Complex systems can be divided into simpler substructures. Determining the properties of each subcomponent by experimental procedures is practical and can serve to verify or calibrate finite element models. In this work, an existing model of a wind turbine blade was improved by use of experimental data. Such a blade is a subpart of a complete wind turbine. For calibration purpose, several material tests were made in order to determine the stiffness and mass properties. Later on, vibration tests of the blades were conducted and compared with simulation results of the improved model. Geometry variability within sets of blades was also studied. The blade twist angles and the center of gravity positions were found to vary moderately, which accounts for differences in blades’ dynamic behavior. Correlations between experimental data and analytical model results were very high for the first eight modeshapes. That is, according to the Model Assurance Criterion the calibrated model achieves a high-quality representation of reality. However, torsional modes in the computer model occur at a higher frequency than the experimental ones. Substructuring of the turbine allows the blades to be modeled and validated independently of the other substructures and can later be incorporated into a complete model of the turbine.

An experimental technique has been presented to probe the mechanical behavior of thin film materials. The method is capable of tensile testing thin films on substrate and free-standing thin film specimens. A mechanical gripper was designed to address the current challenges in gripping thin film specimens. In order to measure the strain field across the gage section, the moire interferometry technique was used and the respective optical setup was designed. A versatile microfabrication process has been developed to fabricate free-standing dog-bone specimens. Aluminum was used as the model material; however, any other metallization material can be integrated in the process. Thin film specimens have been characterized using SEM, AFM, and TEM. A process has been developed to fabrication diffraction gratings on the specimen by FIB milling. Different grating geometries were fabricated and the diffraction efficiency of the gratings was characterized. The structural damage induced by the Ga+ ions during the FIB milling of the specimens was partially characterized using STEM and EDS. In order to extract the strain field information from the moire interferogram data, a numerical postprocessing technique was developed based on continuous wavelet transforms (CWT). The method was applied on simulated uniform and nonuniform strain fields and the wavelet parameters were tuned to achieve the best spatial localization and strain accuracy.

An experimental technique has been presented to probe the mechanical behavior of thin film materials. The method is capable of tensile testing thin films on substrate and free-standing thin film specimens. A mechanical gripper was designed to address the current challenges in gripping thin film specimens. In order to measure the strain field across the gage section, the moire interferometry technique was used and the respective optical setup was designed. A versatile microfabrication process has been developed to fabricate free-standing dog-bone specimens. Aluminum was used as the model material; however, any other metallization material can be integrated in the process. Thin film specimens have been characterized using SEM, AFM, and TEM. A process has been developed to fabrication diffraction gratings on the specimen by FIB milling. Different grating geometries were fabricated and the diffraction efficiency of the gratings was characterized. The structural damage induced by the Ga+ ions during the FIB milling of the specimens was partially characterized using STEM and EDS. In order to extract the strain field information from the moire interferogram data, a numerical postprocessing technique was developed based on continuous wavelet transforms (CWT). The method was applied on simulated uniform and nonuniform strain fields and the wavelet parameters were tuned to achieve the best spatial localization and strain accuracy.

