A study of stress transfer near the ends of the whisker in a simulated whisker reinforced composite material was conducted by using
photoelastic techniques. The composite material studied was
αAl₂O₃ whiskers in an aluminum matrix. The photoelastic models
used consisted of a scaled-up macroscopic stiffener embedded in a
three-dimensional epoxy...
Stress analysis was performed to determine the maximum stress acting on a railcar coal support-bed, using COSMOS finite element and WFM micromechanics models. The fracture strength of polyurethane impregnated Kevlar 29 fabric, proposed for integration with the railcar structure, was determined experimentally by loading the impregnated coupons in a microcomputer...
Natural fibers such as wood, flax, and hemp are frequently used as fillers in natural fiber-plastic composites (NFPCs). At present, wood fiber is the most commonly used filler in the production of wood-plastic composites (WPCs). The advantages of these fibers compared to conventional inorganic fibers such as glass fiber is...
The mechanical performance of composite materials is determined by the mechanical properties of their individual components and the effective load transfer between these components. Binders are commonly used to bond composite components together and to provide effective load transfer between them. In wood-based composites the binder-component load transfer occurs at...
Understanding the mechanical behavior of composite materials requires extensive knowledge of fracture behavior as a crack approaches an interface between the bulk material and the reinforcement structure. Overall material toughness can be greatly influenced by the propensity of an impinging crack to propagate directly through the substrate or deflect along...
Rubber without reinforcement has limited applications. The strength of reinforced rubber composites can be ten times stronger than that of unreinforced rubbers. Therefore, rubber composites are widely used in various applications ranging from automobile tires to seals, valves, and gaskets because of their excellent mechanical elastic properties. Silica and carbon...
The internal structure of natural fiber composites can be manipulated by controlling the spatial distribution of fiber orientation and internal chemical and thermodynamic conditions during their consolidation. Objects highly tailored to specific service demands may thereby be produced. Techniques to form miniature structural beams from oriented hemp and random wood...
Iron epoxy composite materials were made and their relative magnetic permeability was measured. A measurement device was created to measure the relative magnetic permeability for the specific application. This device proved to be accurate and reliable. The magnetic properties of composite materials have been shown to be controllable, with a...
Soft magnetic composites, consisting of fine metallic particles in a non-magnetic, insulating matrix, have great potential for integrated inductor and antenna applications. The dielectric and magnetic properties of soft magnetic composites can be tailored by the choice of matrix as well as particle composition, size, and concentration for reduction in...
Natural fibers are gaining popularity as reinforcement materials for thermoset resins over the last two decades. Natural fibers are inexpensive, abundant, renewable and environmentally friendly. Kenaf fibers are one of the natural fibers that can potentially be used for reinforcing unsaturated polyester (UPE). As a polymer matrix, UPE enjoys a...