O uso e produção de fibra de carbono têm crescido nas últimas três décadas em diversas aplicações como aeroespacial, automotiva, nuclear, naval e construção civil. Isto é devido ao desempenho que este material possui quando comparado com os tradicionais componentes metálicos. A geração de resíduo de fibra de carbono tem aumentado a cada ano e isto tem impulsionado estudos e aprimoramento dos métodos de recuperação de fibras de carbono. Dentre os mais usuais métodos existentes, pode-se destacar a pirólise. O objetivo do presente trabalho consiste em recuperar fibras de carbono determinando e avaliando os parâmetros do processo de pirólise visando o potencial de reutilização destas fibras em novos compósitos. O compósito utilizado foi doado a partir de um descarte industrial. Para caracterizar o compósito, foram empregadas as técnicas de análise térmica (TGA), espectrometria de massa (QMS), análise estrutural em MEV juntamente com a análise pela energia dispersiva de espectroscopia de raio-X (EDS). Durante o aquecimento em atmosfera inerte, ocorre a liberação de compostos orgânicos proveniente da matriz polimérica, e as fibras de carbono permanecem intactas. As fibras de carbono recuperadas foram analisadas em MEV e EDS a fim de verificar a ocorrência de defeitos superficiais, como, resíduos da matriz polimérica, carbonização, rompimento da fibra entre outros. Os resultados obtidos mostram que pela pirolise feita a 550°C por 1h é possível de se obter fibras de carbono livres da matriz polimérica. Após o processo de pirólise nesta condição as fibras não apresentam poros, fratura do material e carbonização. / The last three decades were marked by the expansion of production and research of carbon fiber in several applications such as automotive, nuclear, navy and construction. This is a result of the extraordinary performance that this material presents when compared with the traditional metallic materials. Each year, there has been an increase of the generation of carbon fiber composite waste which has motivated studies and improvement of the current recovering processes of carbon fiber. Among the most usual methods of recovering, there is the pyrolysis method. The present study aims to recover carbon fiber from polymeric composite while evaluating parameters of the pyrolysis process focusing on the potential of reusing the recovered carbon fiber in new composites. The composite material used in this work had been acquired by donation of an industrial disposal. In order to characterize the composite, thermogravimetric analysis was done (TGA), mass spectrometry (QMS), structural analysis by SEM and analysis by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). During heating in an inert atmosphere, there were release of organic compounds from the polymeric matrix and the carbon fibers remain untouched. Carbon fibers recovered were analyzed by SEM and EDS to verify the occurrence of superficial defects such as, traces of residual polymer matrix, carbonization, fiber breakage among others. The results show that through pyrolysis held at 550°C for 1 hour it is possible to obtain carbon fibers free of the polymeric matrix. After the pyrolysis process in this condition fibers did not presented pores, carbonization or rupture of the material.

