Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering / Liang-Wu Cai / X. J. Xin / Thin walled structures such as plates and shells have application in many fields of engineering because these structures are light weight and can support large loads when designed suitably. In real world, loads may cause these structures to vibrate which can be undesirable causing fatigue and failure of the structure. Such undesirable vibrations need to be reduced or eliminated. In this work, analytical studies of flexural wave propagation for idealized geometries are conducted and finite element method (FEM) is used to explore the effects of composite panel designs of finite size for the reduction of vibration transmission. In the analytical studies, the influence of the material properties on the reflection and transmission characteristics are explored for an infinite bi-material plate, and infinite plate with a strip inhomogeneity. In the analytical study of an infinite thin plate with a solid circular inclusion, the far and near field scattering characteristics are explored for different frequencies and material properties. All the analytical studies presented here and reported in the literature consider infinite plates to characterize the flexural wave propagation. Obtaining closed form solutions to characterize the flexural wave propagation in a finite plate with inclusions is mathematically difficult process. So, FEM is used to explore the composite panel designs. The understanding gained about the material properties influence on the flexural wave propagation from analytical studies helped with the choice of materials for FEM simulations. The concept of phononic crystals is applied to define the design variations that are effective in suppressing vibration transmission. Various design configurations are explored to study the effects of various parameters like scatterer’s material properties, geometry and spatial pattern. Based on the knowledge gained through a systematic parametric study, a final design of the composite sandwich panel is proposed with an optimum set of parameters to achieve the best vibration reduction. This is the first study focused on reducing vibration and wave transmission in composite rotorcraft fuselage panels incorporating the concept of phononic crystals. The optimum sandwich panel design achieved 98% vibration transmission reduction at the frequency of interest of 3000 Hz.

The final thesis consists of three main parts, each covering a certain aspect of investigation. First chapter presents an extensive literature review, covering such aspects as: application of FRP (fiber reinforced polymer) materials in modern-day civil engineering, characteristics of FRP reinforcement for reinforced concrete structures, advantages and drawbacks of FRP rebars compared to traditional materials, peculiarities of flexural behavior of FRP reinforced members, review of existing empirical stress-strain calculation algorithms and building codes for concrete members reinforced with FRP. Second part aims at presenting gathered experimental data consisting of 51 FRP reinforced flexural members under 4 point bending scheme. Taking into account such parameters as reinforcement ratio, load intensity and elasticity modulus of FRP reinforcement, statistical analysis on a number of calculation algorithms and building codes is performed in order to evaluate their credibility and reliability for use in real-world structures. The final part of the work presents a Simplified Discrete Crack model developed in VGTU Department of Bridges and Special Structures. The model is applied for a series of collected beams. The results are compared with theoretical predictions made by different design codes and experimental values. The final thesis consists of: 90 pages of text (without appendixes), 46 pictures, 17 tables. 3 appendixes are included. Literature list consisting of 82... [to full text] / Baigiamąjį magistro darbą sudaro trys pagrindinės dalys. Pirmajame skyriuje pateikiama literatūros apžvalga, kurioje nagrinėjamos temos susijusios su pluoštinės armatūros panaudojimu lenkiamiems betoniniams elementams. Apžvelgiamos tokių elementų panaudojimo galimybės, privalumai ir trūkumai, deformacijų skaičiavimo metodai bei matematiniai modeliai. Antrajame skyriuje nagrinėjama surinkta polimerine armatūra armuotų sijų eksperimentinių duomenų imtis. Siekiant įvertinti skirtingų skaičiavimo metodų patikimumą ir pritaikomumą ne plienine armatūra armuotiems elementams, atliekama lyginamoji statistinė analizė. Jos metu įvertinama armavimo procento, apkrovimo lygio bei pluoštinės armatūros tamprumo modulio įtaka. Trečiojoje darbo dalyje surinktai eksperimentinių duomenų imčiai pritaikytas VGTU Tiltų ir Specialiųjų Statinių Katedroje sukurtas Diskrečiųjų plyšių modelis. Gautos priklausomybės palygintos su kitų skaičiavimo normų rezultatais bei eksperimentiniais duomenimis. Gauti rezultatai parodė, kad pritaikius tikslesnius praslydimo bei armatūros ir betono sąveikos ruožuose tarp plyšių modelius, diskrečiųjų plyšių modelis gali būti sėkmingai taikomas polimerine armatūra armuotų elementų elgsenai prognozuoti.

