Nontraditional energy-assisted mechanical machining of difficult-to-cut materials and components in aerospace community:a comparative analysis

The aerospace community widely uses difficult-to-cut materials,such as titanium alloys,high-temperature alloys,metal/ceramic/polymer matrix composites,hard and brittle materials,and geometrically complex components,such as thin-walled structures,microchannels,and complex surfaces.Mechanical machining is the main material removal process for the vast majority of aerospace components.However,many problems exist,including severe and rapid tool wear,low machining efficiency,and poor surface integrity.Nontraditional energy-assisted mechanical machining is a hybrid process that uses nontraditional energies(vibration,laser,electricity,etc)to improve the machinability of local materials and decrease the burden of mechanical machining.This provides a feasible and promising method to improve the material removal rate and surface quality,reduce process forces,and prolong tool life.However,systematic reviews of this technology are lacking with respect to the current research status and development direction.This paper reviews the recent progress in the nontraditional energy-assisted mechanical machining of difficult-to-cut materials and components in the aerospace community.In addition,this paper focuses on the processing principles,material responses under nontraditional energy,resultant forces and temperatures,material removal mechanisms,and applications of these processes,including vibration-,laser-,electric-,magnetic-,chemical-,advanced coolant-,and hybrid nontraditional energy-assisted mechanical machining.Finally,a comprehensive summary of the principles,advantages,and limitations of each hybrid process is provided,and future perspectives on forward design,device development,and sustainability of nontraditional energy-assisted mechanical machining processes are discussed.

Analysis of mesoscopic mechanical dynamic characteristics of ballast bed with under sleeper pads

The meso-dynamical behaviour of a high-speed rail ballast bed with under sleeper pads(USPs)was studied.The geometrically irregular refined discrete element model of the ballast particles was constructed using 3D scanning techniques,and the 3D dynamic model of the rail-sleeper-ballast bed was constructed using the coupled discrete element method-multiflexible-body dynamics(DEM-MFBD)approach.We analyse the meso-mechanical dynamics of the ballast bed with USPs under dynamic load on a train and verify the correctness of the model in laboratory tests.It is shown that the deformation of the USPs increases the contact area between the sleeper and the ballast particles,and subsequently the number of contacts between them.As the depth of the granular ballast bed increases,the contact area becomes larger,and the contact force between the ballast particles gradually decreases.Under the action of the elastic USPs,the contact forces between ballast particles are reduced and the overall vibration level of the ballast bed can be reduced.The settlement of the granular ballast bed occurs mainly at the shallow position of the sleeper bottom,and the installation of the elastic USPs can be effective in reducing the stress on the ballast particles and the settlement of the ballast bed.

Analysis of mechanical strengths of extreme line casing joint considering geometric, material, and contact nonlinearities

To address the challenges associated with difficult casing running,limited annular space,and poor cementing quality in the completion of ultra-deep wells,the extreme line casing offers an effective solution over conventional casings.However,due to its smaller size,the joint strength of extreme line casing is reduced,which may cause failure when running in the hole.To address this issue,this study focuses on the CST-ZTΦ139.7 mm×7.72 mm extreme line casing and employs the elastic-plastic mechanics to establish a comprehensive analysis of the casing joint,taking into account the influence of geometric and material nonlinearities.A finite element model is developed to analyze the forces and deformations of the extreme line casing joint under axial tension and external collapse load.The model investigates the stress distribution of each thread tooth subjected to various tensile forces and external pressures.Additionally,the tensile strength and crushing strength of the extreme line casing joint are determined through both analytical and experimental approaches.The findings reveal that,under axial tensile load,the bearing surface of each thread tooth experiences uneven stress,with relatively high equivalent stress at the root of each thread tooth.The end thread teeth are valuable spots for failure.It is observed that the critical fracture axial load of thread decreases linearly with the increase of thread tooth sequence.Under external pressure,the circumferential stress is highest at the small end of the external thread,leading to yield deformation.The tensile strength of the joint obtained from the finite element model exhibits a relative error of less than 7%compared to the analytical and experimental values,proving the reliability of the finite element model.The tensile strength of the joint is 3091.9 k N.Moreover,in terms of anti-collapse capability,the joints demonstrate higher resistance to collapse compared to the casing body,which is consistent with the test results where the pipe body experiences collapse and failure while the joints remain intact during the experiment.The failure load of the casing body under external collapse pressure is 87.4 MPa.The present study provides a basic understanding of the mechanical strengths of extreme line casing joint.