Neste trabalho avaliou-se a influência da forma da seção transversal e da excentricidade do carregamento sobre o efeito de confinamento em pilares de concreto encamisados com polímeros reforçados com fibras (PRF). Para estas avaliações foi utilizada a análise experimental, por meio de ensaios de pilares sob flexo-compressão, e a análise numérica com o método dos elementos finitos. Observou-se que ocorreram reduções significativas dos efeitos de confinamento em pilares de seção quadrada e retangular quando a relação entre o raio de arredondamento dos cantos e o maior lado da seção transversal diminuiu. A influência da relação entre o lado maior e menor, no caso de pilares de seção retangular, não foi tão significativa se comparada ao efeito redutor do raio de arredondamento mencionado anteriormente. Ocorreram ganhos de resistência em todos os pilares ensaiados, indicando que o encamisamento com PRF pode ser utilizado mesmo em situações em que a força de compressão seja aplicada com pequenas excentricidades. O efeito da excentricidade sobre o confinamento dependeu da forma da seção transversal considerada. Em pilares de seção circular a excentricidade reduziu levemente os efeitos de confinamento. Nos pilares de seção quadrada a excentricidade não reduziu significativamente os efeitos de confinamento, sendo que para os menores raios de arredondamento o efeito de confinamento foi até maior na presença da excentricidade. Nos pilares de seção retangular observou-se que aplicando a excentricidade na direção da menor inércia o comportamento foi semelhante ao dos pilares de seção quadrada. Porém, aplicando a excentricidade na direção da maior inércia observou-se um grande efeito de confinamento, maior inclusive que no pilar centrado. / In this work the influence of the cross section shape and eccentricity of the compressive load on the confinement of concrete columns wrapped by fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) was evaluated. Experimental analysis, through flexural compression tests of columns, and numerical analysis developed through the finite element method were used to study these effects. Significant reductions of confinement effects were noticed in square and rectangular cross sections when the ratio of the round off radius to the major side of the column was reduced.The ratio between the major and minor side in rectangular columns was not so important to define the effectiveness of confinement as was the fore mentioned factor. Increases of strength were noticed in all columns tested, showing that FRP wrapping can be successfully used even with small eccentricities of loading. The effect of the eccentricity on the confinement showed to be dependent on the cross section shape. In circular columns the eccentricity of loading reduced the confinement effects. For the square cross section columns tested the confinement was not significantly affected by the eccentricity. In fact, for square columns with low round off radius, the eccentricity increased the confinement effects. Rectangular columns subjected to eccentric loading in the direction of the minor inertia showed a behavior similar to square columns. On the other hand, with the eccentricity applied in the direction of the major inertia, an important confinement effect was observed, more important than in the case of concentric loading.

Ce manuscrit de thèse présente la synthèse et l’optimisation d’un nouveau matériau d’électrode adapté aux biopiles enzymatiques et hybrides qui sont des systèmes capables de convertir de l’énergie chimique en énergie électrique en utilisant des catalyseurs enzymatiques. Ce matériau est constitué de nanofibres de carbone fabriquées par la technique d’electrospinning à partir d’une solution de polyacrylonitrile, suivi de traitements thermiques appropriés. Les propriétés structurales et électriques des nanofibres de carbone les rendent très intéressantes en tant que matériaux d’électrode tridimensionnels pour développer des systèmes de conversion d’énergie. Dans ce travail, afin d’améliorer ces propriétés, les nanofibres de carbone ont été synthétisées en les modifiant soit avec des nanotubes de carbone, soit in situ avec des particules d’or. D’autre part, l’influence de l’organisation spatiale des fibres a été étudiée avec la synthèse de fibres alignées et non alignées. La morphologie et la structure des fibres ont été caractérisées puis ces fibres ont été utilisées en tant que matériaux d’électrode modifiés par des enzymes oxydoréductases pour la réduction électrocatalytique de l’oxygène à la cathode. Des enzymes ont été encapsulées dans des matrices de Nafion, polypyrrole ou chitosan pour réaliser soit du transfert médiaté, soit du transfert direct. Pour la première fois, ces matériaux d’électrode ont été utilisés pour construire des biopiles enzymatiques et hybrides utilisant comme combustible soit de l’éthanol ou du glucose. Les résultats obtenus dans ce travail ont démontré les perspectives prometteuses des matériaux 3D à surface spécifique élevée pour améliorer les performances électriques des biopiles par rapport à des matériaux denses. / This thesis manuscript presents the synthesis and optimization of a new electrode material suitable for enzymatic and hybrid biofuel cells, which are systems capable of converting chemical energy into electrical energy by using enzymatic catalysts. This material is composed of carbon nanofibers fabricated by the electrospinning of a polyacrylonitrile solution, followed by appropriate thermal treatments. Carbon nanofibers structural and electrical properties make them very suitable for application as tridimensional electrode materials for the development of energy conversion systems. In this work, aiming to improve these properties, carbon nanofibers were synthesized and modified either with carbon nanotubes, or in situ with gold particles. In a different strategy, the influence of the fibers spatial organization was studied through the synthesis of aligned and randomly organized fibers. Fibers structure and morphology were characterized, and then the fibers were employed as electrode materials modified with oxidoreductase enzymes for the reduction of oxygen at the cathode compartment. Enzymes were entrapped in matrixes composed of Nafion, polypyrrole or chitosan in order to realize either mediated or direct electron transfer. For the first time, these electrode materials were employed for the construction of enzymatic or hybrid biofuel cells, with ethanol or glucose as fuels. The results obtained in this work were able to demonstrate the promising perspectives of 3D materials with high specific surface to enhance the performance of biofuel cells, if compared to dense materials.

