Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Engineering: Mechanical Engineering, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2015. / Vacuum Infusion (VI) and Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) are liquid composite moulding processes used in the manufacture of components from composite materials. The composite material in this case consists of a resin matrix combined with fibre reinforcement. In both moulding processes, a dry reinforcement preform is placed in the mould cavity and a liquid resin is introduced, driven by a pressure differential. Two rigid surfaces are used in RTM to create a fixed mould cavity. In contrast VI implements only one rigid surface and a flexible membrane or vacuum bag to form a non rigid cavity. The flexible cavity in VI influences and differentiates resin flow behaviour from that of RTM. Modelling resin flow enables the velocity, pressure and flow direction to be predicted. Resin flow in the RTM process is understood and modelled using Darcy’s law. However, flow in the VI process is not accurately modelled due to the added complexity introduced as a result of the flexible cavity. In the present work a novel approach was developed to investigate fluid flow in both processes. A unique experimental setup and testing procedure allowed for the direct comparison of fluid flow in RTM and VI. Identical flow parameters, conditions and preform construction were used in the assessment. The comparison isolated the effect of preform thickness variation as a differentiating factor influencing flow. From the experimentation, material behaviour was characterised and used to evaluate flow models for RTM and in particular VI. The model solutions were compared back to corresponding experiments. The pressure distribution behind the flow front, fill time and thickness behaviours were assessed. The pressure distribution / profiles behind the flow front of both VI and RTM were noted to be scalable with flow front progression. The profiles were curved in the VI experiments and linear in the RTM case. All VI models evaluated including the non accumulation based model accurately predicted the pressure distribution and consequently thickness variations in the VI tests. Fill times of the VI experiments were longer than that of the equivalent RTM tests. This behaviour is in contrast to previously interpreted fill time behaviour for the VI process based on VI models. It was also noted that the VI fill times were not only proportional to the square of the fill length, as in the RTM case, but also proportional to the square of the mass present. In addition, no significant accumulation was noted in the VI experiments. / D

Ces travaux de thèse, menés dans le cadre du projet de recherche européen MAAXIMUS (More Affordable Aircraft through eXtended, Integrated and Mature nUmerical Sizing), portent sur la simulation numérique de problèmes d'interaction flambage-délaminage au sein de composites stratifiés. Cette interaction met en jeu des phénomènes non linéaires de natures différentes (flambages local et global de plis, initiation et propagation du délaminage, contact entre plis fissurés) qui entraînent des pertes de rigidité importantes et des instabilités, sur des géométries très élancées du fait de la forte différence d'échelle entre les zones délaminées et le pli élémentaire. En conséquence, la prédiction conduit à traiter des problèmes non linéaires de grande taille dont la résolution est uniquement envisageable par l'utilisation des architectures de calcul parallèle actuelles.Dans ce contexte de résolution parallèle, la stratégie multiéchelle LaTIn (Large Time Increment) de décomposition de domaine mixte présente de nombreux avantages déjà mis en évidence lors de travaux précédents dans le cas du délaminage et du contact en petites perturbations. Le but de cette thèse est donc de proposer une extension de la méthode aux grandes transformations.Une grande partie des travaux a été consacrée à s'affranchir des difficultés inhérentes aux structures élancées. Une étude des paramètres de la méthode dans les cas de la flexion, du flambage, du contact entre grandes surfaces fissurées et du délaminage, a été réalisée pour optimiser le taux de convergence, diminuer les temps de calcul et assurer l'extensibilité de la stratégie. / The presented work, within the framework of the European research project MAAXIMUS (More Affordable Aircraft through eXtended, Integrated and Mature nUmerical Sizing), is dedicated to the numerical prediction of combined buckling and delamination problems in composite laminates. This interaction involves non-linear phenomena of different natures (e.g. local and global buckling of plies, initiation and growth of delamination, contact between delaminated surfaces) resulting in important stiffness loss and instabilities, on very slender geometries due to the scale difference between delaminated areas and the thickness of the plies. Therefore, their prediction leads to very large and highly nonlinear numerical problems that can only be solved using parallel computing techniques.In this context, the Latin (Large Time Increment) multiscale strategy, which is based on a mixed domain decomposition, has many advantages already highlighted in previous works in the case of delamination and contact assuming small perturbations. The aim of this thesis is to include geometric nonlinearities into this existing multiscale framework.A major work has been devoted to overcome the difficulties associated with slender structures. A study of the parameters of the method in the case of bending, buckling, contact between large surfaces and delamination, was performed to optimize the convergence rate, reduce the computation time and ensure the scalability of the strategy.