Comparative analysis of microstructure,mechanical,and corrosion properties of biodegradable Mg-3Y alloy prepared by selective laser melting and spark plasma sintering

This work explored possibilities of biodegradable magnesium alloy Mg-3Y preparation by two modern powder metallurgy techniques–spark plasma sintering(SPS)and selective laser melting(SLM).The powder material was consolidated by both methods utilising optimised parameters,which led to very low porosity(∼0.3%)in the SLM material and unmeasurably low porosity in the SPS material.The main aim of the study was the thorough microstructure characterisation and interrelation between the microstructure and the functional properties,such as mechanical strength,deformability,and corrosion resistance.Both materials showed comparable strength of∼110 MPa in tension and compression and relatively good deformability of∼9%and∼21%for the SLM and SPS materials,respectively.The corrosion resistance of the SPS material in 0.1 M NaCl solution was superior to the SLM one and comparable to the conventional extruded material.The digital image correlation during loading and the cross-section analysis of the corrosion layers revealed that the residual porosity and large strained grains have the dominant negative effect on the functional properties of the SLM material.On the other hand,one of the primary outcomes of this study is that the SPS consolidation method is very effective in the preparation of the W3 biodegradable alloy,resulting in material with convenient mechanical and degradation properties that might find practical applications.

Design and mechanical properties analysis of a cellular Waterbomb origami structure

Cellular structures are commonly used to design energy-absorbing structures,and origami structures are becominga prevalent method of cellular structure design.This paper proposes a foldable cellular structure based on theWaterbomb origami pattern.The geometrical configuration of this structure is described.Quasi-static compressiontests of the origami tube cell of this cellular structure are conducted,and load-displacement relationship curvesare obtained.Numerical simulations are carried out to analyze the effects of aspect ratio,folding angle,thicknessand number of layers of origami tubes on initial peak force and specific energy absorption(SEA).Calculationformulas for initial peak force and SEA are obtained by the multiple linear regression method.The degree ofinfluence of each parameter on the mechanical properties of the single-layer tube cell is compared.The resultsshow that the cellular structure exhibits negative stiffness and periodic load-bearing capacity,as well as foldingangle has the most significant effect on the load-bearing and energy-absorbing capacity.By adjusting the designparameters,the stiffness,load-bearing capacity and energy absorption capacity of this cellular structure can beadjusted,which shows the programmable mechanical properties of this cellular structure.The foldability andthe smooth periodic load-bearing capacity give the structure potential for application as an energy-absorbing structure.

Comparative analysis of thermodynamic and mechanical responses between underground hydrogen storage and compressed air energy storage in lined rock caverns

Underground hydrogen storage(UHS)and compressed air energy storage(CAES)are two viable largescale energy storage technologies for mitigating the intermittency of wind and solar power.Therefore,it is meaningful to compare the properties of hydrogen and air with typical thermodynamic storage processes.This study employs a multi-physical coupling model to compare the operations of CAES and UHS,integrating gas thermodynamics within caverns,thermal conduction,and mechanical deformation around rock caverns.Gas thermodynamic responses are validated using additional simulations and the field test data.Temperature and pressure variations of air and hydrogen within rock caverns exhibit similarities under both adiabatic and diabatic simulation modes.Hydrogen reaches higher temperature and pressure following gas charging stage compared to air,and the ideal gas assumption may lead to overestimation of gas temperature and pressure.Unlike steel lining of CAES,the sealing layer(fibre-reinforced plastic FRP)in UHS is prone to deformation but can effectively mitigates stress in the sealing layer.In CAES,the first principal stress on the surface of the sealing layer and concrete lining is tensile stress,whereas UHS exhibits compressive stress in the same areas.Our present research can provide references for the selection of energy storage methods.