Fibre reinforced polymers (FRPs) have gained considerable popularity as a building and repair material. In particular, FRPs have been an economical means of extending the life of structures. As time passes, an increased number and variety of new and old structures are incorporating FRPs as reinforcement and for rehabilitation. Perhaps most common are their applications for bridge structures. Much of the reluctance towards the inclusion of FRP as primary reinforcement or as a rehabilitation measure in building structures is due to its poor performance in fires. In order to move forward with an understanding of how FRP may overcome its temperature-related short comings, it is important to explore the behaviour of FRP, and structures which utilize FRP for reinforcement, at elevated temperatures. The results of a testing program including eleven high temperature, two room temperature intermediate-scale, FRP-strengthened, and one unstrengthened reinforced concrete beam tests are presented. The elevated temperature tests were conducted on both un-post-cured and post-cured FRP strengthening at temperatures up to 211°C. The tests also utilized a novel method for heating and post-curing FRP-strengthening in place. The strengthened beams exhibited strength gains above the unstrengthened reference beam, and it has been demonstrated that post-curing of an FRP system can be effective at increasing an FRP’s performance at elevated temperatures. Exposed to constant temperatures, un-post-cured specimens still exhibited substantial FRP strength at exposure temperatures up to Tg+79°C. Post-cured specimens exhibited similar performance at temperatures of Tg+43°C. The transient temperature tests resulted in ii beam failure at an average temperature of 186°C and 210°C for un-post-cured and post-cured FRP strengthening respectively at a constant applied load level 93% of that of the room temperature strengthened control beam. The results of this testing program demonstrate that FRP strengthening can remain effective when exposed to temperatures well above the measured value of Tg. / Thesis (Master, Civil Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2013-02-28 15:14:31.336

This thesis describes the results of the experimental investigations into some new geometrical configurations in plate-like structures materialising one-dimensional (1D) acoustic black holes for flexural waves (wedges of power-law profile) and two-dimensional (2D) acoustic black holes for flexural waves (circular indentations of power-law profile). Such acoustic black holes allow the user to reduce the amplitudes of the vibration responses of plate-like structures to a maximum effect, while not increasing the mass of the structures. This thesis also suggests some new real world practical applications for this damping technique. Initially, the effects of geometrical and material imperfections on damping flexural vibrations in plates with attached wedges of power-law profile (1D black holes) were investigated, demonstrating that this method of damping is robust enough for practical applications. Then, damping of flexural vibrations in turbofan blades with trailing edges tapered according to a power-law profile has been investigated. In addition, experimental investigations into power-law profiled slots within plates have been also conducted. Another important configuration under investigation was that of circular indentations (pits) of power-law profile within the plate. In the case of quadratic or higher-order profiles, such indentations materialise 2D acoustic black holes for flexural waves. To increase the damping efficiency of power-law profiled indentations, the absorption area has been enlarged by increasing the size of the central hole in the pit, while keeping the edges sharp. The next step of investigation in this thesis was using multiple indentations of power-law profile (arrays of 2D black holes). It was shown that not only do multiple indentations of power-law profile provide substantial reduction in the damping of flexural vibrations, but also a substantial reduction in radiated sound power. The experimental results have been obtained also for a cylindrical plate incorporating a central hole of quadratic profile. They are compared to the results of numerical predictions, thus validating the results and the experimental technique. Investigations into the effects of indentations of power-law profile made in composite plates and panels and their subsequent inclusion into composite honeycomb sandwich panels are also reported. These indentations again act as 2D acoustic black holes for flexural waves and they effectively damp flexural vibrations within the panels. It was also demonstrated that these indentations can be enclosed in smooth surfaced panels and that no additional damping layer is required to induce the acoustic black hole effect in composite structures. In conclusion, it has been confirmed in this thesis that one and two-dimensional acoustic black holes represent an effective method of damping flexural vibrations and reducing the associated structure-borne sound. Furthermore, this thesis has shown that acoustic black holes can be efficiently employed in practical applications, such as trailing edges of jet engine fan blades, composite panels, and composite honeycomb sandwich structures.