L’objectif de cette thèse est le développement et l'extension de la méthode SPH pour l'analyse de structures de type coque, isotropes et composites multicouches soumises à des chargements dynamiques. Les différents verrouillages de la méthode SPH classique, tels que la non consistance, l'instabilité en traction, sont résolus par la méthode dite "Corrective Smoothed Particle Method", l'utilisation d'une Formulation Lagrangienne Totale et l'introduction de viscosité artificielle. Le modèle de coque basé sur la théorie de Reissner-Mindlin est adopté pour la modélisation des structures de coque épaisses en utilisant une seule couche de particules dans le plan moyen. La forme forte d’équations gouvernantes de coque sont discrétisées directement par la méthode SPH améliorée et résolues par un schéma explicite basé sur les différences finies centrées. Une extension de la méthode a été faite pour la modélisation d'impact de coques par des objets rigides à faible vitesse. La force de contact est calculée en utilisant la théorie de Hertz. Une dernière extension de la méthode concerne l'intégration du critère de rupture de Tsai-Wu pour la modélisation de la dégradation progressive pour les structures composites multicouches. / The objective of this thesis is the development and the extension of the SPH method for the analysis of isotropic and multilayered composite shell structures, undergoing dynamic loading. Major defects of the classical SPH method such as the lack of consistency, the tensile instability are solved by "Corrective Smoothed Particle Method", the use of the Total Lagrangian Formulation and artificial viscosity. Mindlin-Reissner Theory is employed for the modeling of thick shells, by using only one layer of particles in the mid-plane. The strong form of the governing equations for shell structures are discretized directly by the modified SPH method and solved using the central difference time integration scheme. An extension of the method has been introduced for the modeling of low-velocity impact of shells by rigid impactors. The contact force is calculated based on the Hertzian contact law. A last extension of the SPH method concerns the integration of Tsai-Wu failure criterion for the modeling of progressive degradation of multilayered structures.

Les composites à matrice céramique (CMC) sont des matériaux constitués d’une matrice céramique renforcée par des fibres céramiques continues (généralement à base de SiC ou de C). Le travail de thèse présenté, réalisé en collaboration avec Snecma Propulsion solide et l’Agence De l’Environnement et de la Maîtrise de l’Energie, a pour objectif d’introduire des matériaux CMC au sein de pièces de moteurs d’avions civils, concurrençant ainsi les alliages métalliques actuellement utilisés. Pour ce faire, les matériaux CMC devront répondre aux exigences propres à l’aéronautique civil, à savoir qu’ils devront présenter une longue durée de vie en atmosphère oxydante dans une gamme de basse température (400-600°C) et avoir un coût compétitif. Dans ce contexte, des matériaux CMC constitués de fibres SiC de première génération, de coût moins élevé, sont étudiés, mais leur inconvénient majeur est leur plus grande sensibilité à l’oxydation. Des matrices auto-cicatrisantes multicouches à base de Si, B, et C ont été développées ces dernières années afin d’assurer une tenue à l’oxydation des fibres, mais elles ne sont pas opérantes dans la gamme de température imposée. Compte tenu d’études précédemment réalisées et des exigences requises pour l’application visée, l’objectif du travail présenté dans ce mémoire est de proposer des solutions pour améliorer la tenue à l’oxydation de renforts fibreux à base de fibres de SiC de première génération, dans la gamme de température 400-600°C, en évitant un surcoût de production trop important. / Continuous fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composites (CFCCs) are an important class of materials for structural applications at elevated temperatures because of their improved flaw tolerance, large fracture resistance, improved toughness by crack deflection and crack bridging mechanism, low density and noncatastrophic mode of failure comparing with metallic materials. Fibers play a critical role in both the processing and performance of CFCCs. SiC-based fibers are considered leading candidate materials in the aerospace application, such as engine turbines. However, the major shortcoming of SiC-based fibers is their oxidative embrittlement and degradation, which is caused by the oxygen ingression from the micro cracks and interstitials in the composites, is the dominant life-limiting phenomenon of non-oxide composites. This study carried out with the financial supply of both Snecma Propulsion Solide and Agence De l’Environnement et de la Maîtrise de l’Energie has for objective to integrate SiC-based as reinforcement in CFCCs for civil aircraft engine application. In order to reach this objective, it is imperative to find a novel approach to diminish the oxygen ingression by developing protective fiber coatings.

