Introdução: A suspensão do rato pela cauda é método usado para simular os efeitos da microgravidade e hipoatividade física sobre o sistema musculoesquelético e outros sistemas. O método convencional usa a tração cutânea para a fixação da cauda do animal ao sistema de suspensão, sendo idealmente aplicado durante até três semanas. Depois desse período surgem lesões cutâneas, situações estressantes e soltura dos animais. Estes fatos limitam observações por períodos mais longos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi propor e avaliar um sistema de suspensão do rato pela cauda que utiliza tração esquelética com fio de Kirschner atravessado na vértebra caudal, comparando sua eficiência como modelo de osteopenia com a tração cutânea convencional, durante três e seis semanas. Metodologia: 60 ratas foram distribuídas em seis grupos (n=10): GI - três semanas-suspensão pela cauda em tração esquelética; GII - três semanas-suspensão em tração cutânea; GIII - três semanas sem suspensão; GIV - seis semanas-suspensão em tração esquelética; GV - seis semanas-suspensão em tração cutânea; GVI - seis semanas sem suspensão. Avaliação foi clínica com preenchimento de lista diária de achados de estresse e exame post-mortem com determinação dos níveis de corticosterona plasmática e estado da mucosa gastroesofágica. Avaliação dos efeitos da suspensão sobre osso ocorreu por meio da determinação da densidade mineral óssea, ensaio mecânico e histomorfometria, realizados tanto no fêmur, quanto no úmero. Resultados: não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os grupos suspensos observados durante três semanas, para quaisquer dos parâmetros investigados. Entretanto, em seis semanas, sete animais (70%) em tração cutânea foram perdidos por lesões de pele e, na tração esquelética, apenas um (10%). Quanto ao ganho de peso corporal e os outros parâmetros clínicos não houve diferenças entre os grupos suspensos por seis semanas. A densidade mineral óssea, força máxima, rigidez e parâmetros histomorfométricos dos fêmures diminuíram até três semanas quando os animais suspensos foram comparados com os controles. Entretanto, depois estabilizaram, tanto para os animais suspensos pela tração cutânea, quanto esquelética, sem diferenças entre eles. No úmero não houve diferenças importantes entre os animais suspensos e os controles. Conclusão: O sistema de tração esquelética foi mais eficiente para manter os animais suspensos até seis semanas, quando o número de complicações foi menor que na tração cutânea. A eficiência de ambos os métodos de suspensão em termos de enfraquecimento ósseo foi semelhante em ambos grupo. / Background: Suspension of the rat by the tail is a method that is used to simulate the effects of microgravity and physical hypoactivity on the musculoskeletal system and also on other systems. The conventional suspension method uses the skin traction for fixing the animal to the suspension system and it is ideally applied for three weeks. After this period of time, skin lesions, stressful conditions and animal loosening may occur. These facts limit observations for longer periods of time. The aim of the present study was to propose and evaluate a rat tail suspension system using skeletal traction with a crossing Kirschner wire in the tail vertebra and to compare it with the conventional skin traction method, during three and six weeks. Methods: 60 rats allocated in six groups (n = 10): GI - three-week tail suspension in skeletal traction; GII - three week skin traction-suspension; GIII - three weeks without suspension; GIV - six-week suspension skeletal traction; GV - six weeks in cutaneous traction, GVI - six weeks without any suspension. Clinical evaluation was made filling up a daily list of findings of stress indicators and, at the end of the experimental period, by post-mortem examination, with determination of plasma corticosterone levels and status of the gastroesophageal mucosa. Evaluation of the effects of suspension on bone was carried out by the determination of bone mineral density, histomorphometry and mechanical tests that were conducted both in femurs and humerus. Results: no statistically significant difference was observed between groups for three weeks for the suspended animals, for any of the parameters investigated. In six weeks, seven suspended animals in skin traction were lost by skin lesions (70%) and, in skeletal traction, one (10%). As for the weight gain and other clinical parameters no differences was observed between the suspended groups. Comparison between suspended and control animals showed that bone mineral density, maximum strength, stiffness and histomorphometric parameters of the femur of suspended decreased in three weeks and then stabilized for both groups suspended by the skin traction and skeleton, with no differences between them. Humerus presented no significant differences between suspended animals and controls. Conclusion: The system of skeletal traction was more efficient to keep the animal suspended for six weeks, when the number of complications was lower than in the skin traction group. Both suspension methods had the same efficiency to weaken the bone.