The dynamic properties of several rectangular and V-shaped microcantilevers were investigated. Particular attention was paid to the higher flexural eigenmodes of oscillation. The potential of the higher flexural modes was demonstrated through the use of cantilevers as standalone sensors for adsorbed mass. The mass adsorbed on the surface of a cantilever was in the form of a homogeneous water layer measured as a function of relative humidity. The minimum detectable water layer thicknesses were 13.7 Å, 3.2 Å, 1.1 Å, and 0.7 Å for the first four modes of a rectangular cantilever, clearly demonstrating enhanced accuracy for the higher eigenmodes of oscillation. These thicknesses correspond to minimum detectable masses of 33.5 pg, 7.8 pg, 2.7 pg and 1.7 pg for the first four modes. For quantitative applications the spring constants of each cantilever must be determined. Many methods exist but only a small number can calibrate the higher flexural eigenmodes. A method was developed to simultaneously calibrate all flexural modes of microcantilever sensors. The method was demonstrated for the first four eigenmodes of several rectangular and V-shaped cantilevers with nominal fundamental spring constants in the range of 0.03 to 1.75 N/m. The spring constants were determined with accuracies of 5-10 %. Spring constants of the fundamental mode were generally in agreement with those determined using the Sader method. The method is compatible with existing AFM systems. It relies on a flow of gas from a microchannel and as such poses no risk of damage to the cantilever beam, its tip, or any coating. A related method was developed for the torsional modes of oscillation. Preliminary results are shown for the fundamental mode of a rectangular cantilever. The method can be easily extended to the higher torsional modes, V-shaped cantilevers, and potentially, the flapping modes of the legs of V-shaped microcantilevers.

[pt] Esta tese apresenta o fenômeno de ruptura por tombamento bloco-flexural, que acontece na zona NW da mina Tintaya. O objetivo do presente estudo é contribuir o conhecimento de este tipo de fenômeno de ruptura, quantificando as características do maciço rochoso com as técnicas da mecânica das rochas. O trabalho inicia-se por uma caracterização geral da zona de estudo, com especial relevo das propriedades geomecánicas das descontinuidades presentes, pelo que foram desenvolvidos mapeamentos das caras de bancada e a amostragem da rocha intacta, esta data permitiu estabelecer correlações dos parâmetros geomecânicos e fazer a análise cinemática da zona de estudo. Após de fazer a caracterização e avaliação das características das descontinuidades, foi definido o tombamento bloco-flexural, pelo jeito das descontinuidades presentes no maciço, já que este tipo de ruptura é mais complexo do que os outros tipos de tombamento, porque é uma combinação de tombamento e deslizamento dos blocos. Em vez da ruptura flexural de colunas contínuas, neste caso o tombamento é resultado de deslocamentos acumulados das juntas transversais. Com o objetivo de fazer uma análise numérica, obtou-se por um modelo contínuo- equivalente que inclui os efeitos de orientação e espaçamento das juntas é o modelo de plasticidade de Cosserat. O contínuo de Cosserat, conhecido também como contínuo micropolar acrescenta os graus de liberdade de rotação ao contínuo convencional. Pelo que foi analisado este tipo de ruptura através de uma modelagem computacional com um programa de elementos finitos feito na PUC-Rio, assim, tornar possível a modelagem computacional com a teoria do continuo de Cosserat. / [en] This thesis presents the block - flexural toppling failure phenomenon, which happens at NW zone of the Tintaya´s mine. The objective of the present study is to contribute the knowledge of this type of phenomenon of failure, quantifying the characteristics of rock mass with the techniques of the rock mechanics. The work begins for a general characterization of the zone, with special relief of the geomechanical properties of the discontinuities, which were developed the window sampling (bench face mapping) and sampling of the intact rock, this information allowed to establish correlations of the geomechanical parameters and make feasible kinematics analysis from the zone of study. After doing the rock mass characterization and evaluation of the characteristics of the discontinuities, the block - flexural toppling failure was defined, on those long column rocks crossed by numerous huge subhorizontal joints. The block-flexural type failure is a complex phenomenon compared with other types of toppling failure, because it is a combination of pure toppling and sliding. With the intention of numerical analysis, I have been proposed analyzing this rupture for a continuum - equivalent model of Cosserat, that includes the orientation and the discontinuity´s spacing. This model is known also as continuum micropolar, which adds the degrees of freedom of rotation to a conventional continuum. It was analyzed this type of failure through a computational modeling with a program of finite elements made in the PUC-Rio, so, the computational modeling possible with the theory of continuum of Cosserat.