An experimental study was conducted on the strength and toughness characteristics of concrete made from recycled aggregate, cement and fly ash reinforced with reclaimed high density polyethylene plastic (HDPE) fibers. The objectives of the investigation were: (1) to evaluate the performance of a sustainable concrete containing up to 90% recycled materials; (2) to determine the variation of strength and toughness with a Fiber Factor incorporating length, width and amount of HDPE fibers; (3) to identify the best performing mix design based on tensile strength and toughness and (4) to provide some guidelines for the use of this sustainable composite in Civil Engineering construction. The results showed that the HDPE fiber reinforcements did not improve the compressive strength of the mixture. However, HDPE fibers improved the ductility and toughness which may be beneficial for structural and pavement applications. / by Roody Numa. / Thesis (M.S.C.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2011. / Includes bibliography. / Electronic reproduction. Boca Raton, Fla., 2011. Mode of access: World Wide Web.

Hybrides nano /micrométriques de nanotubes de carbone (NTC) greffés sur microparticules d’alumina, microplaques de SiC ou nanoplaquettes de graphène (NPG) ont été utilisés comme renforts multifonctionnelles dans les composites à matrice polymère. Le NTCs utilisés étaient généralement sous forme de six branches symétriques et orthogonales sur microparticules sphériques d'Al2O3, mais d'une ou deux branches alignées verticalement sur les deux côtés de microplaques de SiC et de NPG. L’introduction des structures hybrides dans une matrice époxy permet d’améliorer la dispersion des NTC et l'interaction interfaciale entre les renforts et la matrice. Les propriétés mécaniques des composites ont été fortement améliorées avec une faible concentration de hybrides. La résistance électrique in situ des composites a atteint d’abord à sa valeur maximale et puis diminue avec la présence d'une déformation irréversible. Ce phénomène observé est complètement différent par rapport à ce des composites renforcé par NTC, c’est-à-dire, une augmentation monotone de la résistance jusqu'à leur rupture final. Les propriétés mécaniques et les comportements de self-sensing des composites dependent fortement de l'élancement de NTC de leur organisation et aussi des substrats. L'introduction des hybrides dans les composites renforcés par des fibres longues (verre) a démontré un grand potentiel pour développer des composites multi-échelles. Les études réalisées sur la matrice époxy renforcée par les hybrides bien dispersés avec une faible fraction ont montré des améliorations importantes des propriétés de flexion à 3 points et des propriétés thermo-mécaniques. Les réseaux conducteurs formés par hybrides nano/micrométriques permettent de suivre in situ l'évolution de l’état de dégradation des composites à matrice époxy renforcés par des tissus de verre sous contrainte appliquée. / Nano/micro multiscale hybrids with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) grown on the Al2O3 microparticles, SiC microplates or graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) could serve as multifunctional reinforcements in the composites. The CNTs generally form into symmetric six-orthogonal branches on the spherical Al2O3, but vertically align on the flat surfaces of the SiC and GNP. The introduction of hybrids into the epoxy matrix endows uniform dispersion of CNTs as well as improved interfacial interaction between the reinforcements and matrix. Significantly enhanced mechanical properties of the composites were achieved at low hybrid concentration. The in situ electrical resistance of the composites initially increases to its maximum value and then begins to decrease with the appearance of irreversible deformation, which is different from the pristine CNTs filled composites only with monotonic increase of the resistance until their catastrophic fracture. The mechanical and self-sensing behaviors of the composites are found to be highly dependent on CNT aspect ratio, organization and the substrates. Besides, the introduction of hybrids into the traditional fiber-reinforced composites shows great promise in development of the high-performance multiscale composites. The epoxy matrix is toughed by the well dispersed hybrids at low fraction, resulting in improved flexural and thermomechancial properties. Besides, the conductive networks provided by the hybrids could be utilized as in situ damage sensors to monitor the damage evolution in the glass fabric/epoxy composite laminates under tensile loading.

