Les résines époxy renforcées par des nodules thermoplastiques sont largement utilisées dans les matériaux composites à matrice organique de l’industrie aéronautique. Dans le cas particulier des stratifiés, les résines époxy déterminent la résistance du milieu inter-laminaire au délaminage. Ce processus de décohésion macroscopique apparaît classiquement lors d’un impact dynamique et compromet fortement l’intégrité des structures composites légères. Pourtant, les modèles cohésifs actuels ne sont pas prévus pour la simulation du délaminage sous sollicitation rapide. Notamment, l’influence présumée de la dynamique sur la rupture du milieu inter-laminaire riche en résine époxy n’est pas prise en compte. Par conséquent, cette recherche consiste à caractériser l’initiation et la propagation de fissure dans une résine époxy sous chargement dynamique. Dans cet objectif, des éprouvettes entaillées sont fabriquées à partir de la résine époxy Hexply RM21 spécifique du domaine aéronautique. Un protocole expérimental est développé et validé afin d’estimer les ténacités d’initiation et de propagation d’une éprouvette chargée en flexion 3-points par un vérin hydraulique. Les essais réalisés démontrent que la ténacité dynamique augmente fortement avec la vitesse de propagation de fissure, à l’inverse de la ténacité d’initiation qui diminue avec la vitesse d’impact. Ces évolutions sont cohérentes avec les micrographies réalisées post-mortem qui présentent une augmentation des mécanismes de rupture. Finalement, une loi cohésive est définie et identifiée pour prendre en compte l’influence de la dynamique sur l’initiation et la propagation d’une fissure dans la résine époxy étudiée. / Epoxy resins toughened with embedded thermoplastic particles are classically used in the aeronautical composites manufacturing. As matrix into laminated composites, epoxy resins determine the delamination resistance of the interlaminar field. The delamination process is a large decohesion that often occurs during impact loadings and it critically compromises the integrity of the light weight composite structures. However, most of the cohesive zone models are not intended to simulate delamination under high rate loadings. In particular, these models do not consider the expected effects of loading rate on fracture behaviour of the resin-rich interlaminar field. Therefore, this research aims at characterizing crack initiation and propagation in epoxy resins under dynamic loadings. For that purpose, we manufacture notched specimens made of pure Hexply RM21 epoxy resin which is mainly used in aeronautics. An experimental procedure is developed and validated in order to estimate initiation and propagation fracture toughness on a 3-points bending test associated to a servo-hydraulic testing machine. Experimental results demonstrate that the dynamic fracture toughness highly increases with the crack propagation speed while the initiation toughness decreases with the impact velocity. These evolutions are consistent with post-mortem micrographic observations that show intensifying fracture mechanisms. Finally, a cohesive law is defined and identified to take into account the dynamic dependency of crack initiation and propagation in the considered epoxy resin.

Harmonic distorted voltage waveforms can lead to excessive heat in the insulation of electrical equipment. The prospectively increasing number of power electronic devices in electrical grids requires the careful examination of the conse- quences of harmonics, which are introduced due to the operating principle of the semiconductor switches. Investigations of the thermal breakdown of solid dielectrics that may occur as a consequence of harmonic distortion on the voltage waveform of electrical grids are presented in this contribution. A thermo-electrical multi-frequency model allows the calculation of the overtemperature in the material. The calculations are confirmed by breakdown experiments of phenolic paper and epoxy resin. Generally, the additional dielectric losses due to the harmonic voltage distortion increase the possibility of exceeding the thermal equilibrium. However, modern insulation materials like the investigated epoxy resin have very low loss factors which is favourable for good thermal performance even with severely distorted voltages.

