Edgewise crushing responses of composite aluminum honeycomb sandwich structures were predicted using finite element analysis (FEA) software LS-DYNA by modeling the honeycomb as a material with anisotropic properties. The goal of the project was to develop a process for modeling the sandwich structure to rapidly iterate possible solutions for a safer workstation train table. Current workstation tables are too rigid and may cause injury or death in a head-on collision. Experimental compression tests were used to calibrate the aluminum honeycomb core with material type 26 (MAT 26, honeycomb). A published composite tensile test was used to validate the use of material type 22 (MAT 22, composite damage) for laminates. Finally, a model was made to recreate the results of a published compression test of an aluminum honeycomb sandwich structure with aluminum sheet metal face sheets to confirm contact types. With each component of the model verified separately, three plain weave composite aluminum honeycomb sandwich structures were modeled, one with [0/90] composite sheets completely bonded to the core, one with [0/90] composite sheets partially bonded to the core, and one with [±45] composite sheets partially bonded to the core. The failure modes for each sandwich structure were previously shown through research and the elastic region of the response was checked for accuracy using a simple beam theory. The analysis suggests that incorporating unbonded zones into the sandwich structure will change the failure mode from general buckling to face wrinkling, which effectively lowers the failure strength while not sacrificing energy absorption throughout loading. The analysis also indicates that using an angled ply orientation will lower the initial stiffness and the failure load. Future work is recommended such as performing compression tests with composite aluminum honeycomb sandwich structures and integrating delamination failure modes into the model using cohesive elements.

This dissertation focuses on the development of and applications for Nano-Composite Piezoresponsive Foam (NCPF). This self-sensing foam sensor technology was discovered through research in a sister technology, High Deflection Strain Gauges (HDSG), and was subsequently developed with some of the same base materials. Both technologies use nano and micro conductive additives to provide electrically responsive properties to materials which otherwise are insulative. NCPF sensors differ from HDSGs in that they provide a dual electrical response to dynamic and static loading, which is measured through an internally generated charge, or a change in resistance. This dissertation focuses on the development of the dynamic or piezoresponsive aspect of the NCPF sensors which tends to have more consistent electrical response over a larger number of cycles. The primary development goal was to produce a sensor that was accurate, while providing a consistent, repeatable response over multiple impacts. The hypothesized electric generation is attributed to a triboelectric interaction between the conductive additives and the polyurethane foam matrix. This hypothesis was validated by examining different conductive additives with varying loading levels and specific surface areas while accounting for other design considerations such as the electrode used to harvest the response. The results of this analysis support the triboelectric model and point to carbon or nickel-based additives for optimal performance. The NCPF response measured by digital signal acquisition devices is directly dependent upon its input impedance. Increased input capacitance has a negative effect on the signal, however, higher input resistance has a positive linear correlation to voltage. Other considerations that affect the electrical response include the temperature and humidity in which the sensor is used and result in a scaled electrical response.NCPF sensors are ideally suited for use in systems which benefit from impact energy attenuation while measuring the same. This work demonstrates how the NCPF sensors can be used to detect severity and location of impacts in systems with multiple sensors (football helmets), and those with one continuous sensor (carpets). When NCPF sensors were used in a football helmet the impact severity and location of impact was accurately identified. NCPF sensors provide the benefit of simplified design by replacing existing foam while providing a direct measure of the forces. Additional research was conducted on the changes in material properties, specifically how it affects the foam structures ability to absorb energy in quasi static loading scenarios. NCPF sensors are demonstrated as viable tool to measure many different biomechanical systems.