Att en byggnadsdel kan vara i behov av en förstärkning är inte ovanligt i dagsläget. Det kan handla om ett bjälklag som kommer utsättas för mer last då verksamheten ändras från bostad till kontorslandskap. Alternativa lösningar till att förstärka en sådan konstruktion skulle antingen vara att införa stålbalkar och pelare eller gjuta på det befintliga bjälklaget. Det som få konstruktörer och entreprenörer tänker på är att en kolfiberlösning kan vara ett smidigare alternativ. Examensarbetes syfte är att undersöka om kolfiberförstärkningar kan konkurrera med traditionella förstärkningsmetoder. Lyfta fram för-och nackdelar för samtliga förstärkningsmetoder och väga dem mot varandra utifrån en beräkningssynpunkt och utförandemässigt. Metoder för att få en bra förståelse för hur kolfiber höjer böjmomentkapaciteten är laboration med provtryckningar samt beräkningar på ett verkligt broprojekt. I båda fallen har kolfiberlösningen jämförts med traditionella lösningar. Arbetets resultat visar att kolfiberförstärkningar kan, i många fall, ersätta traditionella förstärkningsmetoder. Detta på grund av sin lätta vikt och höga draghållfasthet som gör det möjligt att på ett effektivt sätt höja böjmomentkapaciten hos byggnadsdelar. Enligt laborationen gav kolfiberförstärkningen ungefär samma procentuella ökning i hållfasthet som en plattstålförstärkning. / A building part could need a reinforcement. It could be a system of joists that are soon going to be loaded with heavier loads when business is changing from residence to an office. The alternate solution to reinforce that kind of construction would be with steel beams and columns or increase the height of the floor with more concrete. What few constructors and contractors know are the solution with carbon fiber reinforcement could be a better alternative. The purpose of the thesis is to study if carbon fiber reinforcement could compete with traditional reinforcement methods. From a calculating and a work-related perspective the project will underline the pro and cons with all of the reinforcement methods. To demonstrate how carbon fiber increase the bending moment capacity have lab and calculation of a real bridge project been executed. In both cases have a carbon fiber solution been compared with traditional reinforcement methods. The result of the thesis shows that carbon fiber reinforcement could replace traditional methods in many cases. The pros with the carbon fiber reinforcement is the light weight and high tensile strength that makes it possible, on an efficient way, increase the bending moment capacity in a building part. The thesis lab result shows that a carbon fiber reinforcement does have the same percentage increase in strength as a flat steel reinforcement.

