuttings removal, and wellbore stability and strengthening. This also offers a unique opportunity to modulate and improve the thermal and lubrication properties of the fluids, which is highly appealing during drilling operations.