The objective of this dissertation is to demonstrate the use of in situ TEM mechanical testing to find mechanical properties of as received, self-ion, and proton irradiated Fe-9%Cr ODS. The desire to work at small scale in the characterization of irradiated materials to reduce costs and improve throughput, require the development of novel methods to assess mechanical properties in volume-limited irradiation damage layers. Yet at these micrometer or nanometer scales, the mechanical properties can begin to be impacted by size effects. In this work micropillar compression, cantilever bending, lamellae indentation, and clamped beam fracture testing is conducted on ion-irradiated Fe-9%Cr ODS to find yield stress, elastic modulus, flow stress, and fracture toughness. Micropillars in compression allow us to define a minimum sample dimension, which approaches the obstacle spacing of the material, at which size effects are observed. This relationship between sample dimension and obstacle spacing defined through micropillar compression is extended to a new testing geometry, cantilever bending, and material property, flow stress. Lessons learned during the cantilever bending informed the clamped beam design for conducting fracture testing on a ductile engineering alloy at micrometer scales. Finally, lamellae indentation was conducted to link qualitative observations of the microstructure under load with literature strength of obstacle values. By combining an understanding of the microstructure of irradiated Fe-9%Cr ODS and the in situ TEM technique, one can find the bulk-like mechanical properties of ion irradiated Fe-9%Cr ODS.

<div> <p><a>Polymer nanocomposites are envisioned for use in many advanced applications, such as structural industries, aerospace, automotive technology and electronic materials, due to the improved properties like mechanical strengthening, thermal and chemical stability, easy bulk processing, and/or light-weight instigated by the filler-matrix combination compared to the neat matrix. In recent years, due to increasing environmental concerns, many industries are inclining towards developing sustainable and renewable polymer nanocomposites. Cellulose nanomaterials (CNs), including cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs), have gained popularity due to their excellent mechanical properties and eco-friendliness (extracted from trees, algae, plants etc.). However, to develop CN-reinforced nanocomposites with industrial applications it is necessary to understand impact of hygroscopic swelling (which has very limited </a>quantitative study at present), aspect ratio, orientation, and content of CNs on the overall performance of nanocomposites; and overcome the low dispersibility of CNs and improve their compatibility with hydrophobic matrix. In this work, we attempt to understand the influence of single nanocrystals in the hygroscopic and optical response exhibited by nanostructured films; effect of CNCs on the properties of PVA/CNC fibers by experimental evidence with mathematical modeling predictions; and hydrophobized CNFs using a facile, aqueous surface modification to improve interfacial compatibility with epoxy. </p><p><br></p> <p>To evaluate the effect of CNC alignment in the bulk response to hygroscopic expansion, self-organized and shear-oriented CNC films were prepared under two different mechanisms. The coefficient of hygroscopic swelling (CHS) of these films was determined by using a new contact-free method of Contrast Enhanced Microscopy Digital Image Correlation (CEMDIC) that enabled the characterization of dimensional changes induced by hygroscopic swelling of the films. This method can be readily used for other soft materials to accurately measure hygroscopic strain in a non-destructive way. By calculating the CHS values of CNC films, it was determined that hygroscopic swelling is highly dependent on the alignment of nanocrystals within the films, with aligned CNC films showing dramatically reduced hygroscopic expansion than randomly oriented films. Finite element analysis was used to simulate moisture sorption and kinetics profile which further predicted moisture diffusion as the predominant mechanism for swelling of CNC films. </p> <p><br></p><p>To