Micromechanical simulation and experimental investigation of aluminum-based nanocomposites

Ceramic reinforced metal matrix nanocomposites are widely used in aerospace and auto industries due to their enhanced mechanical and physical properties. In this research, we investigate the mechanical properties of aluminum/Nano-silica composites through experiments and simulations. Aluminum/Nano-silica composite samples with different weight percentages of silica nanoparticles are prepared via powder metallurgy. In this method, Nano-silica and aluminum powders are mixed and compressed in a mold, followed by sintering at high temperatures. Uniaxial tensile testing of the nanocomposite samples shows that adding one percent of Nano-silica causes a considerable increase in mechanical properties of nanocomposite compared to pure aluminum. A computational micromechanical model, based on a representative volume element of aluminum/silica nanocomposite, is developed in a commercial finite element software. The model employs an elastoplastic material model along with a ductile damage model for aluminum matrix and linear elastic model for nano-silica particles. Via careful determination of model parameters from the experimental results of pure aluminum samples prepared by powder metallurgy, the proposed computational model has shown satisfactory agreement with experiments. The validated computational model can be used to perform a parametric study to optimize the micro-structure of nanocomposite for enhanced mechanical properties.     

Physical and damping properties of kenaf fibre filled natural rubber/thermoplastic polyurethane composites

The paper presents the investigation of the effect of alkaline treatment of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) on physical and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) viscoelastic properties of kenaf fibre filled natural rubber (NR)/thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) composites. The treated kenaf fiber, NR and TPU were weighed and proportioned according to the required compositions and were blended using hot mixed Brabender machine. The polymer composites were then fabricated using the hot press to form a sample board. The sample was cut and prepared and water absorption, density, thickness swelling and DMA tests were performed. As far as physical properties are concerned, composites with the highest NR amount of shows the best results, which indicates good fiber bonding adhesion. The polymer composites with the highest amount of TPU shows the highest damping properties at high temperature.     

A comprehensive review on material selection for polymer matrix composites subjected to impact load

Polymer matrix composites (PMC) are extensively been used in many engineering applications. Various natural fibers have emerged as potential replacements to synthetic fibers as reinforcing materials composites owing to their fairly better mechanical properties, low cost, environment friendliness and biodegradability. Selection of appropriate constituents of composites for a particular application is a tedious task for a designer/engineer. Impact loading has emerged as the serious threat for the composites used in structural or secondary structural application and demands the usage of appropriate fiber and matrix combination to enhance the energy absorption and mitigate the failure. The objective of the present review is to explore the composite with various fiber and matrix combination used for impact applications, identify the gap in the literature and suggest the potential naturally available fiber and matrix combination of composites for future work in the field of impact loading. The novelty of the present study lies in exploring the combination of naturally available fiber and matrix combination which can help in better energy absorption and mitigate the failure when subjected to impact loading. In addition, the application of multi attributes decision making (MADM) tools is demonstrated for selection of fiber and matrix materials which can serve as a benchmark study for the researchers in future.     

Light weight HTPB-clay nanocomposites(HCN)with enhanced ablation performance as inhibition materials for composite propellant

In the present study,organically modified Montmorillonite clay with polar moiety,the Cloisite 30B,is used for preparation of Hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene(HTPB)-clay nanocomposites(HCN)by dispersion of nanoclay in polymer matrix under high shear mixing.The nanocomposites thus prepared are evaluated in composite propellants as inhibitor material for their functional utility.Several inhibition formulations containing 5 wt％-15 wt％of nanoclay,with or without the conventional filler Sb2O3,were prepared.All these formulations were evaluated for their physical,mechanical,thermal,and ablative properties.Ablation rate and density of the compositions containing Cloisite 30B is around 23％and 5％lower respectively in comparison of the base composition.Strain capability of these compositions is twofold higher than that of base composition.These compositions have also been evaluated for their smoke generation tendency by measuring infra red(IR)attenuation in the wavelength range 1.3 μm-5.6 μm and 8 μm-13 μm and thereby compared with the base composition.The corresponding results confirmed that the compositions containing Cloisite 30B as filler have much lower IR attenuation than compositions with conventional filler,Sb2O3.Replacement of 5％Sb2O3 by nanoclay showed 8％reduction in IR attenuation rate which further reduced to 16％on replacement of 15％of Sb2O3.Interfacial bonding of HCN based inhibitors is also comparable or even better than conventional inhibitors.Precisely,the nanoclay composites with Cloisite 30B as filler exhibit all desirable properties of an inhibitor.     