M. Tech. (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology), Vaal University of Technology. / Sisal is a vegetable fibre extracted from the leaves of Agave Sisalana. The fibre is long, bold and creamy white in colour besides being exceptionally strong. It can be used for making agricultural and parcelling twines of various kinds as well as ropes, sacks, carpet and upholstery. The primary purpose of this research was to study and evaluate the use of sisal as a reinforcing fibre in both treated and untreated forms with epoxy resin matrices. The casting process employed during the composite production was the the vacuum infusion. The effects of both the treated sisal fibre-epoxy resin composites and the untreated sisal fibre-epoxy resin composites on the tensile strength and stiffness, flexural strength and stiffness, impact toughness, shear strength, compression strength and hardness were evaluated. Finally, the occurrence of transverse matrix fracture and fibre pull-out were also studied. It was found that the quasi-static mechanical properties of both the treated sisal fibre-epoxy resin composites and the untreated sisal fibre-epoxy resin composites improved with increases in reinforcement weight fractions. Further, fibre surface treatment on the sisal fibres and the attendant increase in the interfacial bond also resulted into improved quasi-static mechanical properties of the treated sisal fibre-epoxy resin composites when compared to untreated sisal fibre-epoxy resin composites.

[pt] Tubulações compósitas têm sido empregadas na indústria para substituir as tubulações fabricadas com os materiais convencionais de engenharia, como o aço. O baixo peso específico, elevada resistência química e mecânica, bem como o menor custo de instalação e manutenção são vantagens que justificam o uso e aprimoramento desses materiais. Os materiais compósitos mais empregados para a fabricação de tubulações são os compósitos de matriz polimérica reforçados com fibras. Durante o tempo de serviço, as tubulações compósitas que são utilizadas no setor de óleo e gás estão sujeitas a ambientes agressivos e intempéries, como exposição a altas temperaturas, umidade e diversos produtos químicos. A temperatura e a absorção de fluidos são as principais causas da degradação das propriedades físicas e químicas desses materiais, reduzindo a resistência mecânica e, consequentemente, a vida útil das tubulações em serviço. Portanto, este trabalho teve o objetivo de avaliar durante o período de 12 meses o efeito dos agentes de degradação em uma tubulação compósita de resina epóxi reforçada com fibras de vidro e carbono. Para tal, amostras da tubulação foram submetidas à temperatura, água, óleo lubrificante e pressão hidrostática. O comportamento mecânico foi avaliado a partir do ensaio de achatamento sob placas paralelas, ensaio sonoro, ensaio colorimétrico, análise de absorção de fluidos, análise térmica e microestrutural. Ao final do experimento foi constatado que todas as condições de envelhecimento causaram degradação similar, com redução das propriedades mecânicas e térmicas, bem como a plastificação da matriz polimérica. / [en] Composite pipes has been used in the industry to replace conventional pipes commonly manufactured with steel. The lower specific weight, high chemical and mechanical resistance, as well as the low cost of installation and maintenance are the advantages that warrant the use of this materials and their development. The most common composite materials used for the manufacture of pipes are the polymer matrix composites reinforced with fiber. During their lifetime, the composite pipes used in the oil and gas facilities are subject to aggressive environments, such as exposure to high temperatures, moisture and various chemical products. Temperature and fluid absorption are the principal causes of degradation of physical and chemical properties of these materials, reducing their mechanical resistance and, consequently, the lifetime of the pipes in service. Therefore, the main objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of degradation agents on an epoxy composite pipe reinforced with fiberglass and carbon fibers for a period of 12 months. To achieve this objective, samples of the composite pipe were submitted to temperature, tap water, lubricant oil and hydrostatical pressure. The mechanical behavior was evaluated using parallel-plate test, sound test, colorimetric test, fluid absorption analysis, thermal and microstructural analysis. At the end of the experimental procedure it was verified that all the aging conditions caused similar degradation, with reduction of the mechanical and thermal properties, as well as the plasticization of the polymeric matrix.