study the effects of different types and aspect ratios of CNCs on mechanical, thermal and morphological properties of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite <a>fibers, CNCs extracted from wood pulp and cotton were reinforced into PVA to produce fibers by dry-jet-wet spinning. The fibers were collected as-spun and with first stage drawing up to draw ratio 2. </a>The elastic modulus and tensile strength of the fibers improved with increasing CNC content (5 – 15 wt. %) at the expense of their strain-to-failure. The mechanical properties of fibers with cotton CNC were higher than the fibers with wood CNC when the same amount of CNCs were added due to their higher aspect ratio. The degree of orientation along the spun fiber axis was quantified by 2D X-ray diffraction. As expected, the CNC orientation correlates to the mechanical properties of the composite fibers. Micromechanical models were used to predict the fiber performance and compare with experimental results. Finally, surface and cross-sectional morphologies of fibers were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy.</p><p><br></p> <p>To improve the dispersibility and compatibility of CNFs with epoxy, CNFs were modified by using a two-step water-based method where tannic acid (TA) acts as a primer with CNF suspension and reacts with hexadecylamine (HDA), forming the modified product as CNF-TA-HDA. The modified (-m) and unmodified (-um) CNFs were filled into hydrophobic epoxy resin with a co-solvent (acetone), which was subsequently removed to form a solvent-free two component epoxy system, followed by addition of hardener to cure the resin. Better dispersion and stronger adhesion between fillers and epoxy were obtained for m-CNF than the um-CNF, resulting in better mechanical properties of nanocomposites at the same loading. Thermal stability and the degradation temperature of m-CNF/epoxy improved when compared to neat epoxy. </p> </div> <br>

Avaliação da \"qualidade\" da microarquitetura óssea contribui na prevenção e risco de fraturas associado a osteoporose. Amostras de ossos trabeculares de corpos vertebrais da região T12, L1 e L4 de 30 de indivíduos (cadáveres humanos), classificados pela técnica de ultrassonometria de calcâneo como normais, osteopênicos e osteoporóticos foram utilizadas. Os parâmetros histomorfométricos, físicos e mecânicos da microarquitetura analisados pela técnica de microtomografia de raios-X, ensaios mecânicos de compressão axial e nanoindentação. Baseado nestes parâmetros, constantes elásticas efetivas globais foram obtidas pela técnica homogeneização assintótica para estrutura tipo-placa. Teste ANOVA apresentou diferenças, muito e extremamente significativas para densidade linear estrutural (p = 0,017), grau de anisotropia (p = 0,042), auto valor (p = 0,045), número de Euler (p = 0,016), idade (p = 0,009), separação trabecular (p = 0,009), densidade de conectividade (p = 0,006), módulo de elasticidade (p = 0,001), tensão máxima no limite de resistência a fratura (0,001), índice de qualidade óssea do calcâneo (p = 0,0001), fração de volume ósseo (p = 0,0001), espessura trabecular (p = 0,0002), dimensão fractal (p = 0,0002), momento de inércia polar médio (p = 0,00005), excentricidade (p = 0,0002), fração de porosidade (p = 0,0001) e densidade mineral óssea aparente (p = 0,00005) entre os grupos. O teste de Spearman identificou correlação moderada, alta e muito alta dos valores da tensão máxima no limite de resistência a fratura com os parâmetros de idade (r = -0,684), fração de volume ósseo (r = 0,762), fator de forma trabecular (r = -0,754), espessura trabecular (r = 0,675), densidade linear trabecular (r = 0,622), autos valores (r = -0,615), dimensão fractal (r = 0,855), momento de inércia polar médio (r = 0,816), excentricidade (r = -0,569) e fração de porosidade (r = -0,762). Estes parâmetros são indicadores da qualidade da microarquitetura óssea trabecular e risco de fratura associado a osteoporose. / Evaluation of the \"quality\" of bone microarchitecture can contribute to the prevention and risk of fractures associated with osteoporosis. Samples of trabecular bone from the vertebral regions T12, L1 and L4 from the bodies of 30 individuals (human