Tunnels in hard and jointed rock are normally excavated in an arch shape to enable the rock mass to support its weight. Since the beginning of the 1980's, fibre reinforced shotcrete (FRS) in combination with rock bolts have been the dominating support method for hard rock tunnels. This type of rock support is a complex composite structure in which the structural behaviour depends on interaction between shotcrete, rock and bolts. The design is commonly based on a rock mass classification system in combination with analytical solutions or finite element (FE) modelling. However, the in-situ variations of important properties of the shotcrete are normally neglected.The aim of this thesis was to increase the understanding regarding the environmental impact of different fibre types used as reinforcement in shotcrete. First, a brief introduction to rock support and the role of shotcrete is presented. Along with this the technical performance and a short review regarding the production process involved in producing steel, synthetic and basalt fibres. To understand the environmental impact with respect to the production of different fibre types, environmental product declaration (EPD) from various producers were studied. Here, the environmental performance was studied from cradle to gate for the different fibres. The goal of this thesis was to study the global warming potential of fibres during the production stages and EPDs were used to compare the environmental performance for different fibres of different types and materials. For each fibre type different producers are also compared.To study the environmental impact, a case study in which the shotcrete should fulfil a specified residual flexural strength, or a minimum energy absorption was used. Within this thesis, any potential effects of deterioration of fibres or the need of technical improvement during the technical lifespan was not included. Fibre dosages to fulfil the structural performance were selected based on the experimental testing from the literature. Finally, a detailed discussion regarding the optimum dosages of the different fibre types and their environmental impact is presented.

We have investigated processes of ionization, energy absorption and subsequent explosion of atomic and molecular clusters under intense laser illumination using numerical as well as analytical methods. In particular, we focused on the response of composite clusters, those consisting of different atomic elements, to intense light pulses. Another major theme is the effect of the molecular structure of clusters on their Coulomb explosion. The action of intense laser pulses on clusters leads to fundamental, irreversible changes: they turn almost instantaneously into nanoplasmas and subsequently disintegrate into separate ions and electrons. Due to this radical transformation, remarkable new features arise. Transient cluster nanoplasmas are capable of absorbing enormous amounts of laser energy. In some cases more than 90 % of incident laser energy is absorbed by a gas of clusters with a density much smaller than that of a solid. After the efficient absorption, the energy is transformed into production of energetic ions, electrons, photons, and even neutrons. Composite clusters show especially interesting behavior when they interact with intense laser pulses. Nanoplasmas formed in composite clusters may absorb even more laser energy, than those formed in homogeneous clusters, as we demonstrate in this work. One of the most important results of this thesis is the identification of a novel type of plasma resonance. This resonance is enabled by an unusual ellipsoidal shape of the nanoplasma created during the ionization process in a helium droplet doped with just a few xenon atoms. In contrast to the conventional plasma resonance, which requires significant ion motion, here, the resonant energy absorption occurs at a remarkably fast rate, within a few laser cycles. Therefore, this resonance is not only the most efficient (like the conventional resonance), but also, perhaps, the fastest way to transfer laser energy to clusters. Recently, dedicated experimental studies of this effect were performed at the Max Planck Institute in Heidelberg. Their preliminary results confirm our prediction of a strong, avalanche-like ionization of the helium droplet with a small xenon cluster inside. A conventional plasma resonance, which relies on the cluster explosion, also exhibits interesting new properties when it occurs in a composite xenon-helium cluster with a core-shell geometry. We have revealed an intriguing double plasma resonance in this system. This was the first theoretical study of the influence of the helium embedding on the laser- driven nanoplasma dynamics. Our results demonstrate the important role of the interaction between xenon and helium parts of the cluster. Understanding this interaction is necessary in order to correctly interpret the experimental results. We have elucidated several important properties of Coulomb explosion in atomic and molecular clusters. Specifically, it was found that the kinetic energy distribution of ions after the Coulomb explosion of an atomic cluster is quite similar to the initial potential energy distribution of ions and is only weakly influenced by ion overtake effects, as was believed before. For the case of molecular hydrogen clusters, we have shown that the alignment of molecules inside the cluster affects its Coulomb explosion. Investigation of the dynamical processes in composite and molecular clusters induced by intense laser pulses is a step towards understanding them in more complex nano-objects, such as biomolecules or viruses. This is of great interest in the context of x-ray diffractive imaging of biomolecules with atomic resolution, which is one of the main goals of new x-ray free electron laser facilities.