The search and research for high performance materials for aerospace applications is a continuous evolving process. Among several fibre reinforced polymers, carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) is well known for its high specific stiffness and strength. Though high modulus and high strength carbon fibre with structural resin systems have currently been established reasonably well and are catering to a wide variety of aerospace structural applications, these properties are generally directional with very high properties along the fibre direction dominated by fibres and low in other directions depending mainly on the resin properties. Thus, there is a need to enhance the mechanical properties of the resin systems for better load transfer and to improve the resin dominated properties like shear strength and properties in directions other than along the fibre. Use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with their extraordinary specific stiffness and strength apparently has great potential as an additional reinforcement in resin for development of CNT-CFRP nanocomposites. However, there are several issues that need to be addressed such as compatibility of a particular resin with CNTs, amount of CNTs that can be added, uniform dispersion of these nanotubes, surface treatment and curing process etc., for optimal enhancement of the required properties. Epoxy and cyanate ester resin systems are finding applications in aerospace structures owing to their desirable set of properties. Of these, bisphenol E cyanate ester (BECy) resin of low viscosity with its low moisture absorption, better dimensional stability, and superior mechanical properties can establish itself as potential structural resin system for these applications. BECy in particular has the advantage of being more suitable for out of autoclave manufacturing process such as Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM). Literature shows that, significant work has been carried out by various researchers reporting improvements using CNTs in epoxy resins along with various associated problems. However, studies on effects of addition of CNTs /fCNTs to BECy-CFRP composite system are not well reported. Thus, objective of this work is to study the effects of adding pristine and functionalized CNTs to low viscosity cyanate ester as well as epoxy resin systems. Further, to study the effects on mechanical properties of nanocomposites with carbon fibre reinforcement in these CNT dispersed resin system through a combination of experimental and computational approaches. Multiwall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) without and with different chemical functionalization are chosen to be added to epoxy and BECy resins. The quantity of these CNTs /fCNTs is varied in steps up to 1% by weight. Different methods of mixing such as shear mixing, ultrasonication and combined mixing cycles are implemented to achieve uniform dispersion of these nanotubes in the resin system. Standard test samples are prepared from these mixtures of nanotubes in resin systems to study the variation in mechanical properties. Further, these nanotubes added resin systems are used in fabricating CFRP laminates by VARTM process. Both uni-directional and bi-directional laminates are made with the above modified resin systems with CNTs/fCNTs. Series of experimental investigations are carried out to study various aspects involved in making of nanocomposites and the effects of the same on different mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. Standard specimens are cut out from these laminates to evaluate them for tension, compression, flexure, shear and interlaminar shear strength. The main parameters investigated are the effects of varied quantity of CNTs and functionalized CNTs in the resin mix and in CFRP nanocomposites, effect of different mixing / curing cycles etc. on the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. The investigations have yielded very interesting and encouraging results to arrive at optimum quantity of CNTs to be added and also the effects of functionalization to achieve enhanced mechanical properties. In addition, correlation of mechanical property enhancements with failure mechanisms, dispersion behaviour and participation of CNTs / fCNTs in load transfer are explained with the aid of scanning electron microscope images. Computational studies are carried out through atomistic models using computational tools to estimate the mechanical properties, understand and validate the effects of various parameters studied through series of experimental investigations. An atomistic model is built taking into consideration the nanoscale effects of the single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and its reinforcement in the BECy resin. Using these atomistic models, mechanical properties of individual SWCNT, BECy polymer resin, polymer with different quantities of added SWCNT, and the CFRP laminates with improved resin are computed. As the interaction of CNT with the polymer is only at the outermost layer and the mechanical properties of either MWCNTs or SWCNTs are too high compared to resin systems, it is not expected to have any difference in the final outcome whether it is MWCNT or SWCNT. Hence, only SWCNTs are considered in computational studies as it helps in reducing the complexity of atomistic models and computational time when coupled with polymer resin. This is valid even for functionalized CNT as functionalization is also a surface phenomenon. To start with, the mechanical behaviour