cadavers), classified by ultrasonometry technique calcaneus as normal, osteopenic and osteoporotic were used. The histomorphometric, physical and mechanical parameters of the microarchitecture were analyzed by X-ray microtomography technique, mechanical tests of axial compression and nanoindentation. Based on these parameters, globally effective elastic constants were obtained by asymptotic homogenization technique for type-plate structure. ANOVA test showed differences that were very and extremely significant for the following: structural linear density (p = 0.017) anisotropy (p = 0.042), auto value (p = 0.045), Euler number (p = 0.016), age (p = 0.009), trabecular separation (p = 0.009), connectivity density (p = 0.006), elastic modulus (p = 0.001), maximum stress fracture strength limit (0.001), bone quality score of the calcaneus (p = 0.0001), bone volume fraction (p = 0.0001), trabecular thickness (p = 0.0002), fractal dimension (p = 0.0002), mean polar moment of inertia (p = 0.00005), eccentricity (p = 0.0002), porosity fraction (p = 0.0001) and apparent bone mineral density (p = 0.00005) between groups. The Spearman test identified moderate correlation, high and very high values of maximum stress fracture resistance limit for the following parameters: age (r = -0.684), bone volume fraction (r = 0.762), trabecular bone pattern factor (r = -0.754), trabecular thickness (r = 0.675), trabecular linear density (r = 0.622), auto value (r = -0.615), fractal dimension (r = 0.855), mean polar moment of inertia (r = 0.816), eccentricity (r = -0.569) and porosity fraction (r = -0.762). These parameters are quality indicators of the microarchitecture of trabecular bone and fracture risk associated with osteoporosis.

Orientador: Luis Rogerio de Oliveira Hein / Resumo: Neste trabalho é apresentado o projeto e construção de uma Máquina Universal de Ensaios Mecânicos portátil, didática, de baixo custo, fácil construção seguindo a filosofia open-source com o intuito de dar suporte ao ensino de Mecânica e Resistência do Materiais. O equipamento foi projetado para ser construído com perfis modulares de alumínio e executado em uma oficina de ensino técnico em mecânica. A máquina é capaz aplicar de forma segura um carregamento máximo de 10 kN tanto em tração quanto em compressão, se mover em velocidades que variam de 0,5 a 70 mm/min com uma resolução no deslocamento de 0,57 μm a um custo total de US$ 1,000.00 incluindo material e fabricação. A máquina é controlada por uma placa Arduino® UNO, opera com acionamento eletromecânico, a aplicação de carga é feita por meio de fusos trapezoidais, a aquisição do deslocamento e velocidade da trave é feita por codificadores de quadratura e o controle de velocidade é feito por controle (Proporcional, Integral e Derivativo) PID e é capaz de realizar ensaios de tração, mas pode ser adaptada para outros ensaios como compressão, flexão e dobramento, entre outros. / Abstract: In this work is presented the design and construction of an easy to build low-cost portable Universal Testing Machine for educational purposes using the open-source philosophy. The intention of this project is to support the teaching in the subjects of Mechanics and Mechanics of Materials. The hardware was designed to be constructed with modular aluminum profiles and built in a conventional Mechanics Technical and Vocational Education and Training Laboratory. The machine can apply safely a maximum load of 10kN in both, traction and compression, move precisely in a range of speed from 0.5 to 70 mm/min with a resolution of 0,57 μm in a total cost of US$ 1,000.00 including necessary material and fabrication. The machine is controlled by an Arduino® UNO board, operated with an electromechanical activation. The loading is applied by trapezoidal lead screws, the displacement and speed acquisition are done by quadrature encoder and the speed is controlled by Proportional, Integral and Derivative (PID) control, it is capable do perform tensile tests, but may be adapted to other tests like compression, flexure and bending, and others. / Mestre