Wood structural elements are more vulnerable to blast loading due to the inherent brittle nature and low density of the material, as demonstrated by recent significant research efforts on the behaviour of timber elements subjected to the effect of blast loading. These studies showed that wood performs poorly under blast loading. A way of improving this performance is to provide additional ductility or energy absorption capabilities to wooden elements. Recently, there was interest in investigating and developing energy-absorbing connections (EAC) to improve timber assemblies’ ductility and energy absorption capabilities. Although some research effort has been made to investigate the use of EACs to enhance the ductility of reinforced concrete or structural steel members, only limited work is available on this topic about timber elements. The current study aims to systematically investigate the use of various shapes of EACs to be used to enhance the post-peak performance of timber assemblies. Preliminary finite element analysis led to selecting nine steel EACs with varying geometries for further experimental investigation. A total of eighteen specimens were tested statically. In comparison, a total of eighteen specimens were tested dynamically in the shock tube facility of the University of Ottawa to simulate the effects of far-field blast explosions. The experimental results showed that decreasing the leg length or increasing the thickness of EACs manufactured with steel angles and reducing the diameter of EACs manufactured with circular HSS caused an increase in yield load and elastic stiffness while reducing the densification displacement. Connections with angles and a centre weld, and connections with 90-degree arcs from circular HSS, were identified as unsuitable for the application of EACs. The experimental program also showed that EACs manufactured from angles offer a well-defined plateau able to absorb a large quantity of energy, making them particularly suitable for blast mitigation. EACs manufactured from multiple circular HSS were shown to achieve multiple load-displacement plateaus and present an interesting option for systems with multiple failure modes occurring at different levels. SDOF analysis and FEA were conducted to predict the experimental behaviour with some success. The importance of the weld type was also highlighted from both the analytical and experimental results. A methodology for developing idealized load-displacement curves from experimental results of EACs was also proposed and evaluated.

Le bois est un matériau cellulaire naturel et excellent absorbeur d’énergie. Employé au sein de structures du type limiteur d’impact, il subit de nombreux phénomènes lors d’un cas de chute. Une large campagne expérimentale est réalisée afin d’analyser les réponses en compression du hêtre et de l’épicéa, en fonction de la direction de sollicitation, de la vitesse de déformation pour la plage [0.001-600] s−1 et de deux types de restrictions latérales qualifiées d’extrêmes. La direction longitudinale se révèle la plus sensible à la vitesse ainsi qu’au type de restrictions latérales et les conséquences sur la capacité d’absorption d’énergie du bois sont alors significatives. Par ailleurs, les protocoles développés ont vocation à être déclinés pour un large panel d’essences aux propriétés mécaniques variées. Un modèle matériau élastoplastique, isotrope transverse et sensible à la vitesse de déformation est élaboré à l’aide des techniques multi-échelles et de la micromécanique. Les propriétés élastiques macroscopiques sont estimées à l’aide du schéma d’homogénéisation de Mori-Tanaka à partir de données issues de la microstructure. Un critère de type Gurson étendu reposant sur l’approche micromécanique de l’endommagement ductile est employé pour retranscrire le comportement non linéaire, la densification et le caractère compressible du bois. Des paramètres de dégradation découplés du critère sont appliqués selon la direction longitudinale. La modélisation proposée repose sur une description simplifiée du bois et les résultats numériques associés illustrent la bonne capacité du modèle à reproduire les différentes réponses observées lors d’un cas de chute. / Wood is a natural cellular material, which is widely and advantageously used as shock absorber for the transport of radioactive materials. Accident situations are evaluated based on the 9 m drop test, which allows us to observe the complex crushing behavior of wood. A compressive experimental study is conducted on spruce and beech wood species over a large range of strain rates (from 0.001 to 600 s−1) to investigate the effect of the loading direction and of two extreme lateral confinements. The longitudinal direction is the most sensitive to the effect of strain rate and of lateral confinements which have significant consequences on the energy absorption. Besides, the experimental investigation can be adapted to various wood species with very different mechanical properties. A strain rate dependent elastoplastic model with transversal isotropy is developed using multi-scale and micromechanics techniques. The elastic macroscopic properties of wood are estimated with a Mori-Tanaka scheme and information extracted from the microstructure. The Gurson type criterion based on the micromechanical approach of the ductile damage is used in order to describe the non linear behavior of wood, its densification regime and its compressibility as well. Additionally, uncoupled degradation parameters are applied to reproduce the failure mechanisms involved in the longitudinal response. A simplified description of wood is used within the modeling and the numerical results exhibit the good ability of the model to reproduce the various wood responses during an accident situation.

