A better understanding of the effect of impact damage on composite structures is necessary to give the engineer an ability to design safe, efficient structures. Current composite structures suffer severe strength reduction under compressive loading conditions, due to even light damage, such as from low velocity impact. A review is undertaken to access the current state-of-development in the areas of experimental testing, and analysis methods. A set of experiments on Nomex honeycomb core sandwich panels, with thin woven fiberglass cloth facesheets, is described, which includes detailed instrumentation and unique observation techniques. These techniques include high speed video photography of compression after impact (CAI) failure, as well as, digital image correlation (DIC) for full-field deformation measurements. The effect of nominal core density on the observed failure mode is described. A finite element model (FEM) is developed to simulate the experiments performed in the current study. The purpose of this simulation is to predict the experimental test results, and to conrm the experimental test conclusions. A newly-developed, commercial implementation of the Multicontinuum Failure Theory (MCT) for progressive failure analysis (PFA) in composite laminates, Helius:MCT, is included in this model. The inclusion of PFA in the present model gives it the new, unique ability to account for multiple failure modes. In addition, significant impact damage detail is included in the model as a result of a large amount of easily available experimental test data. A sensitivity study is used to assess the effect of each damage detail on overall analysis results. Mesh convergence of the new FEM is also discussed. Analysis results are compared to the experimental results for each of the 32 CAI sandwich panel specimens tested to failure. The failure of each specimen is accurately predicted in a high-fidelity, physics-based simulation and the results highlight key improvements in the understanding of honeycomb core sandwich panel CAI failure. Finally, a parametric study highlights the strength benefits compared to mass penalty for various core densities. / Ph. D.

This research investigation explores the feasibility of implementing a laser welded sandwich steel panel bridge deck system as a viable alternative to standardized reinforced concrete bridge decks. Generally used in naval ship building applications, steel sandwich panels possess attractive characteristics towards the integration with bridge infrastructure such as service life in excess of 100 plus years, dead load reduction, rapid construction, decreased closure time, and automated mass production. The lack of fatigue data for the laser "stake" welds used to create the enclosed sandwich panel geometry raised concerns with respect to fatigue life. The primary focus of this study was to determine whether or not infinite fatigue life was possible. Two different laser welding technologies were investigated, Laser Beam Welding (LBW) and Hybrid-Laser Arc Welding (HLAW). Test specimens were fabricated and tested in order to examine fatigue resistance based on a localized load effect between adjacent core stiffeners. Finite element models were used to obtain the stress range for each individual test due to complex geometry and partially restrained boundary conditions. In order to assess the fatigue performance of the overall deck system, additional finite element models were created to study the local and global behavior of different sandwich panel configurations. As a whole the investigation yielded promising results. Infinite fatigue life is achievable due to outstanding fatigue performance. The HLAW stake welds demonstrated superior fatigue resistance in comparison to the LBW process. Localized load effects can be minimized through the modification of different panel parameters. Pushing forward, full scale testing is essential to the future employment of this innovative bridge deck system. / Master of Science

The Sandwich Plate System (SPS) is created by bonding two steel plates together with an elastomer core that is injected into a cavity formed by the steel plates and perimeter bars. The result is a stiffer and lighter panel that can be used for plate-like structures such as bridge decks, stadium risers or ship decks. For more versatility, the effects of welding post-injection to the SPS panels were investigated. Three post-injection welded joints were tested to determine fatigue resistance and the effects of cyclic loading on the localized debonding of the heat affected zone at the post-injection welded joint of a SPS bridge deck. Seven panels containing one of three post-injection weld configurations were investigated. Each panel was fatigue tested to ten million cycles or until failure, by applying remote bending to the post-injection welded joint. Experimental deflections and strains were compared to finite element analyses. Fatigue-life predictions were made using code based S-N curves, and a relatively new mesh-insensitive structural stress method with a master S-N curve approach. The post-injection welded joint demonstrated good fatigue resistance to recommended AASHTO loading when shims were used under the middle support to offset the camber in the SPS panels. It was also found that stresses caused by draw down of the camber had an adverse affect on the post-injection welded joint and greatly reduced its fatigue resistance. / Master of Science