Este trabalho busca avaliar a ductilidade de ligas metálicas utilizando como ferramenta a teoria da mecânica do dano proposta por Kachanov e desenvolvida por Lemaitre, a qual é apresentada desde as hipóteses básicas até as equações que modelam a deterioração de um material em regime de fratura dúctil. Como o enfoque do trabalho é a predição de trincas em processos de conformação mecânica, em especial estampagem de chapas, o mecanismo de formação destes defeitos é revisado, buscando na literatura o entendimento de como os parâmetros microestruturais influenciam na fratura dúctil. Ensaios de tração foram efetuados em corpos de prova retirados de chapas de aço SAE 1050 em duas condições microestruturais, cementita esferoidizada em matriz ferrítica e ferritaperlita, e em duas direções em relação à laminação da chapa original, paralelo e transversal. A evolução do dano foi medida de maneira indireta por meio da variação do módulo elástico e as propriedades mecânicas necessárias para utilização do modelo de Lemaitre foram calculadas. Por meio de difração de raios X, efetuamos o estudo da evolução da textura cristalográfica, apresentado na forma de figuras de distribuição de orientação e análise da intensidade das principais fibras encontradas em aços laminados a quente. Não foi observada influência significativa do tipo de microestrutura e da direção de deformação na evolução da textura. Por fim, o modelo de evolução de dano de Lemaitre foi transformado em um algoritmo numérico e implementado no código comercial Abaqus, em sua versão explícita, por meio do uso da subrotina VUMAT. Resultados foram obtidos e comparados com os experimentos, validando a aplicação do modelo. A evolução do dano para o aço SAE 1050 também foi comparada com resultados para outros aços ao manganês encontrados na literatura. Relações empíricas entre o teor de carbono e parâmetros como a deformação limite para início do dano, resistência à evolução do dano e dano máximo suportado foram desenvolvidas e apresentadas, com o intuito de funcionar como guias gerais para cálculo sem a necessidade de uma bateria de ensaios dedicados, facilitando a utilização da teoria da mecânica do dano em condições industriais. / The aim of the present work is to evaluate the ductility of metallic alloys employing the theory of damage mechanics as suggested by Kachanov and developed by Lemaitre, which is presented since its basic hypothesis until the equation that model the material deterioration under a regime of ductile fracture. As the focus of the work is the fracture prediction during mechanical working processes (mainly sheet metal stamping), the mechanism of formation of these defects is revised, based upon literature data, aiming at the understanding of how the material microstructural parameters influence ductile fracture. Tensile tests have been performed on samples obtained from SAE 1050 steel sheets for two microstructural conditions namely spheroidized cementite and regular ferrite-perlite for two rolling directions (rolling and transverse directions). In those tests, damage evolution has been measured indirectly through the materials variation in the Young modulus with strain, obtaining the mechanical properties, needed to be used in the calculation of Lemaitres model. Through X-ray diffraction measurements, the crystallographic texture evolution, presented in the form of orientation distribution functions and the associated fiber intensities observed for both microstructural conditions, has been evaluated. No major influence has been observed in this texture evolution, for the tested conditions. Finally, the Lemaitre damage evolution model has been transformed into a numerical algorithm and implemented in the Abaqus commercial code, in its explicit form, through the VUMAT sub-routine. Results have been obtained and compared with the experimental values, validating the suggested model. Damage evolution for the SAE 1050 steel has been also compared with results from literature for other C-Mn steels. Empirical relationships between C level and damage parameters such as limit strain for damage initiation, resistance to damage evolution and maximum allowable damage, have been developed and presented, envisaging their application as general guidelines, without requiring a sequence of dedicated tests, making easier the usage of damage mechanics under industrial conditions.