of SWCNT is studied using molecular mechanics approach. Molecular mechanics based finite element analysis is adopted to evaluate the mechanical properties of armchair, zigzag and chiral SWCNT of different diameters. Three different types of atomic bonds, i.e., carbon-carbon covalent bond and two types of carbon-carbon van der Waals bonds are considered in the carbon nanotube system. The stiffness values of these bonds are calculated using the molecular potentials, namely Morse potential function and Lennard-Jones interaction potential function respectively and these stiffness values are assigned to spring elements in the finite element model of the SWCNT. The importance of inclusion of Lennard-Jones interactions is highlighted in this study. Effect of these non-bonded interactions is studied by making the numerical stiffness of these bonds to negligible levels and found that they significantly reduce the mechanical properties. The effect of non-bonded Lennard-Jones atomic interactions (van der Waal interactions) considered here is a novelty in this work which has not been considered in previous research works. The finite element model of the SWCNT is constructed, appropriate boundary conditions are applied and the behaviour of mechanical properties of SWCNT is studied. It is found that the longitudinal tensile strength and maximum tensile strain of armchair SWCNTs is greater than that of zigzag and chiral SWCNTs and its value increases with increasing SWCNT diameter. The estimated values of the mechanical properties obtained agree well with the published literature data determined using other techniques. As the systems become more complicated with the inclusion of polymers, molecular dynamics (MD) method using well established codes is more adoptable to study the effect of SWCNTs on BECy. Hence, it is used to model and solve the nanosystems to generate their stress-strain behavior. Further, MD approach followed here can effectively include interfacial interaction between polymer and the CNTs as well. Mechanical properties of SWCNT functionalized SWCNT (fSWCNT), pure BECy resin and that of the CNT nanocomposite consisting of specific quantity of SWCNT / fSWCNT in BECy are estimated using MD method. Atomistic models of SWCNT, fSWCNT, BECy, BECy with specific quantities of CNT / fSWCNT are constructed. A monomer of BECy is modelled and stabilized before its usage as a building block for modelling of BECy resin and to compute its properties. A cell of specific size containing monomers of BECy and another cell of same size with SWCNT at centre surrounded by BECy monomer molecules are built. The appropriate quantity of SWCNT in resin is modelled. This model captures the required density of the composite resin. The models so constructed are subjected to geometric optimization satisfying the convergence criteria and equilibrated through molecular dynamics to obtain a stable structure. The minimized structure is subjected to small strain in different directions to calculate the Young’s modulus and other moduli of the CNT-BECy resin composite. The process is repeated for different quantities of SWCNT in BECy resin to obtain their moduli. Further, tensile and shear strengths of CNT-BECy are obtained by subjecting the equilibrated structure to a series of applied strains from 0 to 10% in steps of 1%. The stress values corresponding to each strain are obtained and a stress – strain curve is plotted. From the stress- strain curve, the strengths of the CNT -BECy which is the stress corresponding to the modulus after which the material starts to soften are determined. Effects of functionalization on mechanical properties of SWCNT are observed. Further, effects of functionalization of SWCNT are studied with a specific quantity of fSWCNT on different moduli and strengths of BECy are investigated. The properties of enhanced CNT–BECy nanocomposite resin with different quantities of added CNT obtained through MD are used to estimate the mechanical properties of the CNT-BECy-CFRP nanocomposite using micromechanics model. Further, validation with experimental results is attempted comparing the trends in enhancement of properties of the CNT-BECy resin and CNT-BECy-CFRP nanocomposite system. The outcome of this research work has been significantly positive in terms of i) Development of an appropriate process establishing different parameters for dispersing CNTs in the resin system, mixing, curing cycle for making of nanocomposites demonstrating significant and consistent enhancement of mechanical properties of BECy based resin system and CFRP nanocomposites using optimum quantity of CNTs /fCNTs through a series of well planned and executed experimental investigations. Evaluation of mechanical properties for each of the cases has been carried out experimentally. ii) Establishing a computational methodology involving intricate atomistic modelling and molecular dynamics of nanosystems for estimation of mechanical properties of BECy polymer resin and to study the effects by addition of SWCNT / functionalized SWCNT on the properties. Results obtained through series of experimental investigations have been validated through this computational study. This could be an important step towards realising the potential of this resin system for high performance aerospace applications. Thus, in brief, detailed experimental work combined with computational studies performed as presented in this thesis resulted in achieving structurally efficient cyanate ester based nanocomposites which is unique and not reported in open literature.