An innovative approach to possible construction or rehabilitation of bridge decks can be found in a bridge construction system called the Sandwich Plate System (SPS). The technology developed and patented by Intelligent Engineering Canada Limited in conjunction with an industry partner, Elastogran GmbH, a member of BASF, may be an effective alternative to traditional bridge rehabilitation techniques. Although the system's behavior has been studied the connection of the SPS deck to the supporting girders has not been investigated. Two types of connection are presented in this research. The use of a bent plate welded to the SPS deck and subsequently bolted to the supporting girder utilizing slip-critical connections has been utilized in the construction of a SPS bridge. A proposed SPS bridge system utilizes the top flange of the supporting girder welded directly to the SPS deck as the deck-to-girder connection. The fatigue performance of a deck-to-girder connection utilizing a bent plate welded to the deck and bolted to the supporting girder using slip-critical connections was tested in the Virginia Tech Materials and Structures Laboratory. The testing concluded that the fatigue performance of the welded and bolted bent plate connection was limited by the weld details and no slip occurred in the slip-critical connections. Finite element modeling of the two types of deck-to-girder connections was also used to determine influence of the connections on the local and global behavior of a SPS bridge system. A comparison of the different connection details showed that the connection utilizing the flange welded directly to the SPS deck significantly reduces the stresses at location of the welds in the connections, but the connection type has a limited influence on the global behavior of a SPS bridge. / Master of Science

Three series of tests were conducted on a sandwich plate bridge deck, which consisted of two steel plates and an elastomer core. The first series of testing was conducted by applying a static load on a full scale sandwich plate bridge deck panel. Local strains and deflections were measured to determine the panel's behavior under two loading conditions. Next, fatigue tests were performed on the longitudinal weld between two sandwich plate panels. Two connections were tested to 10 million cycles, one connection was tested to 5 million cycles, and one connection was tested to 100,000 cycles. The fatigue class of the weld was determined and an S-N curve was created for the longitudinal weld group. Finally, a series of experiments was performed on a half scale continuous bridge deck specimen. The maximum positive and negative flexural bending moments were calculated and the torsional properties were examined. Finite element models were created for every load case in a given test series to predict local strains and deflections. All finite element analyses were preformed by Intelligent Engineering, Ltd. A comparison of measured values and analytical values was preformed for each test series. Most measured values were within five to ten percent of the predicted values. Shear lag in the half scale bridge was studied, and an effective width to be used for design purposes was determined. The effective width of the half scale simple span sandwich plate bridge deck was determined to be the physical width. Finally, supplemental research is recommended and conclusions are drawn. / Master of Science

This thesis investigates the characteristics of a close proximity underwater explosion and its effect on a ship-like structure. Finite element model tests are conducted to verify and validate the propagation of a pressure wave generated by an underwater explosion through a fluid medium, and the transmission of the pressure wave in the fluid to a structure using the Multi-Material Arbitrary Lagrangian/Eulerian method. A one dimensional case modeling the detonation of a spherical TNT charge underwater is investigated. Three dimensional cases modeling the detonation of an underwater spherical TNT charge, and US Navy Blast Test cases modeling a shape charge and a circular steel plate, and a shape charge and a Sandwich Plate System (SPS) are also investigated. This thesis provides evidence that existing tools and methodologies have some capability for predicting early-time/close proximity underwater explosion effects, but are insufficient for analyses beyond the arrival of the initial shock wave. This thesis shows that a true infinite boundary condition, a modified Gruneisen equation of state near the charge, and the ability to capture shock without a very small element size is needed in order to provide a sufficient means for predicting early-time/close proximity underwater explosion effects beyond the arrival of the initial shock wave. / Master of Science