In the drive towards higher strength alloys, a diverse range of alloying elements is employed to enhance their strength and ductility. Limited solid solubility of these elements in steel leads to segregation during casting which affects the entire down-stream processing and eventually the mechanical properties of the finished product. The work presented in this PhD shows that segregation of alloying elements during casting, particularly aluminium, leads directly to banding in the final product. It has been demonstrated that no significant homogenisation is possible in this alloy within practical time constraints of the industrial thermo-mechanical process. A through-process model was developed to design a thermo-mechanical treatment aimed at reducing the effects of segregation on the formation of banding. A new polynomial function for calculating the local phase transformation temperature (Ae3) between the austenite + ferrite and the fully austenitic phase fields during heating and cooling of steel is presented. Material was produced both with and without banding and used to study the effect upon the mechanical properties. The banded steel variants show a significant reduction in tensile strength for a similar level of ductility compared to non-banded variants. In situ measurement under uniaxial loading using high-energy synchrotron diffraction allowed direct quantification of the impact of the mechanically induced transformation of metastable austenite on the work- hardening behaviour. The results reveal that the mechanically induced transformation of austenite does not begin until the onset of matrix yielding and the experimental evidence demonstrates that the austenite to martensite transformation increases the work-hardening rate of the ferrite phase and delays the onset of Stage-III hardening until the yield point of austenite. The increase in work-hardening rate (and thus work required) supports a driving force approach to transformation induced plasticity. The transformation work required leads to an increase in the macroscopic work-hardening rate after matrix yielding which offsets the decrease in the work-hardening rate in the ferrite and martensite phases up to the UTS. Steels with a high degree of banding do not show this extra contribution due to the more dominant anisotropic effect of martensite bands on the work-hardening of ferrite coupled to increased mechanical austenite stability as a result of increased carbon content. A list of revisions as requested by the examiners is produced on pages 18 and 19 of the thesis for examination. Abstract: In the drive towards higher strength alloys, a diverse range of alloying elements is employed to enhance their strength and ductility. Limited solid solubility of these elements in steel leads to segregation during casting which affects the entire down-stream processing and eventually the mechanical properties of the finished product. The work presented in this PhD shows that segregation of alloying elements during casting, particularly aluminium, leads directly to banding in the final product. It has been demonstrated that no significant homogenisation is possible in this alloy within practical time constraints of the industrial thermo-mechanical process. A through-process model was developed to design a thermo-mechanical treatment aimed at reducing the effects of segregation on the formation of banding. A new polynomial function for calculating the local phase transformation temperature (Ae3) between the austenite + ferrite and the fully austenitic phase fields during heating and cooling of steel is presented. Material was produced both with and without banding and used to study the effect upon the mechanical properties. The banded steel variants show a significant reduction in tensile strength for a similar level of ductility compared to non-banded variants. In situ measurement under uniaxial loading using high-energy synchrotron diffraction allowed direct quantification of the impact of the mechanically induced transformation of metastable austenite on the work- hardening behaviour. The results reveal that the mechanically induced transformation of austenite does not begin until the onset of matrix yielding and the experimental evidence demonstrates that the austenite to martensite transformation increases the work-hardening rate of the ferrite phase and delays the onset of Stage-III hardening until the yield point of austenite. The increase in work-hardening rate (and thus work required) supports a driving force approach to transformation induced plasticity. The transformation work required leads to an increase in the macroscopic work-hardening rate after matrix yielding which offsets the decrease in the work-hardening rate in the ferrite and martensite phases up to the UTS. Steels with a high degree of banding do not show this extra contribution due to the more dominant anisotropic effect of martensite bands on the work-hardening of ferrite coupled to increased mechanical austenite stability as a result of increased carbon content.