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram: a) realizar a análise microestrutural de cerâmicas odontológicas e relacioná-la aos valores de resistência à flexão obtidos, b) avaliar o efeito de dois tipos de envelhecimento (ciclagem mecânica e ciclagem em autoclave) sobre a resistência à flexão desses materiais e c) avaliar se a configuração do espécime (discos versus barras) é capaz de alterar o efeito da ciclagem mecânica sobre a resistência à flexão. Cinco materiais foram utilizados: zircônia tetragonal policristalina estabilizada por ítrio (YZ), alumina policristalina (AL), alumina infiltrada por vidro/reforçada por zircônia (ICZ) e duas porcelanas (VM7 e VM9). Espécimes em forma de barra (2 x 4 x 16 mm) e disco (12 mm x 2 mm) foram confeccionados conforme as recomendações dos fabricantes. A densidade foi determinada pelo método de Arquimedes, as constantes elásticas foram determinadas pelo método do pulso-eco ultrassônico. Microscopia óptica e eletrônica de varredura foram utilizadas para determinar a fração e tamanho médio de poros e partículas e a análise de EDS para a realização de análise química dos microconstituintes. O efeito do envelhecimento por ciclagem mecânica (YZ, AL e ICZ: 80 N por 105 ciclos e VM7 e VM9: 45 N por 104 ciclos, a 2 Hz) ou por ciclagem em autoclave a 134°C, pressão de 2,2 kgf/cm2 durante 5h, foi avaliado nos espécimes em forma de barra e comparados com um grupo controle, não ciclado. O efeito do envelhecimento por ciclagem mecânica foi comparado entre os espécimes em forma de barra e disco para as porcelanas estudadas. Houve diferenças significativas entre os valores de resistência em função do material, causadas pelas diferenças em sua microestrutura, sendo que as porcelanas apresentam baixos valores de resistência (VM7: 69,4 MPa e VM9: 64,7 MPa), enquanto que a AL e a ICZ apresentaram valores intermediários (462,8 MPa e 408,6 MPa, respectivamente) e a YZ apresentou o maior valor de resistência à flexão (869 MPa). Após a ciclagem mecânica, somente o material AL apresentou redução estatisticamente significativa da resistência à flexão (389,2 MPa). A ciclagem em autoclave não resultou em degradação significativa da resistência de nenhum dos materiais testados. A configuração do espécime (barra ou disco) não alterou o efeito da ciclagem mecânica sobre a resistência das porcelanas testadas (nenhum material apresentou queda da resistência após ciclagem). Entretanto, nos espécimes em forma de disco a resistência à flexão da VM7 foi significativamente maior que a da VM9 (69,6 MPa e 57,6 MPa, respectivamente), enquanto que nos espécimes em forma de barra não houve diferença estatística entre os valores de resistência das duas porcelanas (VM7: 61,1 MPa e VM9: 68,8 MPa). / The aims of this study were: to perform a microestrutural analysis of dental ceramics and correlate the results with the flexural strength obtained; to evaluate two aging process (mechanical cycling and autoclave cycling) on the flexural strength of the materials and to evaluate the specimen configuration (bar or disc) on the flexural strength of mechanical cycling aged specimens. The five ceramics tested were: yttria-stabilized zirconia (YZ), polycrystalline alumina (AL), glass-infiltrated alumina/zirconia reinforced (ICZ) and two dental porcelains (VM7 and VM9). Bars (2 x 4 x 16 mm) and discs (12 mm x 2 mm) were produced according to the manufactures instructions. Density was obtained by Arquimedes method and the elastics constants were obtained by ultrasonic pulse-echo method. Optical and Scanning Electron Microscope were used to determine the fraction and size of both pores and particles while the chemical composition was obtained by EDS. Aging effect on flexural strength after mechanical or autoclave cycling was evaluated on bar specimens and compared to a control group, which was not cycled. The specimen configurations (bars or discs) were compared after mechanical cycling for porcelains. Microestrutural differences between material resulted on flexural strength values statistically different, porcelains presented lower values of flexural strength (VM7: 69,4 MPa and VM9: 64,7 MPa), while AL and ICZ presented intermediate flexural strength (462,8 MPa and 408,6 MPa, respectively) and YZ presented the highest flexural strength (869 MPa). Only AL presented a significant lower flexural strength after mechanical cycling (389,2 MPa). Autoclave cycling did not influence the flexural strength of the studied materials. Also, the specimen configuration did not influence the flexural strength values before or after mechanical cycling. It should be noted that disc specimens of VM7 presented significantly higher flexural strength values than VM9 (69,6 MPa and 57,6 MPa, respectively), however for bar specimens no statistical difference was noted between the mean strength of both porcelains (VM7: 61,1 MPa and VM9: 68,8 MPa).