添加SiC微粉对硅树脂先驱体转化3D Cf/Si-O-C材料性能的影响

以三维碳纤维织物和廉价的硅树脂为原料,采用先驱体转化工艺制备3D G/Si-O-C材料,考察了浸渍液中添加SiC填料对材料微观结构、力学性能和抗氧化性能影响.结果表明:添加适量的SiC填料有助于减少基体孔隙,改善界面结合,从而提高材料的力学性能;而SiC含量过高时,容易在材料内部形成闭孔,从而导致材料力学性能下降.当SiC微粉含量为18.2%时,材料具有最好的力学性能,弯曲强度和断裂韧度分别为421.3MPa和13.0 MPa·m1/2;而材料的抗氧化性能随着SiC微粉含量的增加而增加,当SiC微粉含量为25.0%时,材料的弯曲强度保留率最高,达到了89.5%.     

Damage mechanics and energy absorption capabilities of naturalfiber reinforced elastomeric based bio composite for sacrificial structural applications

The present study deals with the experimental, finite element (FE) and analytical assessment of low ballistic impact response of proposedflexible'green' composite make use of naturally available jute and rubber as the constituents of the composite with stacking sequences namely jute/rubber/jute (JRJ), jute/rubber/rubber/jute (JRRJ) and jute/rubber/jute/rubber/jute (JRJRJ). Ballistic impact tests were carried out by firing a conical projectile using a gas gun apparatus at lower range of ballistic impact regime. The ballistic impact response of the proposed flexible composites are assesses based on energy absorption and damage mechanism. Results revealed that inclusion of natural rubber aids in better energy ab-sorption and mitigating the failure of the proposed composite. Among the three different stacking se-quences of flexible composites considered, JRJRJ provides better ballistic performance compared to its counterparts. The damage study reveals that the main mechanism of failure involved in flexible com-posites is matrix tearing as opposed to matrix cracking in stiff composites indicating that the proposedflexible composites are free from catastrophic failure. Results obtained from experimental, FE and analytical approach pertaining to energy absorption and damage mechanism agree well with each other. The proposed flexible composites due to their exhibited energy absorption capabilities and damage mechanism are best suited as claddings for structural application subjected to impact with an aim of protecting the main structural component from being failed catastrophically.     

Synergistic effect of hybrid Himalayan Nettle/Bauhinia-vahlii fibers on physico-mechanical and sliding wear properties of epoxy composites

The cellulosic bast fibers are recognized as a justifiable and biodegradable substitute for producing moderate strength polymer composite materials because of their characteristics of renewability, eco-friendliness, and higher specific strength. Hence the aim of this research work is to fabricate Himalayan bast fibers (Nettle fiber (NF)/bauhinia vahlii fiber (BF)) based mono/hybrid epoxy composites at varying weight percentage of 2–6 wt% and evaluate the physical (void fraction and water absorption), mechanical (tensile strength, flexural strength, hardness) and sliding wear properties of as-fabricated composites. The 6 wt% NBF reinforced composites exhibited higher mechanical properties as compared to NF and BF composites with tensile strength of 34.04 MPa, flexural strength of 42.45 MPa, and hardness of 37.01 H_v respectively. The influence of various control factors (sliding velocity, NF/BF/NBF contents, normal load and sliding distance) on specific sliding wear rate of composites was evaluated by Taguchi (three factors at three levels) experimental design and the percentage contribution of these selected parameters on sliding wear performance was examined by Analysis of variance (ANOVA). The sliding wear property of as-developed composites was found to be greatly influenced by sliding velocity and the wear resistance was observed to be improved with the NF/BF/NBF contents. The wear mechanism of the as-fabricated composites has been elucidated by scanning electron microscopy analysis. The research outcomes demonstrated that the hybridization of Bauhinia vahlii fiber with Nettle fiber led to improve the mechanical and wear properties of epoxy composites.     

超音速气流中热塑性复合材料壁板的非线性热颤振特性

热塑性复合材料结构在高速流场中的颤振行为是可重复使用航天器设计中需要考虑的问题.基于Mindlin厚板理论和Von-Karman大变形理论描述热塑性复合壁板结构大变形,超音速气动力采用活塞气动理论.考虑温度引起的壁板面内热应力和热塑性材料力学性能的改变.根据虚功原理和有限元法推导建立了热塑性复合材料壁板的热颤振模型,进...     