This thesis overviews my experience during graduate school making tangible,object oriented sculpture. I have been working formally to compose space in a way that develops a narrative between parts. The work is also a bridge between the fields of painting and sculpture, in terms of drawing with form and both painted and local, material color. My palette has mostly consisted of bronze casting, steel fabrication, fiberglass and epoxy resin, paint, the found object, woodworking, and mold making. This work is also conceptually based in showing the hand worked qualities of the materials, the transfer of meaning through casting, and my emotional relationship with the various parts of the sculptures. The three major themes of the work are: divine love and the complex of the apocalypse, the complexities and psychology concerning the relationship between a man and a woman, and the intrigue, potential energy, and beauty of the systems mankind hasinvented to harness the atom. The major artistic influences for this body of work have been: Jasper Johns, Marcel Duchamp, Constantine Brancusi, Alberto Giacommetti, Reg Butler, Henry Moore, Lynn Chadwick, Kenneth Armitage, Jeff Koons, Terry Winters, William DeKooning, Richard Diebenkorn, David Smith and Charles Long. I retain a strongrelationship with the movements of Dada, Surrealism, Futurism, and Assemblage, and amalso currently involved in solidifying the Manifesto of Raubeaux with a small group ofesteemed colleagues.

Zur Erfassung der mechanischen Eigenschaften im Grenzschichtbereich von Einzelfaser-Modellverbunden und deren Veränderung bei zyklischer Beanspruchung wurde ein elektronisches Mess- und Auswerteverfahren entwickelt. Der Hysteresemessplatz wird bezüglich der Messwerterfassung und Auswertung erweitert und dadurch dessen Messgenauigkeit und Anwendbarkeit verbessert. Im Vergleich zu den zyklischen Untersuchungen anhand des Hysteresemessverfahren (langsamer Einstufenversuch, dynamischer Einstufenversuch, Laststeigerungsversuch) wurden quasistatische Faserauszugtests (Pull-out) [76] durchgeführt. Durch kleine Amplituden von 3 – 4 µm findet die Messung im Bereich des linear-elastischen Materialverhaltens statt, wodurch die gemessenen Eigenschaften im Grenzschichtbereich von der Amplitude unabhängig sind. Kleine Schädigungen treten nur durch zyklische Beanspruchung auf. Somit können die Ermüdungseigenschaften des Einzelfaser-Modellverbundes im Grenzschichtbereich beobachtet werden. Die Einzelfaser-Modellverbunde wurden unter reproduzierbaren Bedingungen auf einer Fasereinbettanlage hergestellt. Der Einzelfaser-Modellverbund stellt eine Abstraktion der Komplexität des makroskopischen Verbundes dar. Dadurch ist eine selektive, lokale Aussage über die mikromechanischen Eigenschaften der Faser-Matrix-Grenzregion ermöglicht. Die in der Grenzschicht zwischen der Glasfaser und der Epoxidharzmatrix hervorgerufene Wechselwirkung wird durch die Oberflächenmodifizierung der Faser beeinflusst. Als Oberflächenmodifizierungen werden Aminopropyltriethoxysilan (APS) in Kombination mit Polyurethan (nicht kompatibel) sowie Epoxid-Filmbildner (kompatibel) betrachtet. Als Modellfälle kommen ungeschlichtete sowie mit Polyvinylacetat geschlichtete Glasfasern zur Anwendung. Als Modellmatrix wird ein reaktives Epoxidharz eingesetzt. Anhand verschiedener Faser-Matrix-Systeme kann festgestellt werden, dass der eingesetzte Haftvermittler eine gute Faser-Matrix-Haftung bewirken, wohingegen Filmbildner die Haftung verschlechtern, insbesondere wenn sie inkompatibel zur verwendeten Matrix sind. Durch