This dissertation contains the results from an experimental study, numerical, and analytical study conducted on quasi-isotropic carbon fiber laminates containing a center hole (notch) subjected to constant amplitude tension-tension fatigue loading in order to investigate the effect of fatigue damage development on the residual properties. Quasi-static tests were initially performed on notched composites using digital image correlation (DIC) to determine the strain profiles at selected transverse sections of the outer ply of the laminates and the static strength of the laminates. Subsequently, tension-tension fatigue tests were carried out at 70%, 75% and 80% of the nominal static failure load. A finite element model was developed using Abaqus and Digimat in which Digimat was used to implement the damage evolution model via a user-defined material subroutine. Damage initiation has been assessed using Hashin's failure criteria and the Matzenmiller model was adopted for damage evolution. A second finite element model was developed using Abaqus and Autodesk Simulation Composite Analysis (ASCA) in which ASCA was used to implement the user-material subroutine. The subroutine includes a failure initiation criterion based upon multi-continuum theory (MCT) and an energy-based damage evolution law. Numerical and experimental strain results were presented and compared for different section lines on the outer surface of the laminate at different loading stages. Additionally, the experimentally measured notched composite strength was compared with the predictions from the finite element solutions. These results are used as baseline for subsequent comparison with strain profiles obtained using DIC for specimens fatigued at different stress levels and fatigue lifetime fractions. The results showed a significant effect of fatigue damage development on strain redistribution even at early stages of fatigue. The results also showed the capability of DIC technique to identify damage initiation and its location. Furthermore, X-ray computed tomography (CT) was used to examine the sequence of damage development throughout the fatigue lifetime and to connect the observed damage mechanisms with the occurred change of strain profiles. Experimental vibrational modal analysis tests were also conducted to assess the effect of fatigue damage on the residual frequency responses (RFRs). Vibrational measurements were initially performed on pristine notched composites. The results are used as baseline for subsequent comparison with strain profiles obtained with DIC. Finite element models based on the classical plate theory (Kirchhoff) and the shear deformable theory (Mindlin) within the framework of equivalent single-layer and layer-wise concepts as well as the three-dimensional theory of elasticity are developed to predict the natural frequencies of non-fatigued specimen. These models are implemented using the finite element software, Abaqus, to determine the natural frequencies and the corresponding mode shapes. In addition, an analytical model based on Kirchhoff plate theory is developed. Using this approach, an equivalent bending-torsion beam model for cantilever laminated plates is extracted taking into account the reduction in local stiffness and mass induced by the center hole. Numerical and analytical natural frequency values are then compared with those obtained through experimental vibrational tests, and the accuracy of each finite element (FE) and analytical model type is assessed. It is shown that the natural frequencies obtained using the analytical and FE models are within 8% of the experimentally determined values. / Ph. D.

This dissertation focuses on the synthesis and characterization of high performance polymers, specifically polybenzimidazoles (PBIs) for gas separation applications and polyimides (PI) for water purification and as interfacial agents for thermoplastic carbon fiber composites. Two methods for improving the gas transport properties (for H2/CO2 separation) of a tetraaminodiphenylsulfone (TADPS)-based polybenzimidazole were investigated. Low molecular weight poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) were incorporated as sacrificial additives that could be removed via a controlled heat treatment protocol. PBI films containing 7 and 11 wt% PPC (blend) and 13 wt% PEO (graft) were fabricated and the gas transport properties and mechanical properties after heat treatment were measured and compared to the PBI homopolymer. After heat treatment, the 7 wt% PPC blend exhibited the highest performance while retaining the toughness exhibited by the PBI homopolymer. Novel sulfonated polyimides and their monomers were synthesized for use as interfacial agents and water purification membranes. Polyimides are high performance polymers that have high thermal, mechanical, and chemical stability. The objective was to assess structure-property relationships of novel sulfonated polyimides prepared by direct polymerization of the diamine monomers. A series of sulfonated polyimides was synthesized using an ester-acid polymerization method with varying degrees of sulfonation (20%, 30%, and 50% disulfonated and 50% and 100% monosulfonated polyimides). The