[pt] Este trabalho experimental tem como objetivo estudar a ductilidade de vigas retangulares de concreto armado reforçadas à flexão utilizando compósitos com tecido de fibras de carbono. No estudo realizado são apresentados os conceitos clássicos de ductilidade e é proposta uma nova sistemática para obtenção do índice de ductilidade, baseada nas considerações da energia elástica e da energia inelástica. A ductilidade é determinada por meio de um índice energético, que se caracteriza como uma forma mais eficiente para a determinação e análise da ductilidade em elementos estruturais. O programa experimental consistiu no ensaio de sete vigas bi-apoiadas, sendo uma viga de referência e as demais reforçadas à flexão com tecido de fibras de carbono. Todas as vigas possuem as mesmas características mecânicas e geométricas e foram dimensionadas de modo a garantir a ruptura por flexão. A viga de referência, a primeira ensaiada, não foi reforçada e serviu para comparações de incremento de rigidez e resistência após a aplicação do reforço. As vigas reforçadas foram divididas em dois grupos. O grupo A é constituído de duas vigas, reforçadas inicialmente com uma e duas camadas de tecido de fibra de carbono. O grupo B é constituído por quatro vigas que foram reforçadas após um carregamento inicial. Neste grupo, duas vigas foram reforçadas com uma camada de tecido de fibra de carbono e as outras duas foram reforçadas com duas camadas de tecido de fibras de carbono, correspondendo à mesma área total de reforço das anteriores. Todas as vigas foram concretadas, instrumentadas e ensaiadas no Laboratório de Estruturas e Materiais da PUC-Rio. Os ensaios das vigas do grupo B foram realizados com as vigas pré-ensaiadas, reforçadas sob deformação constante e em seguida levadas à ruptura. A deformação foi mantida constante durante a aplicação e o período de cura do reforço. Os resultados obtidos em termos de carga, flecha, momento, curvatura, ductilidade energética e rotação plástica foram analisados. Os estudos realizados mostraram que o reforço com compósitos de fibras de carbono é uma técnica eficaz, que as vigas apresentam ductilidade adequada e que os índices energéticos propostos são adequados para este tipo de estudo. / [en] The objective of this experimental work is to study the ductility of reinforced concrete beams strengthened in flexure using externally bonded carbon fiber fabric composites. This study presents the classic concepts of ductility and proposes a new systematic to obtain the ductility index, which is based on the considerations of elastic and inelastic energy. The ductility was determined by an energetic index, which has seen to be a more efficient method to establish and analyze the ductility of structural elements. The experimental program consisted of seven beams tests. One was used as a control beam without external reinforcement and the others were strengthened with carbon fibers in order to resist flexural load. All the beams had the same mechanical and geometrical characteristics and were designed to fail in flexure. The control beam was not strengthened and its purpose was to compare the stiffness increase and resistance after the strength. The strengthened beams were divided in two groups. Group A was constituted by two beams, initially strengthened by one and two layers of carbon fiber fabric. Group B was formed by four beams which were strengthened after the application of an initial load. In this group, two beams were strengthened by one layer of carbon fiber fabric and the other two were strengthened by two layers, which corresponded to the same area of the others. All the beams were cast, instrumented and tested in the Structural and Materials Laboratory at PUC-Rio. Group B tests were performed with the pretested beams strengthened under constant strain, and then loaded up to rupture. The strain was kept constant during the application and cure of the external reinforcement. The results obtained in terms of load, deflection, resistant moment, curvature, energetic ductility indexes and plastic rotation were analyzed. The study showed that the reinforcement using carbon fiber fabric composites is an efficient technique, the beams presented adequate ductility and the proposed energetic ductility indexes are consistent formulae for this kind of study.

[pt] Este trabalho de natureza experimental tem como objetivo estudar o comportamento de vigas de concreto submetidas à torção e reforçadas externamente com compósitos de fibras de carbono (CFC). Treze vigas de concreto com 2,0 m de comprimento e seção transversal de 30 cm х 60 cm foram testadas no Laboratório de Estruturas e Materiais do Departamento de Engenharia Civil (LEM/DEC) da Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio). As vigas foram divididas em quatro séries, sendo uma de referência, composta por quatro vigas sem reforço externo, e outras três séries constituídas por três vigas que foram reforçadas externamente com taxas crescentes de estribos de CFC. Com o propósito de estudar a contribuição do concreto e do reforço de CFC na resistência à torção de vigas, a armadura interna só foi colocada na região de aplicação de cargas e nos apoios para evitar a ruptura local e possibilitar o estudo da região central sem a parcela resistente devida à armadura interna de aço. Os resultados dos ensaios mostraram que as vigas reforçadas apresentaram aumento de carga de fissuração entre 16 por cento e 56 por cento e um acréscimo de resistência à ruptura entre 19 por cento e 47 por cento quando comparadas às vigas de referência. A rigidez das vigas na ruptura aumentou proporcionalmente ao crescimento da taxa de reforço como observado em outros ensaios encontrados na literatura. / [en] This research is an experimental study of torsion strengthening of concrete beams with carbon fibers composites. Thirteen concrete beams with 2.0 long and 30 x 60 cm cross section were tested in the Structures and Materials Laboratory of the Civil Engineering Department (LEM/DEC) of Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio). The beams were divided in four series, the first one was called the reference series and consisted of four beams without external strengthening and each of the other three series was composed of three beams strengthened with increasing rates of external carbon fibers composites stirrups. In oder to allow the study of the central region without the contribution of the steel reinforcement, the internal steel reinforcement was placed only at points of loads application and supports to prevent the local rupture. The tests results showed that the strengthened beams had an increase of the cracking load between 16 per cent and 56 per cent, and an increase of the rupture load between 19 per cent and 47 per cent when compared to the reference beams. The ultimate resistance of the beams increased proportionally to the rate of external carbon fibers composites strengthening, as was observed by other researchers.