[EN] In this work, first, it has been conducted a study on the experimental determination of the permeability of a fibrous reinforcement. To reach this end, a test bench have been designed and mounted. After calibration and preliminary tests, the test bench has been used within the framework of a concurrent measurement exercise, namely "Permeability Benchmark II", in which has taken part a dozen research centers worldwide. The results obtained are analyzed in order to determine the different factors that cause dispersions during experimental determination of permeability values. Moreover, it has been studied the impact behavior of a composite material from a matrix fiber reinforced polybutylene terephthalate basalt. The work has focused on two main points. First, the manufacturing process via vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding. Subsequently it has been performed some physical characterizations to determine some properties as crucial as the density, crystallinity, void content and fiber properties. In order to make a robust interpretation of the response to impacts of rolling, besides the actual impact characterization, the interlaminar strength characterization has been considered. The range of incident energy ranges from very low levels to achieve energy penetration. For obvious reasons, it has been conducted a duplicate study on a equivalent material made of a commercial epoxy matrix reinforced with the same fabric. Due to environmental concerns, it is important to find an alternative to traditional materials used for the manufacture of composite materials. In this work, it has been conducted a study on the manufacturing and mechanical characterization of an asymmetric sandwich laminate from a bio-reinforced epoxy and flax and basalt matrix, being the core of natural cork. The dynamics of water absorption and the flexural behavior have been e experimentally estimated. Modifying the initial parameters allows influencing the infiltration of the resin through the pores of the cork thus changing the local stiffness and therefore the behavior of the material. / [ES] En este trabajo, en primer lugar, se ha llevado a cabo un estudio sobre la determinación experimental de la permeabilidad de un refuerzo fibroso. Para llegar a tal fin, se ha concebido y fabricado un banco de ensayo. Después de su calibración y ensayos preliminares, se realizaron unos ensayos dentro del marco de un ejercicio de medición concurrente Permeability Benchmark II, que re'une una docena de laboratorios a nivel internacional. Los resultados obtenidos se analizan con el objetivo de determinar los diferentes factores que provocan dispersiones en los resultados recolectados. Por otra parte, se ha estudiado el comportamiento a impacto de un material compuesto a partir de una matriz de polibutilén tereftalato reforzada con fibra de basalto. El trabajo se ha centrado en dos puntos principales. En primer lugar, la fabricación vía moldeo por transferencia de resina asistida por vacío. Posteriormente se ha realizado una caracterización física para determinar algunas propiedades tan determinantes como la densidad, la cristalinidad, el contenido de vacíos y de fibras. Teniendo en cuenta que para poder realizar una sólida interpretación de la respuesta frente a impactos de los laminados, además de la caracterización a impacto propiamente dicha, se ha estudiado la resistencia interlaminar. El rango de energía incidente cubre desde niveles muy bajos hasta alcanzar la energía de penetración. Cabe destacar que por motivos obvios, se ha realizado un estudio paralelo sobre una matriz epoxi reforzada con el mismo tejido. Actualmente, por razones relacionadas con el medioambiente, es importante buscar algunas alternativas a los materiales tradicionales utilizados para la fabricación de materiales compuestos. En este trabajo se ha realizado un estudio sobre la fabricación y la caracterización mecánica de un material tipo sándwich asimétrico a partir de una matriz bio-epoxi y refuerzos de lino y basalto, siendo el n'ucleo de corcho natural. Se ha estudiado la dinámica de absorción de agua y el comportamiento a flexión. Modificando los parámetros iniciales de ha podido influenciar la infiltración de la resina a través de los poros del corcho lo que modifica la rigidez local y por lo tanto el comportamiento del material. / [CA] En este treball, en primer lloc, s'ha dut a terme un estudi sobre la determinació experimental de la permeabilitat d'un reforç fibrós. Per a arribar a aquest fi, s'ha concebut i fabricat un banc d'assaig. Després del seu calibratge i assajos preliminars es van realitzar uns assajos dins del marc d\'un exercici de mesurament concurrent Permeability Benchmark II, que reunix una dotzena de laboratoris a nivell internacional. Els resultats obtinguts s'analitzen amb l'objectiu de determinar els diferents factors que provoquen dispersions en els resultats recol·lectats. Per altra banda, s'ha utilitzat el comportament a impacte d'}un material compost a partir d\t'una matriu de polibutén tereftalato reforçada amb fibra de basalt. El treball s'}ha centrat en dos punts principals. En primer lloc, la fabricació via model per transferència de resina assistida per buit. Posteriorment s'ha realitzat una caracterització física per determinar algunes propietats tan determinants com la densitat, la cristal·linitat, el contingut de buits i de fibres. Tenint en compte que per a poder realitzar una sòlida interpretació de la resposta enfront d'impacte dels laminats, a més de la caracterització a impacte pròpiament dita, s'ha estudiat la resistència interlaminar. El rang d'energia incident cobreix des de nivells molt baixos fins a aconseguir l'energia de penetració. Cal destacar que per motius obvis, s'ha realitzat un estudi paral·lel sobre una matriu epoxi reforçada amb el mateix teixit. Actualment, per raons relacionades amb el medi ambient, és important buscar algunes alternatives als materials tradicionals utilitzats per a la fabricació de materials compostos. En este treball s'ha realitzat un estudi sobre la fabricació i la caracterització mecànica d'un material tipus sandvitx asimètric a partir d'una matriu bio-epoxi i reforços de lli i basalt, sent el nucli de suro natural. S'ha estudiat la dinàmica d'absorció d'aigua i el comportament a flexió. Modificant els paràmetres inicials s'ha pogut influenciar la infiltració de la resina a través dels porus del suro, el que modifica la rigidesa local i per tant el comportament del material. / Hoto, R. (2015). Fabricación mediante procesos de transferencia de resina y caracterización mecánica de materiales compuestos a partir de matrices poliméricas reforzadas con fibra de basalto [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/53932