In this research, the amorphous/nanocrystalline ZrCu/Cu multilayered thin films with various conditions such as individual layer thickness, total layer thickness, and interface type have been successfully fabricated by the multi-gun sputtering processes. To investigate the mechanical properties and deformation behaviors of substrate-supported ZrCu/Cu multilayered thin films, these films deposited on the Cu or polyimide foils were prepared for tensile testing. Firstly, the tensile behaviors of the monolithic ZrCu thin film metallic glass and the ZrCu/Cu multilayered thin films deposited on the pure Cu foils are systematically examined. The extracted tensile modulus and strength of the 1-£gm-thick multilayered thin films are in good agreement with the theoretical iso-strain rule of mixture prediction. The extracted 2-£gm-thick multilayered film data are lower, but can be corrected back by considering the actual intact cross-sectional area during the tensile loading. Moreover, the current results reveal that the ZrCu/Cu multilayered coating exhibit much better tensile performance than the monolithic ZrCu coating. It indicates that the amorphous/nanocrystalline multilayered thin film structure can certainly enhance the mechanical properties of monolithic thin film metallic glasses under tension. Secondly, for the further investigation of tensile response, the polyimide-supported amorphous/nanocrystalline ZrCu/Cu multilayered thin films with various individual layer thicknesses from 10 to 100 nm were prepared. The relatively soft, smooth, and flexible polyimide foils as the substrates in this experiment can undergo sufficient deformation under In this research, the amorphous/nanocrystalline ZrCu/Cu multilayered thin films with various conditions such as individual layer thickness, total layer thickness, and interface type have been successfully fabricated by the multi-gun sputtering processes. To investigate the mechanical properties and deformation behaviors of substrate-supported ZrCu/Cu multilayered thin films, these films deposited on the Cu or polyimide foils were prepared for tensile testing. Firstly, the tensile behaviors of the monolithic ZrCu thin film metallic glass and the ZrCu/Cu multilayered thin films deposited on the pure Cu foils are systematically examined. The extracted tensile modulus and strength of the 1-£gm-thick multilayered thin films are in good agreement with the theoretical iso-strain rule of mixture prediction. The extracted 2-£gm-thick multilayered film data are lower, but can be corrected back by considering the actual intact cross-sectional area during the tensile loading. Moreover, the current results reveal that the ZrCu/Cu multilayered coating exhibit much better tensile performance than the monolithic ZrCu coating. It indicates that the amorphous/nanocrystalline multilayered thin film structure can certainly enhance the mechanical properties of monolithic thin film metallic glasses under tension. Secondly, for the further investigation of tensile response, the polyimide-supported amorphous/nanocrystalline ZrCu/Cu multilayered thin films with various individual layer thicknesses from 10 to 100 nm were prepared. The relatively soft, smooth, and flexible polyimide foils as the substrates in this experiment can undergo sufficient deformation under tension. The modulus and strength of the multilayered thin film are again demonstrated to be consistent with the theoretical iso-strain rule of mixture values. As the individual layer thickness decreases from 100 to 10 nm, the Young¡¦s moduli are only varied slightly. However, the maximum tensile stress exhibits a highest value for the 25 nm layer thickness. The higher crack spacing, or the lower crack density, of this 25 nm multilayer film leads to the highest strength. Thirdly, to avoid the stress and strain incompatibility owing to the mismatch of elastic modulus and strength levels from the connected amorphous/nanocrystalline layers, the Cu-supported amorphous/nanocrystalline ZrCu/Cu multilayered thin films with sharp and graded interfaces were successfully sputtered and examined by tensile testing. The extracted tensile properties of the multilayered films can be compared with the predicted values based on the two-phase and three-phase iso-strain rule of mixture model. The multilayered films with graded interfaces, each about 50 nm thick, consistently exhibit higher tensile strength and elongation. This can be rationalized by the reduced stress and strain incompatibility along the interfaces.

Synthesis of high molar mass polycarbonate polyurethanes using a novel polyol is described. The resulting elastomers demonstrate excellent mechanical properties as well as the capability to re-heal after rupture without the addition of additives or imbedded healing agents. The self-healing functionality is shown to greatly improve with the addition of up to 1% single and multi-walled carbon nanotubes. The interface of the carbon nanotubes and self-healing polymer are probed using Raman techniques and provide an insight into how the self-healing actions are improved with the addition of carbon nanotubes. Synthesis of polycarbonate polyurethanes and carbon nanotube composites using a novel casting method is described and compared to the more traditional solution casting method. The dispersion of the carbon nanotubes is evaluated as well as the effect of effective dispersion on the composites through tensile testing, rheometry and hardness testing. Although complete agglomeration avoidance could not be achieved, significant size decrease was observed. Over 200% improvement in tensile strength is shown with conventional solution casting method which is further improved by the described novel solution casting method. Contact angle measurements on our novel self-healing poly (carbonate urethane) and CNTs composites show that surface energies are drastically changed when CNTs are used. The most revealing finding is that f×svp increases in CNT composite materials from ~30% of the surface energy on average for the samples tested, to ~80%. We have shown that surface free energies increase most likely as a result of exposing hydrogen bonding sites typically found within the bulk in polyurethanes. Our polyurethane differs from traditional polyurethanes in that it has both novel soft segments made from a novel polycarbonate polyol discussed in chapter 2 and relatively soft ¡§hard¡¦ segments resulting from the use of H12MDI, all leading to increased ability to hydrogen bond within the material. The availability of the hydrogen bonding sites is demonstrated by FTIR absorbance bands for associated and unassociated hydrogen bonding sites, which do not seem to be accessible to a large until the PCPU¡¦s surface is disrupted. Once disrupted, the exposed hydrogen bonding sites are able to bond with other bonding sites of adjacent ruptured surfaces. This would explain why our material is non-blocking, e.g. won¡¦t stick to itself, until the surface is ruptured. It would also explain why any two ruptured surfaces of our material will reheal, even if they were not attached previously.