results showed that the toughness of the polyimides in the fully hydrated state was much better than current commercial cation exchange membranes. A 100% disulfonated polyimide (sPI) and poly(amic acid) salt (PAAS) using the same monomers used for the synthesis of Ultem® were utilized as suspending agents for the fabrication of coated sub-micron polyetherimide (PEI) particles. Sub-micron particles were obtained using 1 wt% PAAS and 4 wt% sPI to coat the PEI. The PEI particles were coupled onto ozone treated carbon fibers using a silane coupling agent. SEM images showed a significant amount of particle coating on the treated carbon fibers compared to the non-silane treated carbon fibers. / PHD / This dissertation describes synthetic and processing techniques used to fabricate materials for applications such as, water purification and gas separation. The polymers included in this dissertation include polybenzimidazoles and polyimides, which are materials that have exceptional mechanical and thermal properties. The polybenzimidazoles were specifically used for gas separation, while the polyimides were synthesized for use as water purification membranes and surfactants for coating polyimides and carbon fibers. Gas separation membranes are effective tools for purifying gas mixtures (e.g. H₂/N₂, O₂/N₂, CO₂/CH₄). Additionally, they offer the advantage of being economical and environmentally-friendly compared to other methods of separation (e.g. cryogenic distillation). Many synthetic membranes made from polymers are used commercially, however, very few polymers can be used for elevated temperature separations. Because polybenzimidazoles exhibit high thermal stability, they are excellent candidates for high temperature gas separations (specifically H₂/CO₂ gas mixture). However, polybenzimidazoles have inherently low gas permeabilities. Thus, the focus of this research was to develop a simple method to introduce “pores” into the polymer membrane to improve gas permeability. Water purification is a very important process as the demand for clean water increases with the growing global population. Currently, one-third of the global population experience water scarcity, and by 2025, two-thirds of the world’s population may face water shortages. Multi-stage flash distillation is the most widely used method for water desalination from sea water but it is also the most energy intensive process. Water desalination using polymer membranes (e.g. reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, electrodialysis) has been developed as low energy and environmentally-friendly alternatives for producing clean water. The current state-of-the-art membranes used for water purification lack mechanical integrity and chemical resistance, which complicate and reduce the overall efficiency of the separation process. Thus, the focus of the research was to synthesize polyimide membranes with improved toughness and chemical stability.

Yes / This paper reports the testing of 11 reinforced concrete (RC) two-span beams strengthened in flexure with externally bonded carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets. The beams were classified into two groups according to the arrangement of the internal steel reinforcement. Each group included one unstrengthened control beam. The main parameters studied were the position, length, and number of CFRP layers. External strengthening using CFRP sheets was found to increase the beam load capacity. All strengthened beams exhibited less ductility compared with the unstrengthened control beams, however, and showed undesirable sudden failure modes. There was an optimum number of CFRP layers beyond which there was no further enhancement in the beam capacity. Extending the CFRP sheet length to cover the entire hogging or sagging zones did not prevent peeling failure of the CFRP sheets, which was the dominant failure mode of beams tested.

Members of the elderly population is disproportionately prone to experiencing mobility impairment due to their aging bodies and as a result have frail bodies that are at a higher risk of grave injury due to falling. In order to combat this assistive mobility devices such as exoskeletons have been developed to help patients enhance their range of motion. With additive manufacturing techniques, such as fused deposition modeling (FDM), becoming a more mainstream form of design, the inclusion of lightweight polymers such as nylon 12 as primary construction materials for these devices has increased. In this thesis computer aided design (CAD) software was used to design a prototype lower body exoskeleton and simulation software was used to give the device the characteristics of Stratasys' nylon 12 carbon fiber FDM material to verify it if could be used as the primary construction material for this device when extruded from a FDM printer on either the XZ or ZX printing plane. From the simulations it was found that the material printed along the XZ plane could create a device that could withstand the weight of an average elderly male patient (200 lbs.) as well as the 35 lbs. of force applied to the device by a linear actuation motor that would be used to extend and contract the exoskeleton leg.

Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit ist eine neuartige, innovative und vielseitig einsetzbare Mikrowellenplasmaquelle entstanden. Die wesentlichen Leistungsmerkmale dieser Plasmaquelle sind deren beliebige Längenskalierbarkeit, sowie der weite Arbeitsdruckbereich vom Feinvakuum bis Atmosphärendruck. Auf der Basis von Voruntersuchungen, sowie umfangreichen Simulationsrechnungen zur Ausbreitung der Mikrowellenfelder, wurde eine Kavität mit einem Querschnitt von 100 mm Breite und 120 mm Höhe entwickelt, welche um ein Vielfaches der Hohlleiterwellenlänge R = 122 mm skalieren lässt. In dieser Arbeit wurde ein Demonstrator mit einer Länge von 720 mm aufgebaut. Die Eigenmodeanalyse ergab, dass die geforderte Feldverteilung bis zu einer Frequenz von 2,48368 GHz erhalten bleibt. Die Einkopplung der Mikrowellenleistung erfolgt über mehrere Hohlleiter, welche gegenüber und nebeneinander an der Kavität angeordnet sind. Umfangreiche Untersuchungen hinsichtlich der verlustfreien Leistungseinkopplung haben ergeben, dass eine phasensynchrone Mikrowelleneinkopplung zwingend erforderlich ist, da sich ansonsten der Wirkungsgrad der Plasmaquelle stark reduziert. Um dem Anspruch der phasensynchronen Einkopplung sowie der notwendigen verlustfreien Mikrowellen–Leistungsverteilung gerecht zu werden, wurden 2–fach und 4–fach Mikrowellenleistungsverteiler entwickelt. Weiterhin wurde erstmalig das Konzept des „injected–Phase–locking“ zur Ansteuerung der Plasmakavität, mittels mehreren gepulsten Mikrowellengeneratoren, erfolgreich evaluiert. Zudem konnte das synchronisierte Pulsen bis zu 20 kHz Pulsfrequenz mit einem minimalen Tastverhältnis von 60 % nachgewiesen werden. Die Stabilisierung von PAN–Fasern mittels Plasma wurde erprobt. Untersuchungen mittels Raman, Dichtemessung sowie Durchmesser wurden durchgeführt. Die Karbonisierung von stabilisierten PAN–Fasern (PANOX, SGL) wurde erfolgreich nachgewiesen. In einem Plasmagasgemisch aus Ar = 0,5 slm und N2 = 0,03 slm, einer Fasergeschwindigkeit von 80 mm/min, einem Prozessdruck 120 – 170 mbar, sowie 2x 3 kW synchronisierter Mikrowellenleistung konnten Fasertemperaturen von bis zu 1100 °C und somit maximale Zugfestigkeiten von 4200 MPa erreicht werden.:1. Einleitung und Motivation 2. Stand der Technik 2.1. Plasmaquellen 2.1.1. RF – Plasma 2.1.2. Corona – Plasma 2.1.3. DBD – Plasma 2.1.4. Mikrowellen – Plasma 2.1.5. Zusammenfassung 2.1.6. Grundlagen Mikrowellenplasma 2.2. Simulationsprogramme 2.3. Konvertierungsverfahren für Kohlenstofffasern 2.3.1. Stabilisierung 2.3.2. Karbonisierung 3. Aufgabenstellung und Zielsetzung 4. Entwicklung der Plasmaquelle 4.1. Konzept der Plasmaquelle 4.2. Resonator 4.2.1. Grundlagen Resonatoren 4.2.2. Analytische Auslegung 4.2.3. Simulation des Resonators 4.3. Mikrowelleneinkopplung 4.3.1. Grundlagen Mikrowellenleitung 4.3.2. Simulation der Einkopplung 4.3.3. Simulation der Plasmakammer 4.4. Mikrowellenleistungsverteilung 4.4.1. Leistungssplitter 4.4.2. synchronisierter und pulsfähiger Mikrowellengeneratorverbund 5. Aufbau einer Demonstrator Plasmaquelle 5.1. Evaluierung der Plasmaquelle 5.1.1. Experimentelle Ermittlung der Parameter für den Betrieb der Plasmaquelle 5.1.2. Optische Emissions–Spektroskopie 5.1.3. Untersuchung der Plasmahomogenität 5.2. Anwendungsbeispiel Faserbehandlung 5.2.1. Aufbau des Faserhandlings 5.2.2. Fasercharakterisierung 5.2.3. Ergebnisse Stabilisierung 5.2.4. Ergebnisse Karbonisierung 6. Zusammenfassung und Ausblick 7. Literaturverzeichnis