There is an urgent need to find novel anticancer therapeutics with different mechanisms of action than platinum-containing drugs, particularly for patients who relapse after having been initially treated with a platinum-containing chemotherapy regimen. This chemoresistance phenomena, along with the serious side effects observed with cisplatin, have led research in Medicinal Inorganic Chemistry to using other precious metals for the design of novel anticancer therapeutics. This work reports on the synthesis and characterisation of a series of organometallic drug candidates based on ruthenium, osmium, rhodium, and iridium, followed by investigation of their cancer-inhibiting properties via in vitro and in vivo studies. The cytotoxicity of these complexes against various human cancer cell lines is presented, as well as preliminary studies on their possible modes of action, determined via gene expression studies, cell cycle and apoptosis analysis, reactive oxygen species detection and mitochondrial-membrane potential assays. In addition, to confirm the surprising absence of in vitro toxicity against normal cells exhibited by some compounds, studies on ex vivo/in vitro isolated human lymphocytes from healthy individuals, have been conducted. One lead molecule has been progressed to in vivo studies in mice and toxicity and efficacy were assessed with a series of assays including determination of the maximum tolerated dose and pharmacodynamic studies. Structural modifications of the lead molecule with water-soluble phosphines were subsequently undertaken, with the aim to improve the stability and solubility of the parent 16-electron specie, and evaluations of the biological activity of these novel complexes are presented.