Biomechanical analysis of an absorbable material for treating fractures of the inferior orbital wall

AIM:To investigate the biomechanical properties and practical application of absorbable materials in orbital fracture repair.METHODS:The three-dimensional(3D)model of orbital blowout fractures was reconstructed using Mimics21.0 software.The repair guide plate model for inferior orbital wall fracture was designed using 3-matic13.0 and Geomagic wrap 21.0 software.The finite element model of orbital blowout fracture and absorbable repair plate was established using 3-matic13.0 and ANSYS Workbench 21.0 software.The mechanical response of absorbable plates,with thicknesses of 0.6 and 1.2 mm,was modeled after their placement in the orbit.Two patients with inferior orbital wall fractures volunteered to receive single-layer and double-layer absorbable plates combined with 3D printing technology to facilitate surgical treatment of orbital wall fractures.RESULTS:The finite element models of orbital blowout fracture and absorbable plate were successfully established.Finite element analysis(FEA)showed that when the Young’s modulus of the absorbable plate decreases to 3.15 MPa,the repair material with a thickness of 0.6 mm was influenced by the gravitational forces of the orbital contents,resulting in a maximum total deformation of approximately 3.3 mm.Conversely,when the absorbable plate was 1.2 mm thick,the overall maximum total deformation was around 0.4 mm.The half-year follow-up results of the clinical cases confirmed that the absorbable plate with a thickness of 1.2 mm had smaller maximum total deformation and better clinical efficacy.CONCLUSION:The biomechanical analysis observations in this study are largely consistent with the clinical situation.The use of double-layer absorbable plates in conjunction with 3D printing technology is recommended to support surgical treatment of infraorbital wall blowout fractures.

Corrosion behavior of 2A97 Al-Cu-Li alloys in different thermomechanical conditions by quasi-in-situ analysis

As a promising material in the aircraft industry,2A97 Al-Cu-Li alloy exhibits high corrosion susceptibility that may limit its application.In the present work,to illustrate the influences of precipitate and grain-stored energy on localized corrosion evolution in 2A97 Al-Cu-Li alloy,cold working and artificial aging were carried out to produce 2A97 Al-Cu-Li alloys under different thermomechanical conditions.Quasi-in-situ analysis,traditional immersion test and electrochemical measurement were then conducted to examine the corrosion behavior of 2A97 alloys.It is revealed that precipitate significantly affects Cu enrichment at corrosion fronts,which determines corrosion susceptibility of alloys,whereas grain-stored energy distribution is closely associated with localized corrosion propagation.It is also indicated that quasi-in-situ analysis exhibits a consistent corrosion evolution with traditional immersion tests,which is regarded as a proper method to explore localized corrosion mechanisms by providing local microstructural information with enhanced time and spatial resolutions.

Opto-mechanical-thermal integration analysis of Doppler asymmetric spatial heterodyne interferometer

In order to improve the detection accuracy of Doppler asymmetric spatial heterodyne(DASH)interferometer in harsh temperatures,an opto-mechanical-thermal integration analysis is carried out.Firstly,the correlation between the interference phase and temperature is established according to the working principle and the phase algorithm of the interferometer.Secondly,the optical mechanical thermal analysis model and thermal deformation data acquisition model are designed.The deformation data of the interference module and the imaging optical system at different temperatures are given by temperature load simulation analysis,and the phase error caused by thermal deformation is obtained by fitting.Finally,based on the wind speed error caused by thermal deformation of each component,a reasonable temperature control scheme is proposed.The results show that the interference module occupies the main cause,the temperature must be controlled within(20±0.05)℃,and the temperature control should be carried out for the temperature sensitive parts,and the wind speed error caused by the part is 3.8 m/s.The thermal drift between the magnification of the imaging optical system and the thermal drift of the relative position between the imaging optical system and the detector should occupy the secondary cause,which should be controlled within(20±2)℃,and the wind speed error caused by the part is 3.05 m/s.In summary,the wind measurement error caused by interference module,imaging optical system,and the relative position between the imaging optical system and the detector can be controlled within 6.85 m/s.The analysis and temperature control schemes presented in this paper can provide theoretical basis for DASH interferometer engineering applications.