In these recent years, the strengthening of masonry building has known a massive use of CFRP sheets. Those composite materials glued on the elements to reinforce are exposed to prematurely debonding crisis due to a tension load which is much smaller than the tensile strength of the CFRP. A way to upgrade failure load of CFRP-to-support bonded joint is to reinforce the cohesion between the fibers and the support by the use of mechanicals anchors built with the same fibers of the composite and fastened in the support like "nails". Research on the use of anchors for masonry supports has been limited and, in this framework, there are no experimental analyses related to the design and the placement of fiber anchors. The aim of this thesis is to provide experimental data to quantify the efficiency of the carbon fiber anchors applied on a reinforced fire brick. This is a ground work to study CFRP to masonry bonded joint fastened by fiber "nails". Specifically, the analysis of the displacement and the strain fields of the reinforced surface have been realized by means of Digital Image Correlation (DIC), an optical appealing method never used to study a FRP to support bonded joint fastened by FRP anchor. The research demonstrates that the use of the CFRP anchor increases the resistance and the ductility of the reinforcements. The latter are important to augment the mechanical features of the structural members and, especially, to increase the safety of people during earthquakes by avoiding the brittle collapse of the strengthened elements. The digital image correlation has been a good tool for the strain field analysis; strengths and weaknesses of this method have been evaluated

The process, structure, and property relationship of PAN fiber as a precursor to carbon fiber was studied. The limitations of stable spinning and property improvement associated with hot draw in solution spinning were found and quantified. Conditions were varied to generated precursor fiber up to the limit of draw, from which actual samples were collected for thermal conversion to carbon fiber. Samples of PAN and subsequent carbon fiber were characterized using tensile testing and x-ray analysis. The effects of draw on modulus and break stress, as well as the orientation of the crystalline structure of both parent precursor and resultant carbon fiber were found and related back to the quantified draw limit.

Total hip joint prostheses made of CoCrMo heads versus ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) cups have a limited lifetime, mainly due to the wear of the UHMWPE cups as a result of high friction between the articulating surfaces leading to osteolysis and implant loosening with revision surgery becoming inevitable in more active patients. Tribology plays an important role in developing the design, minimizing wear and reducing friction of hip joint prostheses in order to improve their long-term performance, with good lubricating properties. Metal-on-metal hip resurfacing prostheses have shown significantly lower wear rates compared with conventional metal-on-polyethylene implants and thus osteolysis is potentially reduced leading to increased lifetime of the prosthesis. Nevertheless, excessive wear of metal-on-metal joints leads to metal ion release, causing pseudo-tumours and osteolysis. An alternative approach to such bearings is the use of newly developed carbon fiber-reinforced poly-ether-ether-ketone (CFR PEEK) acetabular cups articulating against ceramic femoral heads due to their better wear resistance compared to UHMWPE. In this study, therefore, friction and lubrication properties of large diameter, as cast, Co-Cr-Mo metal-on-metal hip resurfacing implants with various diameters and clearances have been investigated and compared to those of the newly developed zirconia toughened alumina (ZTA) ceramic femoral heads articulating against carbon fiber reinforced poly-ether-ether-ketone (CFR PEEK) acetabular cups with different diameters and clearances. Friction hip simulator was used to measure frictional torque and then