Current insulation solutions across multiple industries, especially the commercial sector, can be bulky and ineffective when considering their volume. Aerogels are excellent insulators, exhibiting low thermal conductivities and low densities with a porosity of around 95%. Such characteristics make aerogels effective in decreasing conductive heat transfer within a solid. These requirements are crucial for aerospace and spaceflight applications, where sensitive components exist among extreme temperature environments. When implemented into insulation applications, aerogel can perform better than existing technology while using less material, which limits the amount of volume allocated for insulation. The application of these materials into composites can result in enhancing a material's thermal and mechanical properties when exposed to mechanical testing. The main objective of this study was to perform theoretical and experimental analysis on a corrugated composite sandwich structure integrated with aerogel insulation by studying its effective thermal conductivity. The aerogel material used was Pyrogel XT-E, a silica aerogel-based fiberglass insulation manufactured by Aspen Aerogels. Theoretical models of the corrugated composite sandwich structure were constructed in ANSYS Workbench based on geometry from a previous study. The main goal of the theoretical models was to analytically and computationally study the effective thermal conductivity of this sample; the conditions of these simulations were modeled after the experimental setup. Additionally, two insulation studies were performed using the thermal models. The first study was performed on a flat plate structure to determine the optimal thickness of Pyrogel XT-E in a flat plate orientation. The second study compared multiple types of common insulation materials to Pyrogel XT-E when integrated into the corrugated composite sandwich structure model. As expected, aerogel particles and Pyrogel XT-E outperformed all insulation materials and had the lowest effective thermal conductivity. Experimental data was obtained using a test enclosure and a heating element source with an integrated temperature control circuit that was designed and built for this study. This experimental data was compared to the theoretical data obtained from the thermal model simulations. The corrugated composite sandwich structure did not perform as well as expected due to thermal bridging along the composite corrugation. Its effective thermal conductivity was much higher than that of the flat plate structure, even though the effective Pyrogel XT-E layer in the corrugated composite sandwich structure was more than twice as thick as the layer in the flat plate structure. Despite thermal bridging, the corrugated composite sandwich structure exhibits superb thermal resistance, which adds to its impressive strength. Thermal conductivity results from this study can be used to design efficient materials for high structural and thermal stress applications.

The presented thesis deals with FDM 3D printing method with emphasis on printing carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). The aim of this thesis is to engineer the FDM 3D printer designed for printing CFRP and to execute the experiment targeted on comparison of CFRP material properties against commonly used 3D printing plastics such as PLA, ABS, PET etc. The device designed in this work has printing area of 200 x 200 mm with maximum height of the object of 200 mm. The printing bed is heated and the whole device is enclosed. There are two kinds of experiments carried out within the thesis. The first one is focused on tensile strength and Young's modulus of selected materials, while the second experiment compares Charpy's impact strength of specimen with different infill percentage on two selected materials, PET and PET filled with chopped carbon fiber.

The fuel system is a very important part of the vehicle and the engine. The main function is to deliver the fuel- air mixture into the engine cylinder. This thesis describes the design of the Formula student car fuel system. The first part is an introduction to Formula Student competitions. The next section describes the options of the fuel systems structure and options for individual components. Those rules limit the possibilities for us FSAE that in the next chapter. The following parts are major chapters dealing with the actual design of the fuel system and analysis of selected components. The last part are chapters that deal with the production possibilities of parts and subsequent incorporation into the fuel system of the car.

No description available.