The focus of this thesis is to research and develop a uniaxial tensile testing technique and methodology to attain the post-peak softening response for ultra-high performance concrete under confining pressure. This particular multi-axial behavior is valuable in improving current material models in finite element simulations for US Army applications into hardened target structures.

Welding is a common method for joining of metal or plastic construction parts. This report describes several different weld methods in general terms. The report focuses on the GMAW method, specifically MAG welding. A case study has also been performed for the company Wenmec. The task received from the company was to compare the mechanical properties of joints welded with the tube electrode called Nittetsu SM-3A and joints welded with the homogenous electrode called ESAB Aristorod 12.63. Both types of weld joint were welded with the MAG method with an Argon based shielding gas with 18% CO2. The final task of this study is to compare the cost of these electrodes and then help Wenmec to decide which electrode that is the most cost effective. Tensile testing, impact testing and fatigue testing were performed on the weld joint samples. The hardnesses, microstructures, failure zones and chemical composition were examined with optical microscopy and SEM. The weld time, the amount of consumed electrode and the weld energy was measured during welding. These properties were similar and the differences between the different joints could be ignored. Both weld joint types showed similar microstructures and hardnesses. The microstructure was ferrite with carbides or perlite at the grain boundaries. Some silicon oxides were found in the grains. The yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and cycles to fatigue failure were similar in the two joint types, but the Aristorod weld joint showed higher impact strength and elongation at break. The chemical composition showed that the SM-3A electrode was a metal cored electrode with some additions of deoxidizing elements and a Copper coating. The Aristorod 12.63 electrode also showed the presence of deoxidizing elements and likely had a Titanium based coating. The sheet metal used as the work pieces are called Ruukki Laser 355 MC and is steel with low Carbon content, some Manganese and some impurities. The SM-3A electrode was costlier than the 12.63 electrode. This work concluded that the 12.63 electrode was a better alternative for Wenmec due to the lower cost, higher impact strength and higher elongation at break / Svetsning är en vanlig metod för att sammanfoga detaljer av metall och i vissa fall plast. Denna rapport beskriver flera olika svetsmetoder och allmänna fakta kring dem varpå rapporten fördjupas inom GMAW metoden, specifikt MAG. Ett detaljfall studeras också då företaget Wenmec gett uppdraget att jämföra mekaniska egenskaper för svetsfogar svetsade med rörelektroden Nittetsu SM-3A respektive den homogena elektroden ESAB Aristorod 12.63. Båda fogtyperna svetsades med MAG metoden och en argonbaserad skyddsgas med 18 % CO2. Till sist berör detta arbete de svetsekonomiska aspekterna för Wenmec och om företaget bör byta elektrodtyp eller inte. Mekanisk provning som utförts var dragprovning, slagprovning och utmattningsprovning. Mikrostrukturen och hårdheten i svetsfogarna jämfördes samt brottytor och kemisk sammansättning undersöktes med SEM. Vid svetsning jämfördes svetstid och materialåtgång samt den så kallade sträckenergin. Svetstekniskt var de båda svetsfogarna så lika att skillnader kunde ignoreras. Det visade sig att de båda elektroderna gav upphov till svetsgods med likadan mikrostruktur och snarlik hårdhet. Mikrostrukturen visade sig vara ferritisk med vissa mängder karbid eller perlit vid korngränserna. Partiklar i mikrostrukturen visade sig vara främst kiseloxider. Cykler till utmattningsbrott, sträckgräns och brottgräns var snarlika mellan de båda svetsfogarna medan Aristorod 12.63 hade bättre brottöjning och slagseghet. Den kemiska analysen visade att SM-3A var en metallpulverfylld rörelektrod med vissa deoxiderande tillsatser och en ytbeläggning som bestod av koppar. Aristorod 12.63 hade också vissa deoxiderande tillsatser och hade troligen en titanhaltig ytbeläggning. Stålplåten som användes som arbetsstycke var Ruukki Laser 355 MC och är ett lågkolstål med en aning mangan och andra föroreningar. De ekonomiska aspekterna visar att SM-3A är ett dyrare alternativ än 12.63. Sammantaget kom detta arbete fram till att SM-3A inte är ett attraktivt alternativ för Wenmec då slagseghet och brottöjning var sämre och elektroden dessutom var dyrare.