Shield Excavation Analysis: Ground Settlement & Mechanical Responses in Complex Strata

This study delves into the effects of shield tunneling in complex coastal strata, focusing on how this constructionmethod impacts surface settlement, the mechanical properties of adjacent rock, and the deformation of tunnelsegments. It investigates the impact of shield construction on surface settlement, mechanical characteristics ofnearby rock, and segment deformation in complex coastal strata susceptible to construction disturbances. Utilizingthe Fuzhou Binhai express line as a case study, we developed a comprehensive numerical model using theABAQUS finite element software. The model incorporates factors such as face force, grouting pressure, jack force,and cutterhead torque. Its accuracy is validated against field monitoring data from engineering projects. Simulationswere conducted to analyze ground settlement and mechanical changes in adjacent rock and segments acrossfive soil layers. The results indicate that disturbances are most significant near the excavation zone of the shieldmachine, with a prominent settlement trough forming and stabilizing around 2.0–3.0 D from the excavation. Theexcavation face compresses the soil, inducing lateral expansion. As grouting pressure decreases, the segmentexperiences upward buoyancy. In mixed strata, softer layers witness increased cutting, intensifying disturbancesbut reducing segment floatation. These findings offer valuable insights for predicting settlements, ensuring segmentand rock safety, and optimizing tunneling parameters.

Contribution of mechanical forces to structural synaptic plasticity:insights from 3D cellular motility mechanisms

Cells,tissues,and organs are constantly subjected to the action of mechanical forces from the extracellular environment-and the nervous system is no exception.Cell-intrinsic properties such as membrane lipid composition,abundance of mechanosensors,and cytoskeletal dynamics make cells more or less likely to sense these forces.Intrinsic and extrinsic cues are integrated by cells and this combined information determines the rate and dynamics of membrane protrusion growth or retraction(Yamada and Sixt,2019).Cell protrusions are extensions of the plasma membrane that play crucial roles in diverse contexts such as cell migration and neuronal synapse formation.In the nervous system,neurons are highly dynamic cells that can change the size and number of their pre-and postsynaptic elements(called synaptic boutons and dendritic spines,respectively),in response to changes in the levels of synaptic activity through a process called plasticity.Synaptic plasticity is a hallmark of the nervous system and is present throughout our lives,being required for functions like memory formation or the learning of new motor skills(Minegishi et al.,2023;Pillai and Franze,2024).

Robust interface and excellent as-built mechanical properties of Ti–6Al–4V fabricated through laser-aided additive manufacturing with powder and wire

The feasibility of manufacturing Ti-6Al-4V samples through a combination of laser-aided additive manufacturing with powder(LAAM_(p))and wire(LAAM_(w))was explored.A process study was first conducted to successfully circumvent defects in Ti-6Al-4V deposits for LAAM_(p) and LAAM_(w),respectively.With the optimized process parameters,robust interfaces were achieved between powder/wire deposits and the forged substrate,as well as between powder and wire deposits.Microstructure characterization results revealed the epitaxial prior β grains in the deposited Ti-6Al-4V,wherein the powder deposit was dominated by a finerα′microstructure and the wire deposit was characterized by lamellar α phases.The mechanisms of microstructure formation and correlation with mechanical behavior were analyzed and discussed.The mechanical properties of the interfacial samples can meet the requirements of the relevant Aerospace Material Specifications(AMS 6932)even without post heat treatment.No fracture occurred within the interfacial area,further suggesting the robust interface.The findings of this study highlighted the feasibility of combining LAAM_(p) and LAAM_(w) in the direct manufacturing of Ti-6Al-4V parts in accordance with the required dimensional resolution and deposition rate,together with sound strength and ductility balance in the as-built condition.

Effects of the extrusion parameters on microstructure,texture and room temperature mechanical properties of extruded Mg-2.49Nd-1.82Gd-0.2Zn-0.2Zr alloy

Microstructure,texture,and mechanical properties of the extruded Mg-2.49Nd-1.82Gd-0.2Zn-0.2Zr alloy were investigated at different extrusion temperatures(260 and 320℃),extrusion ratios(10:1,15:1,and 30:1),and extrusion speeds(3 and 6 mm/s).The experimental results exhibited that the grain sizes after extrusion were much finer than that of the homogenized alloy,and the second phase showed streamline distribution along the extrusion direction(ED).With extrusion temperature increased from 260 to 320℃,the microstructure,texture,and mechanical properties of alloys changed slightly.The dynamic recrystallization(DRX)degree and grain sizes enhanced as the extrusion ratio increased from 10:1 to 30:1,and the strength gradually decreased but elongation(EL)increased.With the extrusion speed increased from 3 to 6 mm/s,the grain sizes and DRX degree increased significantly,and the samples presented the typical<2111>-<1123>rare-earth(RE)textures.The alloy extruded at 260℃ with extrusion ratio of 10:1 and extrusion speed of 3 mm/s showed the tensile yield strength(TYS)of 213 MPa and EL of 30.6%.After quantitatively analyzing the contribution of strengthening mechanisms,it was found that the grain boundary strengthening and dislocation strengthening played major roles among strengthening contributions.These results provide some guidelines for enlarging the industrial application of extruded Mg-RE alloy.