unterschiedliche Oberflächenbehandlungen wird die Faser-Matrix-Haftung verändert, was auch zur Veränderung der Ermüdungseigenschaften während der zyklischen Belastung führt. Bei den APS-Proben mit Haftvermittler wurden sehr gute Haftung (hohe Werte für die Scheinbare Scherfestigkeit) zwischen der Glasfaser und der Matrix und gute Ermüdungseigenschaften (geringe Veränderung der Werte für scheinbare Scherfestigkeit, E-Modul etc.) erreicht. Bei den APS/EP-Proben wird durch den Zusatz von Filmbildnern die direkte Verbindung zwischen der Glasfaseroberfläche und der Matrix zum Teil abgeschwächt, was sich im Abfall sowohl der mechanischen Eigenschaften (Abfall de Werte für E-Modul, Steifigkeit etc.) als auch in schlechten Ermüdungseigenschaften widerspiegelt. Der Filmbildner auf Basis von Epoxidharz nimmt offensichtlich während des Herstellungsprozesses an der Vernetzung im Grenzschichtbereich teil und es erfolgt eine gute Interdiffusion der Schlichte in die Matrix. Dies führt dazu, dass APS/EP-Proben im Vergleich zu den APS/PU-Proben ein besseres Eigenschaftsbild aufweisen. APS/PU-Proben zeigen gegenüber ungeschlichteten Fasern eine etwas erhöhte Faser-Matrix-Haftung im Faserauszugstest, jedoch im dynamischen Einstufenversuch ist die Veränderung der Eigenschaften zwischen Anfang und Ende der Messung am größten. Bei der Deformation im Grenzschichtbereich ist bei dem Laststeigerungsversuch ein großer plastischer Anteil vorhanden, was dazu führt, dass das Versagen beim dynamischen Einstufenversuch nicht plötzlich auftritt. Es wird vermutet, dass beim Filmbildner auf Basis von Polyurethan nur eine geringe Interdiffusion in die Epoxidmatrix stattfindet. Bei den PVAc-Proben verleiht der PVAc-Filmbildner der Grenzschicht ebenfalls, trotz geringer Haftung zwischen Faser und Matrix, eine gewisse Plastizität und Fähigkeit, Energie zu dissipieren. Diese Eigenschaft der Schlichte kann auch bei den Laststeigerungsversuchen beobachtet werden. Die schwache Haftung führt jedoch beim Faserauszugtest zu kleinen scheinbaren Scherfestigkeiten. Ungeschlichtete Glasfasern bilden keine signifikante Faser-Matrix-Haftung, verbessert durch Wechselwirkung, aus, die der Dauerbelastung stand halten. Sehr kleine Werte für scheinbare Scherfestigkeiten im Faserauszugtest gehen konform mit einem spröden Versagen im Grenzschichtbereich, was sich in einem plötzlichen Abfall der Eigenschaften bei zyklischer Belastung bemerkbar macht. Im Vergleich zu den zyklischen Untersuchungen an Einzelfaser-Modellverbunden ergeben quasistatische Untersuchungen, bedingt durch die Signifikanz der Grenzschicht, gleiche Tendenzen. Eine gute Korrelation kann zu den Ergebnissen des statischen Querzugversuches an Unidirektionalverbunden festgestellt werden, da hier ebenfalls die Grenzschicht einen dominanten Einfluss ausübt. Die zyklische Wechselbelastung der unidirektionalen Zugprüfkörper reflektiert neben dem Grenzschichteinfluss sehr stark die Faserfestigkeit sowie Probleme des Lasteintrages, die nur bedingt mit einem Debonding sowie einem Scherversagen in der Grenzschicht verglichen werden kann. Bedingt durch unterschiedliche „Dehnbarkeit“ im Grenzschichtbereich (in der Grenzschicht) können Korrelationen zu den mikromechanischen Versuchsergebnissen bei zyklischer Wechselbelastung festgestellt werden. Zusammenfassend kann eingeschätzt werden, dass die hohe Empfindlichkeit des Hysteresemessverfahrens es ermöglicht, in kurzer Zeit den Einfluss verschiedener Oberflächenmodifizierungen zu beurteilen und damit eine Vorauswahl über die im Verbund gebildeten Grenzschichten zu treffen.