nÃo hà / Nas Ãltimas dÃcadas, existiu uma crescente demanda por aproveitamento do potencial eÃlico mundial. Essa tendÃncia està transformando as pÃs eÃlicas em uma das mais importantes aplicaÃÃes dos materiais compÃsitos polimÃricos. Alguns componentes de uma turbina eÃlica sÃo confeccionados em materiais compÃsitos polimÃricos e suas pÃs eÃlicas representam o maior uso desse material. Este trabalho tem como objetivo a avaliaÃÃo dos efeitos do envelhecimento acelerado em amostras de materiais compÃsitos revestidos com poliuretano utilizados em aerogeradores. O compÃsito à constituÃdo de resina epÃxi, reforÃado com fibras de vidro e revestido com poliuretano. O envelhecimento acelerado simula de forma intensificada os intemperismos naturais (radiaÃÃo solar, umidade e temperatura). As placas compÃsitas foram caracterizadas por ensaios nÃo-destrutivos de ultrassom e emissÃo acÃstica; ensaios mecÃnicos de traÃÃo e Izod; anÃlises tÃrmicas de termogravimetria (TGA) e calorimetria diferencial de varredura (DSC); microscopia Ãptica e grau de empoamento.Devido ao alto coeficiente de atenuaÃÃo caracterÃstico de materiais com mais de um constituinte e a consequenteausÃncia de sinal acÃstico de retorno, o ensaio por ultrassomnÃo logrou Ãxito. Mediante os avanÃos da degradaÃÃo acelerada, houve estabilidade nos valores mÃdios da velocidade de propagaÃÃo da onda e do coeficiente de atenuaÃÃo nos compÃsitos, por meio do ensaio de emissÃo acÃstica. Os ensaios mecÃnicos de traÃÃo e Izod mostraram que o envelhecimento acelerado interferiunas seguintes propriedades: mÃdulo de elasticidade, tensÃo de ruptura, alongamento mÃximo e resistÃncia ao impactoIzod. Pela tÃcnica de TGA, houve alteraÃÃo na temperatura mÃxima de degradaÃÃo e estabilizaÃÃo na massa residual com os avanÃos da degradaÃÃo acelerada. Por DSC, foi possÃvel detectar diminuiÃÃo na temperatura de transiÃÃo vÃtrea (Tg). A microscopia Ãptica revelou que nÃo houve alteraÃÃes na superfÃcie do revestimento de poliuretano e na interface poliuretano-epÃxi e ocorreu degradaÃÃo na interface fibra-matriz (face exposta à radiaÃÃo) nos compÃsitos mediante os progressos de envelhecimento acelerado. Entretanto, a mediÃÃo do grau de empoamento apresentou deteriorizaÃÃosuperficial do revestimento de poliuretano. Diante de todos os resultados encontrados, conclui-se que o envelhecimento acelerado influenciou no desempenho dos materiais utilizados em aerogeradores. / In recent decades, there has been a growing demand for utilization of wind power worldwide. This trend is transforming wind blades in one of the most important applications of polymeric composites. Some components of a wind turbine are made of polymeric composites and wind blades represent the largest use of this material. This study aims to assess the effects of accelerated aging in samples of composite materials coated with polyurethane used in wind turbines. The composite is made of epoxy resin reinforced with glass fibers and coated with polyurethane. The accelerated aging test simulates an enhanced form natural weathering (solar radiation, humidity and temperature). The composite plates were characterized by non-destructive testing of ultrasonic waves and acoustic emission; tensile tests and Izod; thermal analyzes thermogravimetricanalysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC); optical microscopy and the degree of chalking. Because of the high attenuation coefficient characteristic of materials with more than one constituency and the consequent absence of acoustic feedback, the ultrasound test didn`t succeed. Through the advances in accelerated degradation was stable on mean average velocity of wave propagation and attenuation coefficient of the composite by means of acoustic emission test. The tensile tests and Izod showed that the accelerated aging interfered with the following properties: modulus of elasticity, tensile strength,ultimate elongation and Izod impact. By the technique of TGA, there was change in maximum temperature of degradation and stabilization in the residual mass with the advances in accelerated degradation. By DSC it was possible to detect a decrease in glass transition temperature (Tg). The optical microscope demonstrated that no changes in the surface of the coating polyurethane and polyurethane-epoxy interface and degradation occurred in the fiber-matrix interface (the exposed radiation face) in the composite by the progress of accelerated aging. However, measuring the degree of deterioration showed chalking surface of the polyurethane coating. With all the results, these studies conclude that the accelerated aging affect the performance of materials used in wind turbines.