Research status and prospects of the fractal analysis of metal material surfaces and interfaces

As a mathematical analysis method,fractal analysis can be used to quantitatively describe irregular shapes with self-similar or self-affine properties.Fractal analysis has been used to characterize the shapes of metal materials at various scales and dimensions.Conventional methods make it difficult to quantitatively describe the relationship between the regular characteristics and properties of metal material surfaces and interfaces.However,fractal analysis can be used to quantitatively describe the shape characteristics of metal materials and to establish the quantitative relationships between the shape characteristics and various properties of metal materials.From the perspective of two-dimensional planes and three-dimensional curved surfaces,this paper reviews the current research status of the fractal analysis of metal precipitate interfaces,metal grain boundary interfaces,metal-deposited film surfaces,metal fracture surfaces,metal machined surfaces,and metal wear surfaces.The relationship between the fractal dimensions and properties of metal material surfaces and interfaces is summarized.Starting from three perspectives of fractal analysis,namely,research scope,image acquisition methods,and calculation methods,this paper identifies the direction of research on fractal analysis of metal material surfaces and interfaces that need to be developed.It is believed that revealing the deep influence mechanism between the fractal dimensions and properties of metal material surfaces and interfaces will be the key research direction of the fractal analysis of metal materials in the future.

Analysis on the Effect of Yiqi Huoxue Decoction Combined with Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Improving ICU-Acquired Debility in Mechanically Ventilated Patients

Objective:To investigate the effect of Yiqi Huoxue decoction combined with neuromuscular electrical stimulation on improving intensive care unit(ICU)acquired debility in mechanically ventilated patients.Methods:50 patients who were admitted to the ICU and received mechanical ventilation treatment in our hospital from June 2022 to June 2023 and were complicated with ICU-acquired neurasthenia were selected,and randomly grouped using the randomized envelope method into two groups:control group with 25 patients who received neuromuscular electrical stimulation alone;observation group with 25 patients who received the traditional Chinese medicine Yiqi Huoxue decoction.Comparison indexes:treatment efficiency,degree of emotional recovery(APACHEⅡscore),muscle strength status(MRC score),motor status(FAC rating),and self-care ability(BI index score).Results:The treatment efficiency of patients in the observation group patients was higher as compared to those in the control group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the comparison of the results of the scores(ratings)of each index between the two groups before treatment(P>0.05).After the treatment,the APACHEⅡscores of patients in the observation group were significantly lower as compared to those in the control group,while the MRC scores,FAC ratings,and BI index scores were higher in the observation group than those of the control group patients(P<0.05).Conclusion:The combined application of Yiqi Huoxue decoction and neuromuscular electrical stimulation in the treatment of patients with ICU-acquired neurasthenia complicated by mechanical ventilation significantly enhanced the clinical efficacy,the patient’s muscle strength,motor status,and ability of self-care.Hence,it has high application value and is worthy to be popularized.

Multilevel analysis of the central-peripheral-target organ pathway:contributing to recovery after peripheral nerve injury

Peripheral nerve injury is a common neurological condition that often leads to severe functional limitations and disabilities.Research on the pathogenesis of peripheral nerve injury has focused on pathological changes at individual injury sites,neglecting multilevel pathological analysis of the overall nervous system and target organs.This has led to restrictions on current therapeutic approaches.In this paper,we first summarize the potential mechanisms of peripheral nerve injury from a holistic perspective,covering the central nervous system,peripheral nervous system,and target organs.After peripheral nerve injury,the cortical plasticity of the brain is altered due to damage to and regeneration of peripheral nerves;changes such as neuronal apoptosis and axonal demyelination occur in the spinal cord.The nerve will undergo axonal regeneration,activation of Schwann cells,inflammatory response,and vascular system regeneration at the injury site.Corresponding damage to target organs can occur,including skeletal muscle atrophy and sensory receptor disruption.We then provide a brief review of the research advances in therapeutic approaches to peripheral nerve injury.The main current treatments are conducted passively and include physical factor rehabilitation,pharmacological treatments,cell-based therapies,and physical exercise.However,most treatments only partially address the problem and cannot complete the systematic recovery of the entire central nervous system-peripheral nervous system-target organ pathway.Therefore,we should further explore multilevel treatment options that produce effective,long-lasting results,perhaps requiring a combination of passive(traditional)and active(novel)treatment methods to stimulate rehabilitation at the central-peripheral-target organ levels to achieve better functional recovery.