friction factors were calculated along with Sommerfeld numbers leading to Stribeck analysis and hence the lubricating mode was also investigated. This involved using lubricants based on pure bovine serum (BS) and diluted bovine serum (25 vol. %BS+75 vol. %distilled water) with and without carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) (as gelling agent). Standard Rheometer was used to measure lubricant viscosity ranged from 0.0014 to 0.236 Pas at a shear rate of 3000 . Pure bovine serum, diluted bovine serum without CMC and with CMC (25BS+75DW+0.5gCMC and +1gCMC) showed pseudoplastic flow behaviour up to shear rate of ~139 s⁻¹ above which a Newtonian flow with significant increase in shear stress was observed. The viscosity flow curves for the 25BS+75DW+2gCMC, +3.5gCMC and +5gCMC showed only shear thinning up to a shear rate of 3000 . The shear rate application modified the flow behaviour of bovine serum from a pseudoplastic to a Newtonian flow depending on its purity and CMC content. This will cause a different frictional behaviour depending on joint diameter and clearance, as seen in this work. The experimental data were compared with theoretical iv predictions of the lubricating regimes by calculating theoretical film thickness and lambda ratio. The metal-on-metal Biomet ReCaps showed similar trends of Stribeck curves, i.e. friction factors decreased from ~0.12 to ~0.05 as Sommerfeld numbers increased in the range of viscosities ~0.001-0.04Pas indicating mixed lubrication regimes above which the friction factor increased to ~0.13 at a viscosity of 0.236Pas. The Stribeck analyses suggested mixed lubrication as the dominant mode with the lowest friction factor in the range ~0.09 - ~0.05 at the physiological viscosities of ~0.01 to ~0.04 Pas and that such joints can be used for more active patients as compared to the conventional total hip replacement joints with 28mm diameter. The Stribeck curves for all ZTA ceramic-on-CFR PEEK components illustrated a similar trend with BS fluids showing higher friction factors (in the range 0.22-0.13) than the diluted BS+CMC fluids (in the range 0.24-0.05). The friction tests revealed boundary-mixed lubrication regimes for the ZTA ceramic-on-CFR-PEEK joints. The results, so far, are promising and suggest clearly that the newly developed ZTA ceramic femoral heads articulating against CFR PEEK cups have similar friction and lubrication behaviour at optimum clearances to those of currently used metal-onmetal hip resurfacing implants at the range of viscosities 0.00612 to 0.155Pas. These results clearly suggest that the ZTA ceramic-on-CFR-PEEK joints showed low friction at the physiological viscosities of ~0.01Pas in the range ~0.1-0.05, suggesting that these novel joints may be used as an alternative material choice for the reduction of osteolysis. The result of this investigation has suggested that the optimum clearance for the 52mm diameter MOM Biomet ReCaps could be ~170μm. However, 48 and 54mm joints showed lower friction due to clearances to be >200μm. For the 52mm ZTA ceramic-on-CFR-PEEK joints the optimum clearance seems to be ≥ 630μm radial clearance. These results suggested that increased clearance bearings have the potential to generate low friction and hence no risk of micro- or even macro-motion for the ceramic-on-CFR-PEEK joints. This study found no correlation between theoretical predictions and experimental data for all metal-onmetal and ZTA ceramic-on-CFR PEEK bearings at the physiological viscosity (0.0127Pas). However, at lubricant viscosity of 0.00157Pas, the theoretical prediction of lubrication regime correlated well with the experimental data, both illustrating boundary lubrication. As expected, a decrease in viscosity resulted decrease in the film thickness.