We have investigated processes of ionization, energy absorption and subsequent explosion of atomic and molecular clusters under intense laser illumination using numerical as well as analytical methods. In particular, we focused on the response of composite clusters, those consisting of different atomic elements, to intense light pulses. Another major theme is the effect of the molecular structure of clusters on their Coulomb explosion. The action of intense laser pulses on clusters leads to fundamental, irreversible changes: they turn almost instantaneously into nanoplasmas and subsequently disintegrate into separate ions and electrons. Due to this radical transformation, remarkable new features arise. Transient cluster nanoplasmas are capable of absorbing enormous amounts of laser energy. In some cases more than 90 % of incident laser energy is absorbed by a gas of clusters with a density much smaller than that of a solid. After the efficient absorption, the energy is transformed into production of energetic ions, electrons, photons, and even neutrons. Composite clusters show especially interesting behavior when they interact with intense laser pulses. Nanoplasmas formed in composite clusters may absorb even more laser energy, than those formed in homogeneous clusters, as we demonstrate in this work. One of the most important results of this thesis is the identification of a novel type of plasma resonance. This resonance is enabled by an unusual ellipsoidal shape of the nanoplasma created during the ionization process in a helium droplet doped with just a few xenon atoms. In contrast to the conventional plasma resonance, which requires significant ion motion, here, the resonant energy absorption occurs at a remarkably fast rate, within a few laser cycles. Therefore, this resonance is not only the most efficient (like the conventional resonance), but also, perhaps, the fastest way to transfer laser energy to clusters. Recently, dedicated experimental studies of this effect were performed at the Max Planck Institute in Heidelberg. Their preliminary results confirm our prediction of a strong, avalanche-like ionization of the helium droplet with a small xenon cluster inside. A conventional plasma resonance, which relies on the cluster explosion, also exhibits interesting new properties when it occurs in a composite xenon-helium cluster with a core-shell geometry. We have revealed an intriguing double plasma resonance in this system. This was the first theoretical study of the influence of the helium embedding on the laser- driven nanoplasma dynamics. Our results demonstrate the important role of the interaction between xenon and helium parts of the cluster. Understanding this interaction is necessary in order to correctly interpret the experimental results. We have elucidated several important properties of Coulomb explosion in atomic and molecular clusters. Specifically, it was found that the kinetic energy distribution of ions after the Coulomb explosion of an atomic cluster is quite similar to the initial potential energy distribution of ions and is only weakly influenced by ion overtake effects, as was believed before. For the case of molecular hydrogen clusters, we have shown that the alignment of molecules inside the cluster affects its Coulomb explosion. Investigation of the dynamical processes in composite and molecular clusters induced by intense laser pulses is a step towards understanding them in more complex nano-objects, such as biomolecules or viruses. This is of great interest in the context of x-ray diffractive imaging of biomolecules with atomic resolution, which is one of the main goals of new x-ray free electron laser facilities.:1. Introduction 1 2. Interaction of clusters with intense laser pulses 5 2.1. Cluster formation and structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 2.1.1. Cluster formation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 2.1.2. Cluster structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 2.1.3. Composite clusters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 2.2. Matter in intense light fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 2.2.1. Laser sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 2.2.2. Atoms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 2.3. Clusters under intense laser pulses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 2.3.1. Three stages of intense laser-cluster interaction . . . . . 12 2.3.2. Pathways of cluster ionization and energy absorption . . 13 2.3.3. Composite clusters in intense laser fields . . . . . . . . . 14 2.4. Scenarios of cluster explosion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 2.4.1. Coulomb explosion vs. quasi-neutral expansion . . . . . 15 2.4.2. Anisotropic explosion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 2.5. Comparison between experiment and theory . . . . . . . . . . . 18 3. Theoretical methods for intense laser-cluster interaction 21 3.1. The Hamiltonian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 3.2. Survey of simulation methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 3.2.1. Quantum methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 3.2.2. Classical methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 3.3. Our method: classical microscopic molecular dynamics . . . . . 24 3.3.1. Initial configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 3.3.2. Integrating the equations of motion . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 3.3.3. Observables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 3.4. The role of quantum effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 4. Cluster nanoplasma: a statistical approach 33 4.1. Vlasov-Poisson formalism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 4.2. Nanoplasma electrons at quasi-equilibrium . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 4.2.1. Self-consistent potential and electron density . . . . . . . 34 4.2.2. Energy distribution of nanoplasma electrons . . . . . . . 36 4.3. Harmonic oscillator model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 4.3.1. Derivation from kinetic equations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 4.3.2. Comparison with the molecular dynamics results . . . . 44 4.4. Conclusions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 5. Ionization and energy absorption in helium droplets doped with xenon clusters 47 5.1. Local ignition and anisotropic nanoplasma growth . . . . . . . . 48 5.1.1. Cluster size dependence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 5.1.2. Nanoplasma resonance during its anisotropic growth . . 51 5.1.3. Range of laser frequencies and intensities . . . . . . . . . 55 5.1.4. Plasma resonance for circular polarization . . . . . . . . 56 5.1.5. Summary and future work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 5.2. Electron migration and its influence on the cluster expansion . . 59 5.2.1. Charging dynamics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 5.2.2. Explosion dynamics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 5.3. Interplay between nanoplasma expansion and its electronic response 63 5.3.1. Single pulse: time-dependence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 5.3.2. Two pulses: a pump-probe study . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 5.4. Conclusions and outlook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 6. Coulomb explosions of atomic and molecular clusters 75 6.1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 6.2. Analytical treatment of the Coulomb explosion . . . . . . . . . . 76 6.2.1. Steplike density profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 6.2.2. Kinetic approach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 6.2.3. Gradually decreasing initial density . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 6.3. Coulomb explosions of atomic and molecular hydrogen clusters: a molecular dynamics study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 6.3.1. Kinetic energy distributions of ions (KEDI) . . . . . . . 85 6.3.2. Information loss during the explosion . . . . . . . . . . . 87 6.3.3. Ion overtake processes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 6.3.4. Non-radial motion of ions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 6.3.5. Three-body effects in Coulomb explosion . . . . . . . . . 93 6.4. Conclusions and outlook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 7. Conclusions and outlook 97 7.1. Physical conclusions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 7.2. Methodological conclusions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 7.3. Research perspectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 A. Suppression of the cluster barrier 101 B. Structure determination for Xen@Hem clusters 103 C. Calculation of the time-dependent phase shift 107 D. Potential of a uniformly charged spheroid 109 E. On the possibility of molecular alignment inside hydrogen clusters 111 Bibliography

A recently emerging engineering design approach entails studying the brilliant design solutions found in nature with an aim to develop design strategies that mimic the remarkable efficiency found in biological systems. This novel engineering approach is referred to as bio-inspired design. In this context, the present study quantifies the structure-property relations in bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) horn keratin, qualitatively characterizes the effects of a tapered spiral geometry (the same form as in a ram’s horn) on pressure wave and impulse mitigation, describes the stress attenuation capabilities and features of a ram’s head, and compares the structures and mechanical properties of some energy absorbent natural materials. The results and ideas presented herein can be used in the development of lightweight, energy absorbent, bio-inspired material designs. Among the most notable conclusions garnered from this research include: Horn keratin behaves in an anisotropic manner similar to a long fiber composite. Moisture content dominates the material behavior of horn keratin more than anisotropy, age, and stress-state. This makes moisture content the most influential parameter on the mechanical behavior of horn keratin. Tapered geometries mitigate the impulse generated by a stress wave due to the convergent boundary and a continually decreasing cross sectional area such that greater uniaxial stresses and subsequent axial deformation arises. Furthermore, the tapered geometry introduces small shear stresses that further decrease the impulse. Spiral geometries attenuate the impulse generated by a stress wave by the introduction of shear stresses along the length of the spiral. These shear stresses introduce transverse displacements that function to lessen the impulse. When both a taper and spiral geometry are used in a design, their synergistic effects multiplicatively reduce the impulse Tough natural materials have a high porosity, which makes them light-weight, while increasing their compressive energy absorption ability. Biomaterials whose functions include protection and energy absorption feature a multiscale, hierarchical, composite structure. The constituent materials are arranged in such ways to achieve a synergistic effect, where the properties of the composite exceed the properties of its constituents. Biological materials are therefore not confined to the law of mixtures.