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o desenvolvimento das tensões de polimerização de um compósito resinoso restaurador ao longo das primeiras 24 horas após a fotoativação, segundo dois métodos de análise da propagação de trincas. A influência do armazenamento em água sobre a magnitude das tensões também foi avaliada. O grau de conversão (GC) e o módulo de elasticidade (E) do compósito foram determinados nos diferentes tempos de observação. As hipóteses nulas do trabalho foram: 1) tensão de polimerização, GC e E não variam de forma significativa ao longo do período de observação; 2) os dois métodos de análise de propagação de trincas fornecem resultados semelhantes; 3) os valores de tensão não são influenciados pelo meio de armazenamento. Foram confeccionados discos de vidro de soda-cal com 2 mm de espessura, diâmetro externo de 12 mm, com perfuração central de 4 mm de diâmetro. Os discos foram aleatorizados em três grupos. Em um deles, os discos foram restaurados (Charisma Diamond, Heraeus Kulzer) e, após os tempos de 10 min, 1, 2, 4, 8 ou 24 horas (n=10), os espécimes receberam quatro indentações Vickers, (9,8N por 20s) a 500m da margem da cavidade. O segundo grupo passou pelo mesmo processo, porém os discos ficaram armazenados em água antes de serem indentados. Em seguida, o comprimento das trincas e a diagonal da indentação foram mensurados em microscópio óptico. A tensão residual no vidro foi calculada de acordo com a norma 4-01 (The Society of Materials Science, JSMS, Japão). No terceiro grupo, os discos foram indentados e armazenados em dissecador por 24h antes de serem restaurados. As trincas foram medidas antes e após a restauração, nos mesmos tempos descritos acima, e a tensão calculada de acordo com a fórmula descrita por Yamamoto et al. (Dent Mater, 2009). O GC foi determinado por espectroscopia no infra-vermelho próximo (n=3). O E foi obtido através do teste de dobramento em três pontos (n=10). Os dados foram submetidos a ANOVA/Tukey (=0,05) e análise de regressão. A tensão de polimerização, assim como o GC e o E tiveram seus valores aumentados ao longo do tempo. O GC aumentou 28% entre 10 minutos e 24 horas, para o E houve um aumento de 1,7 GPa para 6,3 GPa entre 10 minutos e 24 horas. A tensão de polimerização aumentou 40% entre 10min e 24h para a norma 4-01 e 51% para o método do Yamamoto et al. O meio de armazenamento foi estatisticamente significativo até o tempo de 4 horas. Portanto, a primeira hipótese foi rejeitada. A segunda e a terceira hipótese podem ser apenas parcialmente rejeitadas. / The objective of this study was to evaluate composite resin restoration polymerization stress development over the first 24 hours after polymerization, according to two methods of analysis of crack propagation. The influence of water storage on the magnitude of the stresses was also evaluated. The degree of conversion (DC) and modulus of elasticity (E) of the composite were determined at various time points. The null hypotheses of this study were: 1) The polymerization stress, DC and E do not change significant throughout the observation period, 2) the two methods of analysis of crack propagation provide similar results, 3) the stress values are not influenced by storage medium. Disks were made of soda-lime glass with 2 mm thickness, 12 mm in outside diameter with central bore of 4 mm in diameter. The perforations were treated with hydrofluoric acid and silane. The discs were randomized into three groups. In one of them, the discs were restored (Charisma Diamond, Heraeus Kulzer), and, the times after 10 min, 1, 2, 4, 8 or 24 hours (n = 10), the specimens received four Vickers indentations (9.8 N for 20 s) at 500m cavity margin. The second group went through the same process, but the discs were stored in water prior to being indented. Then, the length diagonal of the indentation and crack was measured in an optical microscope. The residual stress in the glass was calculated according to standard 4-01 (The Society of Materials Science, JSMS, Japan). The third group of discs were treated similarly, indented and stored in a desiccator for 24 hours before being restored. The cracks were measured before and after the restoration following the same time, and the stress calculated according to the formula described by Yamamoto et al. (Dent Mater, 2009). The DC was determined by near-infrared spectroscopy (n = 3). The E was obtained through the bend test conducted at three-points. Data were subjected by ANOVA / Tukey test ( = 0.05) and regression analysis. The polymerization stress, as well as DC and E values were increased over time. GC increased 28% between 10 minutes and 24 hours, and for an increase of 1.7 GPa to 6.3 GPa between 10 minutes and 24 hours. The polymerization stress increased 40% between 10 min and 24 hours to the standard 4.1 and 51% for the method of Yamamoto et al. The storage medium was statistically significant at the time of 4 hours. Thus, the first hypothesis was rejected. The second and third hypothesis may only be partially rejected.