Influence of Al2O3 particles on the microstructure and mechanical properties of copper surface composites fabricated by friction stir processing

The influence of three factors, such as volume percentage of reinforcement particles (i.e. Al₂O₃), tool tilt angle and concave angle of shoulder, on the mechanical properties of Cu–Al₂O₃ surface composites fabricated via friction stir processing was studied. Taguchi method was used to optimize these factors for maximizing the mechanical properties of surface composites. The fabricated surface composites were examined by optical microscope for dispersion of reinforcement particles. It was found that Al₂O₃ particles are uniformly dispersed in the stir zone. The tensile properties of the surface composites increased with the increase in the volume percentage of the Al₂O₃ reinforcement particles. This is due to the addition of the reinforcement particles which increases the temperature of recrystallization by pinning the grain boundaries of the copper matrix and blocking the movement of the dislocations. The observed mechanical properties are correlated with microstructure and fracture features.     

Polymer composite for antistatic application in aerospace

The phenomenon of static electricity is unpredictable, particularly when an aircraft flying at high altitude that causes the accumulation of static charges beyond a threshold value leading to the failure of its parts and systems including severe explosion and radio communication failure. The accumulation of static charges on aircraft is generated by the virtue of interaction between the outer surface of aircraft and the external environmental attributes encompasses air particles, ice, hail, dust, volcanic ash in addition to its triboelectric charging. In the recent years, advanced polymer-based composites or nanocomposites are preferred structural constituents for aircrafts due to their light weight and comparable mechanical properties, but such composite systems do not render low impedance path for charge flow and are subsequently vulnerable to effect of lightning strike and precipitation static. In this context, it is essential to develop conductive composite systems from non-conductive polymer matrix by nanofiller embodiments. The advent of carbon-based nanocomposite/nanomaterials have adequately addressed such issues related to the nonconductive polymer matrix and further turned into an avant-garde genre of materials. The current review envisioned to illustrate the detailed exploitation of various polymer nanocomposites in addition to especially mentioned epoxy composites based on carbon fillers like carbon black, carbon nanotube (single walled carbon nanotube and multi walled carbon nanotube) and graphene the development of antistatic application in aircraft in addition to the static charge phenomenon and condition for its prevalence in avionic systems.     

Kevlar fabric reinforced polybenzoxazine composites filled with silane treated microcrystalline cellulose in the interlayers: The next generation of multi-layered armor panels

The design of astonishing combinations of benzoxazine resins with various fillers is nowadays of great interest for high quality products, especially in ballistic armors. The objective of this study is to investigate a new hybrid material prepared as multi-layered composite plate by hand lay-up technique. Different composites were manufactured from Kevlar fabrics reinforced polybenzoxazine, which was filled with silane treated microcrystalline cellulose (MCC Si) at various amounts in the interlayers. The developed materials were tested for their flexural, dynamic mechanical and ballistic performance. The aim was to highlight the effect of adding different amounts of MCC Si on the behavior of the different plates. Compared to the baseline, the dynamic mechanical and bending tests revealed an obvious decrease of the glass transition of 21 °C and a notable increase in storage modulus and flexural strength of about 180 %and17%, respectively, upon adding 1% MMC Si as filler. Similarly, the ballistic test exhibited an enhancement in kinetic energy absorption for which the composite supplemented with 1% MCC Si had the maximal energy absorption of 166.60 J. These results indicated that the developed panels, with interesting mechanical and ballistic features, are suitable to be employed as raw materials to produce body armor.     

航空轮胎用橡胶弹性体Mullins效应动态加载方法

航空轮胎用橡胶弹性体在服役过程中遭受严苛的动态循环工况。为了研究弹性体在此工况下的力学响应特征和损伤机理,提出基于应力波作用的Mullins效应动态加载实验方法。根据应力波传导与作用特征,采用Hopkinson压杆加载思路,设计和配置了各单元尺寸参数,进而搭建可用于橡胶弹性体材料动态循环加载的实验系统,并开展了航空轮胎用丁苯橡胶的动态循环加载试验。基于试验信号分析发现：加载系统实现了弹性体材料Mullins效应动态应变递增的试验加载。最后开展加载测试参数的影响因素分析,结果表明通过优化系统各单元可实现Mullins效应的动态加、卸载参数的控制。     