Au cours de ce travail de thèse, la Cellulose Nanofibrillée (CNF) a été isolée à partir de fibres de paille d’avoine puis modifiée chimiquement par des alcoxysilanes en milieu aqueux. La CNF silylée a ensuite été utilisée pour élaborer de nouveaux matériaux composites et mousses biosourcés.Le chapitre I présente quelques aspects généraux concernant les nanocelluloses, en particulier la NFC et ses applications dans le domaine des matériaux composites et des mousses.Le chapitre II est consacré à la fonctionnalisation de la CNF par le méthyltriméthoxysilane - choisi comme alcoxysilane modèle - ainsi qu’à la caractérisation du matériau silylé. Plusieurs paramètres réactionnels (pH, temps de réaction, concentration initiale en silane) ont été étudiés et optimisés, à partir de deux protocoles expérimentaux distincts. Les modifications ont été caractérisées à l’échelle moléculaire par différentes techniques physico-chimiques. Les propriétés des nanofibrilles silylées, comme la morphologie, cristallinité, mouillabilité, hygro-copicité et stabilité thermique, ont ensuite été évaluées.Dans le chapitre III, l’impact de la silylation sur les propriétés mécaniques et hygroscopiques de composites à matrice acide poly(lactique) ou matrice polydiméthylsiloxane chargés en NFC a été évalué.Pour finir, l’impact de la silylation sur les propriétés de mousses élaborées à partir de NFC lyophilisées a été étudié dans le chapitre IV (porosité, propriétés en compression, conductivité thermique, mouillabilité, hygroscopicité et oléophilicité). / In this thesis, nanofibrillated cellulse (NFC) has been isolated from oat straw and chemically modified by alkoxysilanes in water medium. Silylated NFC has been subsequently used to elaborate novel biobased composite materials and foamsChapter I presents some general aspects about nanocelluloses – in particular Nanofibrillated Cellulose (NFC) - and their use in composite materials and foams.Chapter II is dedicated to the functionalization of NFC by methyltrimethoxysilane - chosen as a model silane - and to the comprehensive examination of the silylated material. Reaction conditions such as pH, reaction time and initial silane concentration have been particularly in-vestigated and optimized using two distinct experimental protocols. The modifications have been characterized at the molecular level by various physicochemical techniques. The proper-ties of the silylated nanofibrils i.e. the morphology, crystallinity, wettability, hygroscopicity and thermal stability, have been subsequently examined. Chapter III investigates the impact of silylation on the mechanical and hygroscopic properties of NFC-reinforced composites prepared with two distinct polymeric matrices: poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS).Chapter IV examines the impact of silylation on the properties of NFC-foams prepared by freeze drying, in particular on the porosity, compressive properties, thermal conductivity, wet-tability, hygroscopicity and oleophilicity.

Electrical and thermal behavior of the carbon fiber polymer matrix composites subjected to time-varying and steady electric currents is studied. A fully automated experimental setup for real time measurements of the electric current, resistance, voltage, and temperature in carbon fiber polymer matrix composites has been developed. A series of electrical characterization tests on IM7/977-3 unidirectional and symmetric cross-ply composite laminates have been performed and the effects of electric current magnitude and duration, electrical resistance, and associated thermal effects have been investigated. It is determined that voltage-current relationship stays ohmic for up to 50 A steady currents, electrical resistance exhibits time-dependent behavior. It is also found that application of an electric current leads to a significant temperature rise in the composites that is a result of the intense Joule heat produced in the electrically conductive carbon fibers as well as in the composite-electrode contact.

No description available.

The aim of this study was to develop a new single-part healing system for self-healing composites. The self-healing approach to composite repair has been developed in the last two decades and means that a damaged area can be repaired by material already housed within the structure. The background and development of self-healing has been reviewed. The two main self-healing mechanisms are discussed. To date only two part self healing systems have been examined. These require diffusion of the separate constituents to a single location in order to effect cure and restore strength. Single part adhesives do not have this disadvantage and are therefore very attractive. Several candidate single-part adhesive or resin systems were considered and discussed according to the critical requirements of a self-healing system. A series of experiments was undertaken to evaluate the possibility of candidate adhesive systems being effective for self-healing by focusing on the determination of storage stability and bonding efficiency. The results of storage stability testing showed that the stability of cyanoacrylate and polyurethane adhesives was poor. However silane and polystyrene cements showed good storage stability. Very low bonding efficiency was achieved with polystyrene cement but a 22% strength recovery was obtained with the silane 3-[tris(trimethylsiloxy)silyl]-propylamine. Suggestions for further research into single-part healing systems are also given.