L'objectif de cette thèse était de développer et de caractériser la microstructure et les propriétés mécaniques des céramiques bio-inspirées. L'alumine inspirée par la nacre fabriquée par texturation à la glace (freeze-casting), précédemment développée dans le cadre de la thèse de F. Bouville, a été choisie comme matériau de référence. La simplification et le changement d’échelle du procédé d’élaboration des matériaux ont été étudiés. Le procédé sophistiqué de freeze-casting a été remplacé par le pressage uniaxial à cru. Les mesures de diffraction des électrons rétrodiffusés ont confirmé le bon alignement après frittage des plaquettes d'alumine utilisées pour préparation du matériau. Le cycle de frittage assisté par effet de champs a été adapté à de plus grandes quantités de poudre céramique et d'additifs organiques. La deuxième partie du projet a été consacrée à la modification de l'interphase entre les plaquettes d'alumine, afin d’améliorer les propriétés mécaniques du matériau. Diverses possibilités ont été explorées: ajout de poudre de zircone, dépôt de zircone sur les plaquettes par réaction sol-gel ou substitution de la phase vitreuse par du graphène. Tous les matériaux obtenus ont été caractérisés par flexion quatre points sur des barrettes entaillées. La troisième partie de cette étude a porté sur le développement de composites multicouches métal/céramique, par frittage simultané d'alumine et de titane. L'épaisseur et la composition de la feuille de titane ont été modifiées pour étudier leur influence sur les phénomènes de diffusion lors du frittage. Les composites ont été caractérisés par MEB, EBSD, spectroscopie à rayons X à dispersion d'énergie et tomographie à rayons X au synchrotron. La fabrication simplifiée des matériaux permet de préparer des échantillons de plus grandes dimensions de céramiques inspirées par la nacre, sans passer par une étape de freeze-casting. Cependant, la croissance des grains doit être limitée pour maintenir de bonnes propriétés mécaniques. La modification de l'interphase entre les plaquettes d'alumine n'a pas amélioré les propriétés mécaniques des matériaux par rapport au matériau de référence. D'autre part, le dépôt de nano-zircone sur la surface des plaquettes semble prometteur et devrait faire l'objet d'études plus poussées. Dans le cas des composites alumine/titane, les composites architecturées multiéchelles ont été fabriqués de manière assez simple. Cependant, il est crucial d'éviter la fissuration des feuilles de métal afin d’améliorer les propriétés mécaniques. / The goal of this thesis was to develop and characterize the microstructure and the mechanical properties of bioinspired ceramic composites. Nacre-like alumina fabricated by freeze-casting previously developed in Bouville thesis was chosen as a reference material. Simplifying and up-scaling material fabrication was intended. Architectural levels were added to the microstructure to further improve mechanical properties of the material. Sophisticated processing by freeze-casting was substituted by uniaxial pressing. Electron backscatter diffraction observations confirmed the good alignment of alumina platelets used to prepare the material. The field assisted sintering cycle was adapted to greater quantities of ceramic powder and organic additives. The second part of the project was dedicated to the modification of the interphase between alumina platelets. Various possibilities were explored: adding fine zirconia powder, depositing zirconia on the platelets by sol-gel reaction, or substituting the glassy phase by graphene. All obtained materials were characterized by four point bending on notched bars. The third part of this study was focused on the development of multilayered metal/ceramic composites, by simultaneous sintering of alumina and titanium. The titanium foil thickness and composition were varied. The composites were characterized by SEM, EBSD, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and synchrotron X-ray tomography. Detailed microstructural and chemical characterization was performed to understand mechanisms of titanium diffusion into ceramic matrix. Simplified material fabrication allows to prepare larger samples of nacre-like ceramics. However grain growth should be limited to maintain good mechanical properties. Modification of the interphase between alumina platelets did not improve mechanical properties of the materials as compared to the reference material. On the other hand, depositing nano-zirconia on platelets surface seems promising and should be further investigated. In case of alumina/titanium composites, a multiscale architecture composites were process in a rather simple way. However, avoiding metal foil cracking is crucial to improve mechanical properties.

The mechanical behavior of the arterial wall is determined by the composition and structure of its internal constituents as well as the applied traction-forces, such as pressure and axial stretch. The purpose of this work is to develop new theoretical frameworks and experimental methodologies to further the understanding of arterial mechanics and role of the various intrinsic and extrinsic mechanically motivating factors. Specifically, residual deformation, matrix organization, and perivascular support are investigated in the context of their effects on the overall and local mechanical behavior of the artery. We propose new kinematic frameworks to determine the displacement field due to residual deformations previously unknown, which include longitudinal and shearing residual deformations. This allows for improved predictions of the local, intramural stresses of the artery. We found distinct microstructural differences between the femoral and carotid arteries from non-human primates. These arteries are functionally and mechanically different, but are geometrically and compositionally similar, thereby suggesting differences in their microstructural alignments, particularly of their collagen fibers. Finally, we quantified the mechanical constraint of perivascular support on the coronary artery by mechanically testing the artery in-situ before and after surgical exposure.