Thesis--Auburn University, 2005. / Abstract. Vita. Includes bibliographic references (p.59-62).

No description available.

Thesis (M.S.)--Ohio State University, 2008. / Title from first page of PDF file. Includes bibliographical references (p. 116).

TSDC (thermally stimulated depolarization current) is one of the most important and popular technique for investigating electret materials. TSDC technique can indicate the magnitude of polarization and depolarization, relaxation time, charge-storage, glass transition, and activation energy. To fully investigate polarization and relaxation for pure epoxy and filled epoxy materials, a TSDC system was built and verified by the research. The article describes the building processes and verification of the TSDC system. TSDC, TSPC, and TWC tests data for epoxy and filled epoxy samples are presented in the article. To compare TSDC technique with other related techniques, DEA (dielectric analysis), DMA (dynamic mechanical analysis), and DSC (differential scanning calorimetry) tests are introduced.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--State University of New York at Binghamton, Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science, Department of Systems Science and Industrial Engineering, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references.

Mathematical models of heat flow and elastic stress generation based on the finite-element method have been developed and utilized to analyze the Epic-3 Monofrax-S casting process (Monofrax-S is primarily composed of 47-57% A1₂O₃, 34-41% ZrO₂ and 10-15% SiO₂). The results of the mathematical analysis, in conjunction with information obtained from a comprehensive industrial study, has led to the development of mechanisms for the formation of the various crack types found in this casting process. Thermal stresses have been predicted to be generated early in the solidification process in association with rapid cooling of the refractory surface as it contacts the initially cool mould and again later in the solidification process in conjunction with the tetragonal-to-monoclinic phase transformation which occurs in the zirconia component of Monofrax-S. The mathematical analysis has also helped to identify indirectly a potential mechanism for the generation of mechanical stresses. Based on an understanding of the generation of tensile stresses, recommendations have been made for modifications to the moulding and casting procedures in order to reduce the propensity for the formation of cracks. The modifications have included changes to the mould construction and geometry to reduce the generation of mechanical stresses and changes to the moulding materials to impact on the flow of heat at key times during solidification and cooling. With the recommendations in place, the casting process has been re-examined with the mathematical models to verify the impact of the modifications. The predictions show that the modifications have acted to reduce tensile stresses associated with the formation of Type-A and -B cracks. Preliminary industrial trials with the modified mould have yielded blocks free of these defects. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Materials Engineering, Department of / Graduate

A two-dimensional finite element model for the infiltration of a dry textile preform by an injected resin has been verified. The model, which is based on the finite element/control volume technique, determines the total infiltration time and the pressure increase at the mold inlet associated with the RTM process. Important input data for the model are the compaction and permeability behavior of the preform along with the kinetic and rheological behavior of the resin. The compaction behavior for several textile preforms was determined by experimental methods. A power law regression model was used to relate fiber volume fraction to the applied compaction pressure. Results showed a large increase in fiber volume fraction with the initial application of pressure. However, as the maximum fiber volume fraction was approached, the amount of compaction pressure required to decrease the porosity of the preform rapidly increased. Similarly, a power law regression model was used to relate permeability to the fiber volume fraction of the preform. Two methods were used to measure the permeability of the textile preform. The first, known as the steady state method, measures the permeability of a saturated preform under constant flow rate conditions. The second, denoted the advancing front method, determines the permeability of a dry preform to an infiltrating fluid. Water, corn oil, and an epoxy resin, Epon 815, were used to determine the effect of fluid type and viscosity on the steady state permeability behavior of the preform. Permeability values measured with the different fluids showed that fluid viscosity had no influence on the permeability behavior of 162 E-glass and TTI IM7/8HS preforms. Permeabilities measured from steady state and advancing front experiments for the warp direction of 162 E-glass fabric were similar. This behavior was noticed for tests conducted with corn oil and Epon 815. Comparable behavior was observed for the warp direction of the TTl 1M7/8HS preform and corn oil. Fluid/fiber interaction was measured through the use of the single fiber pull-out test. The surface tension of both the corn oil and Epon 815 was determined. The contact angle between these two fluids and glass and carbon fibers was also measured. These tests indicated that the glass fiber had a lower contact angle than the carbon fiber and therefore is wet out better than the carbon fiber by both fluids. This result is attributed to the sizing commonly used on the carbon fibers. Mold filling and flow visualization experiments were performed to verify the analytical computer model. Frequency dependent electromagnetic sensors were used to monitor the resin flow front as a function of time. For the flow visualization tests, a video camera and high resolution tape recorder were used to record the experimental flow fronts. Comparisons between experimental and model predicted flow fronts agreed well for all tests. For the mold filling tests conducted at constant flow rate injection, the model was able to accurately predict the pressure increase at the mold inlet during the infiltration process. A kinetics model developed to predict the degree of cure as a function of time for the injected resin accurately calculated the increase in the degree of cure during the subsequent cure cycle. / Master of Science