提高负重轮橡胶动态性能的研究

介绍了提高负重轮橡胶动态性能的研制情况,在传统的胎面胶配方基础上,通过试验确定主体生胶类型,通过调节补强填充体系和硫化体系的不同,研究混炼胶的物理性能和动态性能。结果表明,采用软、硬质炭黑并用的胎面胶,其力学性能可满足使用要求,定伸应力和抗疲劳性能有较大提高,动态生热明显降低,耐老化性能也有较大提高。     

用溶胶-凝胶法制备碳纤维三维编织物增强氧化铝基复合材料的研究

本文研究了溶胶－凝胶（Ｓｏｌ－ｇｅｌ）法制备碳纤维三维编织物增强氧化铝（Ａｌ２Ｏ３）基复合材料的成型工艺及其力学性能，研究了两种主要起始物Ａｌ（ＮＯ３）３、ＡｌＣｌ３配制的氧化铝溶胶对复合材料成型工艺和力学性能的影响。分别以Ａｌ（ＮＯ３）３和ＡｌＣｌ３为起始物，制备得到Ⅰ＃、Ｉ＃复合材料。研究表明，以Ａｌ（ＮＯ３）３为起始物配制的溶胶粘度较小，利于材料的致密化。经过溶胶浸渍、凝胶、裂解１３个周期后，Ⅰ＃材料的密度和室温三点弯曲强度分别为１．８６ｇ／ｃｍ３和１４５．２ＭＰａ，而ＩＩ＃材料的密度和室温三点弯曲强度分别为１．６３ｇ／ｃｍ３和１０４．１ＭＰａ，材料均呈典型的韧性断裂模式。用扫描电子显微镜（ＳＥＭ）观察试样的断口形貌，发现断口表面有大量的纤维拔出，纤维表现了较好的增韧效果。     

Effect of organo-modified montmorillonite nanoclay on mechanical,thermal and ablation behavior of carbon fiber/phenolic resin composites

The mechanical, thermal and ablation properties of carbon phenolic (C-Ph) composites (Type-I) rein-forced with different weight percentages of organo-modified montmorillonite (o-MMT) nanoclay have been studied experimentally. Ball milling was used to disperse different weight (wt) percentages (0, 1,2,4,6 wt.％) of nanoclay into phenolic resin. Viscosity changes to resin due to nanoclay was studied. On the other hand, nanoclay added phenolic matrix composites (Type-II) were prepared to study the dispersion of nanoclay in phenolic matrix by small angle X-ray scattering and thermal stability changes to the matrix by thermogravimetric analyser (TGA). This data was used to understand the mechanical, thermal and ablation properties of Type-I composites. Inter laminar shear strength (ILSS), flexural strength and flexural modulus of Type I composites increased by about 29％, 12％and 7％respectively at 2 wt.％ addition of nanoclay beyond which these properties decreased. This was attributed to reduced fiber volume fraction (％Vf) of Type-I composites due to nanoclay addition at such high loadings. Mass ablation rate of Type-I composites was evaluated using oxy acetylene torch test at low heat flux (125 W/cm2) and high heat flux levels (500 W/cm2). Mass ablation rates have increased at both flux levels marginally up to 2 wt.％ addition of nanoclay beyond which it has increased significantly. This is in contrast to increased thermal stability observed for Type-I and Type-Ⅱ composites up to 2 wt.％addition of nanoclay. Increased ablation rates due to nanoclay addition was attributed to higher insulation effi-ciency of nanolcay, which accumulates more heat energy in limited area behind the ablation front and self-propagating ablation mechanisms triggered by thermal decomposition of organic part of nanoclay.     

Effect of nano powder (Al2O3-CaO) addition on the mechanical properties of the polymer blend matrix composite

This work describes the preparation and study of the properties of composite nanoparticles prepared by the sol-gel method which consists of two materials (Al₂O₃-CaO), and study the effect of these nanoparticles on the mechanical behavior of a polymer blend (EP 4% + 96% UPE). The powder was evaluated by X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy analysis (SEM), particle size analysis, and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). The mechanical behavior of the composite material was assessed by tensile test, bending test and hardness test. The evaluation results of the composite nanoparticles showed good distribution of the chemical composition between aluminum oxide and calcium oxide, smoothness in particles' size at calcination in high and low temperatures, formation of different shapes of nanoparticles and different (kappa and gamma) phases of the Al₂O₃ particles. The results of mechanical behavior tests showed marked improvement in the mechanical properties of the resulted composite material, especially at 1.5%, compared with polymer blend material without nano powder addition. The tensile properties improved about (24 and 14.9) % and bending resistance about (23.5 and 16.8) % and hardness by (25 and 22) % when adding particles of size (63.8 and 68.6) respectively. Therefore, this reflects the efficiency of the proposed method to manufacture the nanocomposite powder and the possibility of using this powder as a strengthening material for the composite materials and using these composite materials in bio applications, especially in the fabrication of artificial limbs.     