This project aimed to address the lack of research into the mechanical properties and degradation mechanisms for historical tapestries at the fabric level and understand how effective conservation support strategies can be in the preservation of these artifacts. The research incorporated a large range of techniques from diverse disciplines including weaving, ageing, computer modeling, biochemistry and conservation science. The successful manufacture and ageing of relevant samples provided an excellent opportunity to include testing of historical samples for comparison. Tensile testing of all samples provided a valuable insight into the characteristics of degraded historical samples compared to artificially aged samples. Although individual ageing processes – including UV ageing, Relative Humidity (RH) – thermal cycling and mechanical strain ageing produced a reduction in strength, the historical samples showed a far greater loss of strength due to the combination of all types of ageing in addition to handling and pollution damage. A proteomic analysis of the wool fibres resulted in a greater understanding of the degradative “dark” wool ageing process which suggests that wool yellowing and tendering can be produced not just through photo-chemical reaction. Additionally, the chemical analysis laid an important foundation for future research into linking chemical mechanisms of damage with mechanical loss of strength. Analysis using electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR) provided an insight into the free radical chemistry of a range of wool/wool samples. It was observed that the light aged samples produced thiyl radicals whereas thioperoxy radicals were seen in the heat-humidity aged samples. This implies separate chemical reactions occur to produce degradation in the different ageing regimes. EPR analysis of some historical samples produced a carbon-based radical peak linked to a soot calibration signal. Further research on historical samples found phenolic radicals, possibly linked to the complex dye chemistry. Further research needs to be undertaken to fully clarify these findings. A world-wide questionnaire to textile conservators has provided a useful resource in terms of a survey of methods and materials used across the world – including technical data as well as more “ethical” motivations for conservation. The results of this survey were used along with the physical data collated in the mechanical testing as information inputted into a finite element model (FEA) to undertake the digital modeling of a tapestry hanging under its own weight. Although more research is needed to fully develop this model, a preliminary investigation has been established which can be used in future research as a tool for textile conservators across the world.