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram: 1) avaliar o efeito do envelhecimento por ciclagem mecânica (3 milhões de ciclos a uma freqüência de 1 Hz) na resistência à flexão de quatro materiais cerâmicos utilizadas na confecção de próteses parciais fixas livre de metal: a) uma zircônia tetragonal policristalina estabilizada por ítria (Y-TZP); b) uma alumina policristalina (AL); c) compósito de alumina infiltrado por vidro (ICA) e d) um compósito de alumina e zircônia infiltrado por vidro (ICZ) e, 2) determinar o efeito da ciclagem mecânica no conteúdo de fase monoclínica de duas cerâmicas odontológicas contendo zircônia: a) zircônia tetragonal policristalina estabilizada por ítria e b) compósito de alumina e zircônia infiltrado por vidro. Material e método: Discos cerâmicos (12 mm x 1 mm) foram confeccionados conforme as recomendações dos fabricantes e testados em resistência à flexão biaxial. O grupo controle (sem ciclagem) de todos os materiais estudados foi submetido à estatística de Weibull para determinação da resistência característica (0) e módulo de Weibull (m). Os grupos envelhecidos mecanicamente foram fraturados em flexão biaxial e os valores obtidos foram comparados com seus respectivos grupos controle. A análise de difração de raios X (DRX) foi realizada para verificar do conteúdo de zircônia monoclínica. Resultados: Os valores médios de resistência à flexão apresentaram diferença estatisticamente significante para ambos os compósitos estudados, sendo que ICA apresentou diminuição no valor médio de resistência após a ciclagem mecânica (controle: 309,5 MPa; ciclado: 257,1 MPa) e ICZ, por outro lado, mostrou aumento da resistência após aplicação do protocolo de envelhecimento (controle: 315,6 MPa; ciclado: 359,1 MPa). As médias obtidas para materiais policristalinos foram semelhantes entre seus respectivos grupos ciclado e controle, com valores de 786,1 MPa (controle) e 841,7 MPa (ciclado) para Y-TZP e 383,5 MPa (controle) e 405,4 MPa (ciclado) para AL. Nos padrões de DRX das superfícies polidas de amostras de Y-TZP e ICZ dos grupos controle e ciclado foram observados apenas picos de difração correspondentes à fase da zircônia tetragonal. Conclusão: apenas o compósito ICA apresentou diminuição significativa nos valores de resistência à flexão após a aplicação do protocolo de ciclagem. Os outros materiais testados não sofreram degradação significativa da resistência mostrando, portanto, um melhor desempenho mecânico após uma simulação de três anos de utilização clínica. A ciclagem não causou aumento no conteúdo de zircônia monoclina nos materiais Y-TZP e ICZ / The objectives of this study were: 1) To evaluate the effect of aging by mechanical cycling (3 million cycles at a frequency of 1 Hz) on the biaxial flexural strength of four dental ceramics used as framework for the manufacture of metal free fixed partial dentures: a) yttria partially stabilized zirconia tetragonal polycrystals (Y-TZP), b) alumina polycrystals (AL), c) alumina glass infiltrated ceramic (ICA) and d) alumina-based zirconia-reinforced glass infiltrated ceramic (ICZ); and 2) to determine the effect of mechanical cycling on the monoclinic zirconia content of two dental ceramics: a) yttria partially stabilized zirconia tetragonal polycrystals (Y-TZP) and b) alumina-based zirconia-reinforced glass infiltrated ceramic. Materials and Methods: Disc-shaped specimens (12 mm x 1 mm) were prepared according to manufacturer\'s recommendations and tested in biaxial flexure strength. The control group (no cycling) of all materials studied was subjected to Weibull statistics to determine the characteristic strength (0) and Weibull modulus (m). After mechanical aging, the specimens were fractured and the values obtained were compared with their respective control groups. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was performed to analyze the monoclinic zirconia content. Results: The mean values of flexural strength showed statistically significant differences for both composites studied, being that the ICA showed a decrease in the average value of resistance after mechanical cycling (control: 309.5 MPa; cycled: 257.1 MPa) and ICZ, on the other hand, showed increase in the resistance after application of the cycling protocol (control: 315.6 MPa; cycled 359.1 MPa). The means obtained for polycrystalline materials were similar between the respective groups cycled and control, with values of 786.1 MPa (control) and 841.7 MPa (cycled) for Y-TZP and 383.5 MPa (control) and 405.4 MPa (cycled) for AL. In the XRD patterns of the polished surfaces of Y-TZP and ICZ samples both cycled and control groups were observed only diffraction peaks corresponding to the tetragonal phase of zirconia. Conclusion: Only the composite ICA showed significant decrease in flexural strength values after applying the cycling protocol. The other materials tested did not suffer significant degradation resistance showing great mechanical performance after a simulated three years of clinical use. The mechanical cycling did not cause increase in the content of monoclinic zirconia in Y-TZP and ICZ.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi o de avaliar o efeito de tratamentos por calor nas propriedades mecânicas de resistência flexional e microdureza Knoop de três marcas comerciais de resinas compostas para uso direto (FillMagic, P60 e TPH), na condição de incluída ou não em revestimento durante um tratamento térmico (calor seco/170°C), por três períodos (5, 10 e 15 min). A temperatura adotada para os tratamentos foi baseada em análises prévias (termogravimetria e calorimetria exploratória diferencial) com a finalidade de se determinar a temperatura de início de perda de massa e de transição vítrea das resinas. Os corpos-de-prova (n=7) foram confeccionados com o auxílio de uma matriz metálica (10 mm x 2 mm x 2 mm), sendo o compósito inserido em bloco único e irradiado numa única superfície (600mW/cm 2 por 40s). Foram obtidos, no total, sete grupos experimentais por resina, sendo o controle a condição de apenas fotoativada. Os espécimes foram submetidos ao ensaio de resistência à flexão, com distância entre apoios de 8 mm, em uma velocidade constante de 0,5 mm/min e célula de carga de 1000N. A dureza Knoop foi obtida com carga de 100 g e tempo de penetração de 15 s. As médias de resistência flexional, em MPa, foram de 174,80 para a resina FillMagic, 182,64 para a P60 e 172,22 para a TPH. Na mesma ordem, as médias de microdureza Knoop foram de 73,1; 102,0 e 74,0.A análise de variância dos resultados obtidos permitiram concluir que os tratamentos experimentais aumentaram a resistência flexional das resinas indistintamente. Os valores de microdureza também aumentaram, mas houveram diferenças de suscetibilidade ao tratamento térmico entre as resinas / The aim of this study was to assess the effect of heat treatment on mechanical properties of flexure strength and Knoop micro hardness of three commercially available brands of resin composites for direct use (FillMagic, P60 and TPH) included or not in investments during heat treatment (dry heat/170ºC) by three periods (5, 10 and 15 min.) The temperature adopted for the treatments was based on previous analysis (thermo gravimetric and differential exploratory heating) in order to determine the initial temperature of mass loss and glass transition of resin composites. The samples (n=7) were prepared with a metallic matrix (10 mm x 2mm x 2mm) in which the resin composite was inserted in a single block and only one surface was irradiated (600mW/cm 2 40s). Seven experimental groups were obtained for each resin composite in which the control group was solely light-cured. The flexure strength test was performed with a support distance of 8 mm, cross-head speed of 0.5 mm/min. and 1000 N load. Knoop micro hardness was obtained with a load of 100 g and penetration time of 15 s. The flexure strength averages in MPa were 174.80 for FillMagic, 182. 64 for P60 and 172. 22 for TPH. Thus, Knoop micro hardness means were 73.1; 102.0 and 74.0. The analysis of variance indicated that the experimental treatments increased flexure strength of resin composites. Micro hardness values also increased, but there were differences in the resin composites susceptibility to the heat treatment