Fibre composite materials are gaining recognition in civil engineering applications as a viable alternative to traditional materials. Their migration from customary automotive, marine, aerospace and military industries into civil engineering has continued to gain momentum over the last three decades as new civil engineering applications develop. The use of fibre composite materials in civil engineering has now evolved from non-structural applications, such as handrails and cladding, into primary structural applications such as building frames, bridge decks and concrete reinforcement. However, there are issues which are slowing the use of fibre composite materials into civil engineering. Issues include high costs, difficulties in realising potential benefits, general lack of civil engineers' familiarity with the material and relatively little standardisation in the composites industry. For composites to truly offer a viable alternative to traditional construction materials in the civil engineering marketplace, it is essential that these issues be addressed. It is proposed that this situation could be improved by demonstrating that potential benefits offered by composites can be achieved with familiar civil engineering forms. These forms must be well suited to fibre composite materials and be able to produce safe and predictable civil engineering structures with existing structural engineering methods. Of the numerous structural forms currently being investigated for civil engineering applications, the truss form appears particularly well suited to fibre composites. The truss is a familiar structural engineering form which possesses certain characteristics that make it well suited to fibre composite materials. In this research a novel monocoque fibre composite truss concept was developed into a working structure and investigated using analytical and experimental methods. To the best of the author's knowledge the research presented in this thesis represents the first doctoral research into a structure of this type. This thesis therefore presents the details of the development of the monocoque fibre composite (MFC) truss concept into a working structure. The developed MFC truss was used as the basis for a detailed investigation of the structural behaviour of the MFC truss elements and the truss as a whole. The static structural behaviour of the principal MFC truss elements (tension members, compression members and joints) was investigated experimentally and analytically. Physical testing required the design and fabrication of a number of novel test rigs. Well established engineering principles were used along with complex finite element models to predict the behaviour of the tested truss elements and trusses. Results of the theoretical analysis were compared with experimental results to determine how accurately their static structural behaviour could be predicted. It was found that the static structural behaviour of all three principal truss elements could be accurately predicted with existing engineering methods and finite element analysis. The knowledge gained from the investigation of the principal truss elements was then used in an investigation of the structural behaviour of the MFC truss. Three full-scale MFC trusses were fabricated in the form of conventional Pratt, Howe and Warren trusses and tested to destruction. The investigation included detailed finite element modelling of the full-scale trusses and the results were compared to the full-scale test results. Results of the investigation demonstrated that the familiar Pratt, Howe and Warren truss forms could be successfully manufactured with locally available fibre composite materials and existing manufacturing technology. The static structural behaviour of these fibre composite truss forms was accurately predicted with well established engineering principles and finite element analysis. A successful marriage between fibre composite materials and a civil engineering structure has been achieved. Monocoque fibre composite trusses have been developed in the familiar Pratt, Howe and Warren truss forms. These structures possess characteristics that make them well suited to applications as primary load bearing structures.

L'objectif de ce travail de thèse a été d'évaluer, à partir d'outils de caractérisation électrique (spectroscopie d'impédance basse fréquence et courants thermo-stimulés), l'impact des étapes de polissage mécanochimique (CMP) et de recuits thermiques sur les propriétés diélectriques de matériaux utilisés pour les dernières générations de circuits intégrés. Une première partie est focalisée sur le matériau SiOCH poreux déposé par voie chimique « en phase vapeur » assisté par plasma (PECVD) suivant une approche porogène (p=26%, d=2nm et er=2,5). Son intégration dans les technologies 45nm nécessite l'utilisation d'un procédé de ‘CMP directe' qui induit une dégradation des propriétés isolantes attribuée à l'adsorption de surfactants et de molécules d'eau. L'analyse diélectrique sur une large gamme de fréquence (10-1Hz- 105Hz) et de température (-120°C -200°C) a mis en évidence plusieurs mécanismes de relaxation diélectrique et de conduction liés à la présence de molécules nanoconfinées (eau et porogène) dans les pores du matériau. L'étude de ces mécanismes a permis d'illustrer le phénomène de reprise en eau du SiOCH poreux ainsi que d'évaluer la capacité de traitements thermiques à en restaurer les performances. Une seconde partie concerne l'étude d'une résine époxy chargée avec des nanoparticules de silice, utilisée en tant que ‘wafer level underfill' dans les technologies