Carbon nanotubes, graphene and nano sized core shell rubber particles have all been extensively researched for their capability to improve mechanical properties of thermoset resins. However, there has been a lack of research on their evaluation for energy absorption in high velocity impact scenarios, and the fundamental mechanics of their failure mechanisms during highly dynamic stress transfer through the matrix. This fundamental research is essential for laying the foundation for improvement in ballistic performance in composite armor. In hard armor applications, energy absorption is largely accomplished through delamination between plies of the composite laminate. This energy absorption is accomplished through two mechanisms. The first being the elongation of the fiber reinforcement contained in the resin matrix, and the second is the propagation of the crack in between the discreet fabric plies. This research aims to fundamentally study the energy absorption characteristics of various nano-particles as reinforcements in thermoset resin for high velocity impact applications. Multiple morphologies will be evaluated through use of platelet, tubular and spherical shaped nano-particles. Evaluations of the effect on stress transfer through the matrix due to the combination of nano sized and micro scale particles of milled fiber is conducted. Three different nano-particles are utilized, specifically, multi-walled carbon nanotubes, graphene, and core shell rubber particles. The difference in surface area, aspect ratio and molecular structure between the tube, platelet and spherical nano-particles causes energy absorption through different failure mechanisms. This changes the impact performance of composite panels enhanced with the nanoparticle fillers. Composite panels made through the use of dispersing the various nano-particles iv in a non-contact planetary mixer, are evaluated through various dynamic and static testing, including unnotched cantilever beam impact, mixed mode fracture toughness, split-Hopkinson bar, and ballistic V50 testing. The unnotched cantilever beam testing showed that the addition of milled fiber degraded the impact resistance of the samples. Addition of graphene nano platelets unilaterally degraded impact resistance through the unnotched cantilever beam testing. 1.5% loading of MWCNT showed the greatest increase in impact resistance, with a 43% increase over baseline. Determining the critical load for mixed mode interlaminar shear testing can be difficult for composite panels that bend without breaking. An iterative technique of optimizing the coefficient of determination, R2 , in linear regression is developed for objectively determining the point of non-linearity for critical load. This allows for a mathematical method of determination; thereby eliminating any subjective decision of choosing where the data becomes non-linear. The core shell rubber nano particles showed the greatest strain energy release rate with an exponential improvement over the baseline results. Synergistic effects between nano and micro sized particles in the resin matrix during transfer of the stress wave were created and evaluated. Loadings of 1% milled carbon fiber enhanced the V50 ballistic performance of both carbon nanotube and core shell rubber particles in the resin matrix. However, the addition of milled carbon fiber degrades the impact resistance of all nano-particle enhanced resin matrices. Therefore, benefits gained from the addition of microsized particles in combination with nano-sized particles, are only seen in high energy impact scenarios with micro second durations. v Loadings of 1% core shell rubber particles and 1% milled carbon fiber have an improvement of 8% in V50 ballistic performance over the baseline epoxy sample for 44 mag single wad cutter gas check projectiles. Loadings of 1% multi-walled carbon nanotubes with 1% milled carbon fiber have an improvement of 7.3% in V50 ballistic performance over the baseline epoxy sample. The failure mechanism of the various nano-particle enhanced resin matrices during the ballistic event is discussed through the use of scanning electron microscope images and Raman spectroscopy of the panels after failure. The Raman spectroscopy data shows a Raman shift for the fibers that had an enhancement in the V50 performance through the use of nano-particles. The Raman band for Kevlar® centered at 1,649 cm-1 stemming from the stretching of the C==O bond of the fiber shows to be more sensitive to the residual axial strain, while the Raman band centered at 1,611 cm-1 stemming from the C-C phenyl ring is minimally affected for the CSR enhanced panels due to the failure mechanism of the CSR particles during crack propagation.

科学研究費補助金 研究種目:一般研究(C) 課題番号:04680228 研究代表者:青山 隆彦 研究期間:1992-1993年度