Use of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) material has been a good solution for many problems in many fields. FRP is available in different types (carbon and glass) and shapes (sheets, rods, and laminates). Civil engineers have used this material to overcome the weakness of concrete members that may have been caused by substandard design or due to changes in the load distribution or to correct the weakness of concrete structures over time specially those subjected to hostile weather conditions. The attachment of FRP material to concrete surfaces to promote the function of the concrete members within the frame system is called Externally Bonded Fiber Reinforced Polymer Systems. Another common way to use the FRP is called Near Surface Mounted (NSM) whereby the material is inserted into the concrete members through grooves within the concrete cover. Concrete beam-column joints designed and constructed before 1970s were characterized by weak column-strong beam. Lack of transverse reinforcement within the joint reign, hence lack of ductility in the joints, and weak concrete could be one of the main reasons that many concrete buildings failed during earthquakes around the world. A technique was used in the present work to compensate for the lack of transverse reinforcement in the beam-column joint by using the carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets as an Externally Bonded Fiber Reinforced Polymer System in order to retrofit the joint region, and to transfer the failure to the concrete beams. Six specimens in one third scale were designed, constructed, and tested. The proposed retrofitting technique proved to be very effective in improving the behavior of non-ductile beam-column joints, and to change the final mode of failure. The comparison between beam-column joints before and after retrofitting is presented in this study as exhibited by load versus deflection, load versus CFRP strain, energy dissipation, and ductility.

Dans les dernières années, le renforcement des bâtiments en maçonnerie a connu une usure massive des bandes CFRP. Ces matériaux composites, attachés sur les éléments à renforcer, sont exposés à une fracture prématurée pour délaminage (...). Une façon pour accroître la résistance maximale du système renforcé par CFRP est d'améliorer la cohésion entre support et composite en utilisant des ancrages mécaniques. Ces derniers sont réalisés en utilisant les mêmes typologies de fibres de renforcement et en les insérant dans le support comme des «clous». Les recherches scientifiques sur l'usure de cette façon d'ancrage sur support en maçonnerie ont été très limitées et, dans ce contexte, il n'y a pas d'études expérimentales sur le projet et le placement des ancrages. L'objectif principal du présent travail de thèse est de quantifier l'efficacité des ancrages en fibre de carbone appliqués sur brique (...) par les bandes CFRP. Cette recherche est la première phase d'une étude plus vaste sur les systèmes de maçonnerie-CFRP renforcés par « carbon fiber anchor ». Dans l'étude, l'analyse des déplacements et des déformations de la surface renforcée a été faite en utilisant la Corrélation des Images (DIC), une avantageuse méthode optique jamais utilisée pour l'étude des systèmes «support-CFRP band- ancrages».Le présent travail de thèse démontre que les ancrages en CFRP augmentent le résistance maximale et la ductilité des renforcements par bande de composites. Donc, cette typologie d'ancrage augmente la sécurité des personnes pendant les tremblements de terre et ne permettent pas la fracture fragile de la structure renforcée. La corrélation des images a été un bon outil pour l'étude des déformations, des avantages et des inconvénients de cette méthode et ont été évalué pendant la recherche / In these recent years, the strengthening of masonry building has known a massive use of CFRP sheets. Those composite materials glued on the elements to reinforce are exposed to prematurely debonding crisis due to a tension load which is much smaller than the tensile strength of the CFRP. A way to upgrade failure load of CFRP-to-support bonded joint is to reinforce the cohesion between the fibers and the support by the use of mechanicals anchors built with the same fibers of the composite and fastened in the support like “nails”. Research on the use of anchors for masonry supports has been limited and, in this framework, there are no experimental analyses related to the design and the placement of fiber anchors. The aim of this thesis is to provide experimental data to quantify the efficiency of the carbon fiber anchors applied on a reinforced fire brick. This is a ground work to study CFRP to masonry bonded joint fastened by fiber “nails”. Specifically, the analysis of the displacement and the strain fields of the reinforced surface have been realized by means of Digital Image Correlation (DIC), an optical appealing method never used to study a FRP to support bonded joint fastened by FRP anchor. The research demonstrates that the use of the CFRP anchor increases the resistance and the ductility of the reinforcements. The latter are important to augment the mechanical features of the structural members and, especially, to increase the safety of people during earthquakes by avoiding the brittle collapse of the strengthened elements. The digital image correlation has been a good tool for the strain field analysis; strengths and weaknesses of this method have been evaluated