d'intégration 3D. Les analyses en spectroscopie d'impédance ont montré que l'ajout de nanoparticules de silice s'accompagne d'une élévation de la température de transition vitreuse et de la permittivité diélectrique, ainsi que d'une diminution de la conductivité basse fréquence. L'autre contribution majeure des mesures diélectriques a été de montrer qu'un refroidissement trop rapide de la résine à l'issue de la réticulation était responsable d'une contrainte interne qui pourra occasionner des problèmes de fiabilité pour l'application. / The aim of the thesis was to investigate, by electrical means (dielectric spectroscopy and thermally stimulated current), the impact of the chemical-mechanical polishing process and of thermal treatments on the dielectric properties of materials used in state-of-the-art Integrated Circuit (IC) technologies. A first part focuses on the nanoporous SiOCH (p=26%, e=2 nm and er=2,5) thin films deposited by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) using a porogen approach. After undergoing a process of direct CMP for its integration in the 45 nm node technology and beyond, those films experience a degradation of the insulating properties due to the adsorption of water and surfactants. A dielectric analysis performed on a wide range of frequency (10-1Hz - 105Hz) and temperature (-120°C - 200°C) exhibited many dielectric relaxation and conduction mechanisms due to molecules (water and porogen) nano-confined in pores. The phenomenon of water uptake of the porous SiOCH has been enlightened and the efficiency of thermal treatment to restore its performances has been evaluated through the study of these mechanisms. A second part deals with an epoxy resin filled with nano-particles of silica used as ‘wafer level underfill' for the 3D integration. Impedance spectroscopy showed that the addition of nano-particles induces an increase in the glass transition temperature and dielectric permittivity, as well as a decrease of the low frequencyconductivity. Furthermore, the dielectric measurements showed that a fast cool down of the resin after the cross-linking stage give rise to internal stresses which could potentially lead to reliability issues.

En permettant la transmission de fortes puissances sur de grandes distances, les réseaux en haute tension à courant continu (HTCC) représentent l'avenir du transport de l'énergie électrique. Des équipements tels que les postes sous enveloppe métallique (PSEM) seront indispensables dans ces réseaux pour répartir le flux d'énergie, interrompre ou isoler certaines branches. Leur conception nécessite la prise en compte, pour les parties isolantes, de phénomènes spécifiques liés à l’application de champs électriques continus, comme la dépendance de la résistivité avec le champ et la température, mais également l’accumulation de la charge d'espace qui contribue à augmenter sensiblement les risques de claquage. Dans le composite étudié (résine époxyde chargée d’alumine), ce phénomène commence à se manifester dès que les valeurs de champ excèdent quelques kV/mm, correspondant à l’ordre de grandeur des contraintes envisagées dans les futurs PSEM HTCC.Bien que des techniques existent pour déterminer la répartition de ces charges dans les isolants solides, aucune n’est à ce jour directement applicable aux structures isolantes installées dans les PSEM HTCC.L’objectif de ce travail est ainsi de concevoir et de mettre en place une technique de mesure des charges d’espace et du champ électrique interne qui soit à résolution spatiale, non destructive et adaptée à une géométrie d’isolateur cylindrique, de type support isolant de jeu de barres.En utilisant le dispositif expérimental mis en place, le comportement du composite vis-à-vis de la charge d’espace est par la suite étudié, notamment en fonction de différentes contraintes électrothermiques représentatives du fonctionnement des PSEM. Le but final est d'aider à l'optimisation de la conception de ce type d’isolateur, en se basant sur l’analyse des résultats issus de mesures de charges d’espace. / The trend today is to develop high voltage direct current (HVDC) technology for the future electric network because it offers some advantages for the transmission on long distances. The development of HVDC networks leads to an increasing need of gas insulated substations (GIS). A problem to be dealt with when an insulator is subjected to a continuous electric field is the variation of the resistivity with the electric field and the temperature and the accumulation of space charges that can lead to dielectric breakdown. In alumina-filled epoxy resin, used as insulating material for GIS spacer, the influence of space charge start to come out when the electric fields exceed several kV/mm, corresponding to values envisaged for the future HVDC GIS.Despite that non-destructive methods exist to determine the space charge distribution in solid insulators, none of them are directly applicable to insulation structures installed in the HVDC GIS.So, the main objective of this work is to design and set up a measurement technique to observe the internal electric field and the accumulated charges. The developed method must be non-destructive and adapted for a cylindrical geometry of an insulator used as a busbar insulation support.By using the experimental bench set up, the behavior of the composite material regarding the space charge will be studied, in particular according to different thermoelectric stresses. The final aim is to contribute to the optimization of the design of this type of insulator, based on the results from space charge measurements.