Multifunctional A356 alloy/ PKSAnp composites: Microstructure and mechanical properties

Mechanical properties and microstructure of multifunctional composites produced with palm kernel shell ash nanoparticle (PKSAnp)-A356 alloy composites was studied. The composites were produced using Double layer feeding stir casting method (DLF-SCM) by adding 1 wt%‒4 wt.% PKSAnp. The microstructure, density, electrical and mechanical properties were determined. The results shows that there was a uniform distribution of the PKSAnp in A356 alloy. The mismatch at the interface between the PKSAnp and A356 alloy was 4.26%. Improvement of 30.47%, 41.91%, 49.52%, 40.90% and 65.09% were obtained for hardness values, tensile, yield strength, %elongation and impact energy at 4 wt% PKASnp. The work has established that the developed composites can be used for multifunctional applications where combination of toughness and strength is vital.     

应用锤击法的大型复合材料桁架结构段自由振动分析

复合材料桁架结构以其轻质和优异的力学性能应用于大型航天航空飞行器结构,其承载能力和振动特性是决定其应用效果的关键因素。本文考察了大型碳纤维/环氧复合材料方形截面桁架结构段的自由振动特性。采用锤击法实验测试得到了复合材料桁架结构段自由振动的模态和频率,并与有限元数值模拟结果进行对比分析,论证了锤击法测试振动特性在复合材料桁架结构上应用的可行性和准确性。     

列车用复合材料阻燃性能研究

不同类别的阻燃剂配合使用能产生协效作用,大大提高阻燃效果。在甲基丙烯酸类不饱和聚酯树脂9001基体中,添加微囊化红磷/氢氧化铝/三氧化二锑/甲基膦酸二甲酯(MRP/Al(OH)3/Sb2O3/DMMP)阻燃剂体系,对其树脂体系固化物及玻璃纤维织物复合材料的力学性能和阻燃性能进行了实验研究,提出了一种有望用于列车复合材料大尺寸构件制造的性能优异、价格低廉的新体系。结果表明,当质量添加比例分别为12%MRP、50%Al(OH)3、2%Sb2O3时,树脂体系室温粘度100mPa.s左右,凝胶时间超过80min,适用于RTM和VIMP等大尺寸构件成型工艺;复合材料拉伸强度215.4MPa,弯曲强度177.15MPa,拉伸模量13.85GPa,弯曲模量13.36GPa,氧指数39.7。     

Investigation of the mechanical and ballistic properties of hybrid carbon/ aramid woven laminates

High-performance ballistic fibers, such as aramid fiber and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), are commonly used in anti-ballistic structures due to their low density, high tensile strength and high specific modulus. However, their low modulus in the thickness direction and insufficient shear strength limits their application in certain ballistic structure. In contrast, carbon fiber reinforced epoxy resin matrix composites (CFRP) have the characteristics of high modulus in the thickness direction and high shear resistance. However, carbon fibers are rarely used and applied for protection purposes. A hybridization with aramid fiber reinforced epoxy resin matrix composites (AFRP) and CFRP has the potential to improve the stiffness and the ballistic property of the typical ballistic fiber composites. The hybrid effects on the flexural property and ballistic performance of the hybrid CFRP/AFRP laminates were investigated. Through conducting mechanical property tests and ballistic tests, two sets of reliable simulation parameters for AFRP and CFRP were established using LS-DYNA software, respectively. The experimental results suggested that by increasing the content of CFRP that the flexural properties of hybrid CFRP/AFRP laminates were enhanced. The ballistic tests’ results and the simulation illustrated that the specific energy absorption by the perforation method of CFRP achieved 77.7% of AFRP. When CFRP was on the striking face, the shear resistance of the laminates and the resistance force to the projectiles was promoted at the initial penetration stage. The proportion of fiber tensile failures in the AFRP layers was also enhanced with the addition of CFRP during the penetration process. These improvements resulted in the ballistic performance of hybrid CFRP/AFRP laminates was better than AFRP when the CFRP content was 20 wt% and 30 wt%.