MICRO MECHANICAL ANALYSIS OF 3-D WOVEN COMPOSITES

A micro mechanical model is carried out to predict micro stresses and macro elastic properties of 3-D woven composites. A unit cell is composed of two phases. One is fiber yarn and the other is resin or fiber yarn in transverse. The additional shearing introduced by bending of fiber yarn is considered. The method to determine the microstructure is also discussed. This model is applied to the analysis of a 3-D woven graphite/epoxy composite. Micro stresses of the cell are studied, and then macro modulus is obtained by employing the average method. The predictions agree well with experimental results.

Analysis of mechanical performance of braided esophageal stent structure and its wires

This paper aims to find the relationship between the structural parameters and the radial stiffness of the braided stent and to understand the stress distribution law of the wires. According to the equation of the space spiral curve, a three-dimensional parametrical geometrical model is constructed. The finite element model is built by using the beam-beam contact elements and 3D beam elements. The constituent nitinol wires are assumed to be linear elastic material. The finite element analysis figures out that the radial stiffness of the stent and the stress distribution of the wires are influenced by all the structural parameters. The helix pitch of the wires is the most important factor. Under the condition of the same load and other structural parameters remaining unchanged, when the number of wires is 24, the stress of the wire crosssection is at the minimum. A comparison between the vitro experimental results and the analytical results is conducted, and the data is consistent, which proves that the current finite element model can be used to appropriately predict the mechanical performance of the braided esophageal stents.

Accuracy analysis of plane-strain bulge test for determining mechanical properties of thin films

The effect of a variety of geometrics, initial conditions and material properties on the deformation behavior of thin films in the plane-strain bulge test was systematically scrutinized by performing the finite element analysis, and then the accuracy of the plane-strain bulge test in determining the mechanical properties of thin films in terms of our finite element results was analyzed. The results indicate that although the determination of the plane-strain modulus in the light of the plane-strain bulge equation is fairly accurate, the calculation of the residual stress is not satisfied as expected, especially for low residual stress. Finally, an approach is proposed for analyzing bulge test data, which will improve the accuracy and reliability of this bulge test technique.

Impact of mechanical bowel preparation in elective colorectal surgery:A meta-analysis

AIM To analyse the effect of mechanical bowel preparation vs no mechanical bowel preparation on outcome in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery.METHODS Meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials and observational studies comparing adult patients receiving mechanical bowel preparation with those receiving no mechanical bowel preparation, subdivided into those receiving a single rectal enema and those who received no preparation at all prior to elective colorectal surgery. RESULTS A total of 36 studies(23 randomised controlled trials and 13 observational studies) including 21568 patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery were included. When all studies were considered, mechanical bowel preparation was not associated with any significant difference in anastomotic leak rates(OR = 0.90, 95%CI: 0.74 to 1.10, P = 0.32), surgical site infection(OR = 0.99, 95%CI: 0.80 to 1.24, P = 0.96), intraabdominal collection(OR = 0.86, 95%CI: 0.63 to 1.17, P = 0.34), mortality(OR = 0.85, 95%CI: 0.57 to 1.27, P = 0.43), reoperation(OR = 0.91, 95%CI: 0.75 to 1.12, P = 0.38) or hospital length of stay(overall mean difference 0.11 d, 95%CI:-0.51 to 0.73, P = 0.72), when compared with no mechanical bowel preparation, nor when evidence from just randomized controlledtrials was analysed. A sub-analysis of mechanical bowel preparation vs absolutely no preparation or a single rectal enema similarly revealed no differences in clinical outcome measures. CONCLUSION In the most comprehensive meta-analysis of mechanical bowel preparation in elective colorectal surgery to date, this study has suggested that the use of mechanical bowel preparation does not affect the incidence of postoperative complications when compared with no preparation. Hence, mechanical bowel preparation should not be administered routinely prior to elective colorectal surgery.