This dissertation describes the synthesis and antimicrobial use of a series of half-sandwich Ir(III), Rh(III), Co(III) amino acid and ethylenediamine complexes. This investigation focuses on the formulation (ηn-arene)M(L)X, (L = ethylenediamine or α-amino carboxylate), (M= Ir, Rh, Ru, Co). Arene, Ligand and metal center variations were designed to tailor antimicrobial activity specific for each organism studied (Staphylococcus aureus or Mycobacteria). Each of the D/L-amino acids formed a diasteromeric complex with chiral centers on both the metal center and amino acid ligand. The unique chirality of each center elicits different antimicrobial activity against the Mycobacteria studied. The metal center (M), arene ligand (ηn-arene), and amino acid (aa), were changed independently and studied for the antimicrobial activity. In a similar fashion, each of the complexes modified with ethylenediamine and diamine derivatives were studied for their antimicrobial activity against S.aureus. All complexes were synthesized,characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), high-resolution mass spectroscopy (HRMS), single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and elemental analysis. During the course of this work it was found that the amino acid complexes with all metal centers were specific for antimicrobial activity against all types of Mycobacteria, while the diamine derivatives were active against different strains of S.aureus. Acitvity was measured to be as low as 2 ug/mL respectively depending on the complex used. A structure activity relationship was developed to determine what combinations of ligand, metal and arene were necessary to achieve the highest antimicrobial activity. The optimal arene R-chain length for CpR was determined to be R=hexyl for all complexes studied. The most active amino acidcomplex was determined to be that of L-phenylglycine for Mycobacteria, the cis-1,2-diaminocyclohexane complex is the most active ligand against S.aureus. Each metal center had similar activity levels. Toxicological studies were performed to test their viablity to be used in mammalian systems. The complexes with the highest activity were studied against several mammailan cell lines and revealed that mammailan cells were undergoing normal cellular processes at up to 40 times the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). A study of the MOA or mechanism of action revealed the ability of the amino acid complexes to affect the peptidyl transferase region on the 23s ribosomal subunit of M.smegmatis. This was accomplished by isolating resistant strains of M.smegmatis towards the most effective complex (Cp*hexyl)Ir(L-phenylglycine)-Cl. Cross drug resistance of these mutants was shown with clarithromycin. The DNA of the 23s ribosomal subunit was sequenced revealing a deletion/insertion mutation within domain V (bases 2057-2058). / Ph. D. / This disserataion discribes the discovery of laboratory created synthetic organometallic molecules (carbon and metal containing molecules) that exhibit antimicrobial properties. Each of these molecules are specifically designed and tailored to combat several infectious and antibiotic resistant disesaes. The different and unique compositions of each of these novel molecules allows for a potentially new class of antibiotics. Each of these organometallic molecules was able to be tailored to comabt either Staphylococcus aureus or Mycobacteria. Each of these bacteria have significant health risks and are a growing threat to public health. During the course of this work it was found that the molecules containing amino-acids were specific for activity against all types of Mycobacteria studied. The diamine containing molecules were specific for gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus). Actvity to confirm this activity was measured by MIC (Minimal inhibitory concetration). This is the amount of the molecule that is needed to stop the growth of the bacteria studied. The complexes with the highest activity were tested for their potential hazardous interactions with mammalian cells. It was revealed that not only do these molecules have activity in combating potentially deadly pathogens but they are not active against several mammalian cell lines. This shows that these can be possible candidates for a new line of antimicriobial drugs.

Sandwich Panels with cellular cores are widely used in the aerospace industry for their higher stiffness to mass, strength to mass ratio, and excellent energy absorption capability. Even though, sandwich panels are considered state of the art for lightweight aerospace structures, the requirement to further reduce the mass exists due to the direct impact of mass on mission costs. Traditional manufacturing techniques have limited the shape of the cores to be either hexagonal or rectangular, but, with rapid advancements in additive manufacturing, other core shapes can now be explored. This research aims to identify and evaluate the mechanical performance of two-dimensional cores having standard wall geometry, which provide higher specific stiffness than honeycomb cores. Triangular cores were identified to have higher specific in-plane moduli and equivalent specific out-of-plane and transverse shear moduli. To consider practical use of the triangular cores, elastic and elastic-plastic structural analysis was performed to evaluate the stiffness, strength, failure, and energy absorption characteristics of both the core and sandwich panels. The comparison made between triangular cores and hexagonal cores having the same cell size and relative density showed that triangular cores outperform hexagonal cores in elastic range and for applications where in-plane loading is dominant. Triangular cores also have excellent in-plane energy absorption capabilities at higher densities. / Master of Science / Sandwich panels with cellular cores are widely used in aerospace structures to reduce weight, which helps increase payload and improve fuel efficiency. They also have the ability to absorb energy during accidental impacts. Sandwich construction typically consists of two thin facesheets separated by a lightweight core and, is analogous to I-beams used in civil structures. Most commonly used core is the hexagonal honeycomb core inspired by beehives. While sandwich panels constructed using honeycomb cores are considered the state-of-the-art for lightweight aerospace structures, there is a need to further reduce the mass due to the direct impact on mission costs. This research aims to explore other core shapes that provide better stiffness to mass ratio than the hexagonal core. Among the two-dimensional cores explored, the triangular shaped core was identified to have higher stiffness than the hexagonal core of the same size and weight. To consider practical use of triangular cores, mechanical performance and failure behavior of sandwich panels constructed using triangular core sandwich panels was compared to hexagonal core sandwich panels. It was concluded that the triangular panels provided higher stiffness for the same mass and was more resistant to failure when axially loaded. Triangular cores also have excellent in-plane energy absorption capabilities at higher densities.