Today, structural adhesives are found extensively in load-bearing engineering applications, as their use can be advantageous compared to other fastening methods. However, the characteristics of adhesives are far more complex, making it challenging to predict their behavior in different service conditions. In addition, environmental factors like temperature and water can affect the performance of an adhesive bond both physically and chemically. This work was initiated by MuoviTech AB and aims to evaluate the performance of structural methyl methacrylate adhesives cured in different environmental conditions. The study began with a literature review to find relevant research and literature about structural adhesives, their material characteristics, and the effects of temperature and water on the performance of adhesive bonds. A market survey was conducted to find products suitable for the experiment, and Araldite 2050, Araldite 2051, Permabond TA4200, 3M DP8810NS, LoctiteHY 4070, and Acralock SA 10-05 were selected together with MuoviTech AB. The laboratory work began with sample preparation in terms of abrasion and cleaning of the surface. The adhesives were applied to the samples, and single-lap joints were prepared and cured in room temperature and normal humidity, as well at 5 °C and underwater, for 24 hours. Single-lap shear tests were performed according to American standard ASTM D3163. Lastly, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was utilized for the thermal analysis of the samples cured at 5 °C and underwater. The results showed that neither of the adhesives performed in the range specified in the manufacturers’ technical data sheets (TDS). Lower failure strength and elongation was observed for the samples cured at 5 °C and underwater, compared to the samples cured in the optimal condition. However, Loctite HY 4070 showed an increase in failure strength. The DSC analysis revealed various degrees of post-curing. Further investigation with prolonged curing time and more environmental conditions are recommended. New tests for Loctite HY 4070 is also recommended to confirm the results. / Idag finns strukturella lim i stor utsträckning i bärande tekniska applikationer, eftersom deras användning kan vara fördelaktig jämfört med andra fästmetoder. Limmens egenskaper är dock mycket mer komplexa, vilket gör det svårt att förutsäga deras beteende under olika serviceförhållanden. Dessutom kan miljöfaktorer som temperatur och vatten påverka en limbindnings prestanda både fysiskt och kemiskt. Detta arbete initierades av MuoviTech AB och syftar till att utvärdera prestanda för strukturella metylmetakrylatlim härdade under olika miljöförhållanden. Studien inleddes med en litteraturöversikt för att hitta relevant forskning och litteratur om strukturella lim, deras materialegenskaper och effekterna av temperatur och vatten på limförbandens prestanda. En marknadsundersökning genomfördes för att hitta produkter som var lämpliga för experimentet, och Araldite 2050, Araldite 2051, Permabond TA4200, 3MDP8810NS, Loctite HY 4070 och Acralock SA 10-05 valdes tillsammans med MuoviTech AB. Arbetet i laboratoriet inleddes med provförberedelse genom slipning och rengöring av provens yta. Lim applicerades på proverna och förband med enkla överlapp (single-lap) bereddes och härdades i rumstemperatur och normal fuktighet, liksom vid 5 ° C och under vatten, under 24 timmar. Skjuvtester utfördes enligt den amerikanska standarden ASTM D3163. Slutligen användes differentiell svepkalorimetri (DSC) för termisk analys av proverna som härdades vid 5 ° C och under vatten. Resultaten visade att inget av limmen presterade i enlighet med det som beskrevs i tillverkarnas tekniska datablad (TDS). Däremot så observerades en lägre brottstyrka och töjning för proverna som härdades vid 5 ° C och under vatten, jämfört med de prover som härdades i det optimala tillståndet. Loctite HY 4070 visade emellertid en ökning av brottstyrka. DSC-analysen gav indikation på att olika grader av efterhärdning. Ytterligare undersökningar med längre härdningstid och med flera miljöförhållanden rekommenderas. Nya tester för Loctite HY 4070 rekommenderas också för att bekräfta resultaten.

To successfully develop a functional tissue-engineered vascular patch, recapitulating the hierarchical structure of vessel is critical to mimic mechanical properties. Here, we use a cell sheet engineering strategy with micropatterning technique to control structural organization of bovine aortic vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) sheets. Actin filament staining and image analysis showed clear cellular alignment of VSMC sheets cultured on patterned substrates. Viability of harvested VSMC sheets was confirmed by Live/Dead® cell viability assay after 24 and 48 hours of transfer. VSMC sheets stacked to generate bilayer VSMC patches exhibited strong inter-layer bonding as shown by lap shear test. Uniaxial tensile testing of monolayer VSMC sheets and bilayer VSMC patches displayed nonlinear, anisotropic stress-stretch response similar to the biomechanical characteristic of a native arterial wall. Collagen content and structure were characterized to determine the effects of patterning and stacking on extracellular matrix of VSMC sheets. Using finite-element modeling to simulate uniaxial tensile testing of bilayer VSMC patches, we found the stress-stretch response of bilayer patterned VSMC patches under uniaxial tension to be predicted using an anisotropic hyperelastic constitutive model. Thus, our cell sheet harvesting system combined with biomechanical modeling is a promising approach to generate building blocks for tissue-engineered vascular patches with structure and mechanical behavior mimicking native tissue.