Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Silvio Facciotto, Pavel Simacek, Suresh G. Advani, Anthony Pickett, Peter Middendorf
Summary: RTM is a composite processing technique that injects resin under pressure to fill the empty spaces between fibers enclosed in a cavity between molds. This research models the dual scale behavior and void evolution through a multi-scale approach to predict the location and distribution of voids in a manufactured composite.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Martin Szarski, Sunita Chauhan
Summary: The manufacturing cycle time of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) is crucial for aerospace manufacturers. This study utilizes a deep neural network agent trained on a 3D finite element resin flow model to optimize the placement of flow media on thin laminates, resulting in reduced fill time while maintaining the same fill quality.
JOURNAL OF INTELLIGENT MANUFACTURING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
S. Chen, A. M. Joesbury, F. Yu, L. T. Harper, N. A. Warrior
Summary: This study introduces local intra-ply stitch removal to improve the formability of a pillar-stitched biaxial NCF, using an optimization method that selectively removes stitches to minimize local shear angle and total stitch removal area. Experimental results confirm successful elimination of macro-scale wrinkling and demonstrate a global effect on formability when intra-ply stitches are removed according to the optimized pattern.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Dug-Joong Kim, Jaeyoung Lim, Byeunggun Nam, Hee-June Kim, Hak-Sung Kim
Summary: By utilizing design optimization and impact analysis, a composite B-pillar made of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) was designed to improve impact performance and reduce weight compared to conventional steel B-pillars.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PRECISION ENGINEERING AND MANUFACTURING-GREEN TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
S. Bancora, C. Binetruy, S. Advani, S. Comas-Cardona, A. Leygue
Summary: In the Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) process, a novel Dual-Scale Skeleton model (DSS) is introduced to solve the challenging task of simulating the dual-scale flow problem at an affordable computational cost. The DSS model replaces the three-dimensional geometry of a multi-layer layup with a skeletonized representation and uses a Reynolds-Darcy finite elements formulation to model the dual-scale flow. Numerical validation and application demonstration show that the DSS model is capable of simulating complex dual-scale flow problems at a reduced computational cost compared to full 3D solutions.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
J. V. Viisainen, A. Hosseini, M. P. F. Sutcliffe
Summary: This study investigates the effect of component geometry on the wrinkling mechanisms of non-crimp fabrics during preforming, revealing the significant impact of geometry on wrinkle severity and the existence of two possible wrinkling mechanisms. Additionally, the increase in local shear resistance and textile compression are shown to be related to fabric wrinkles.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Luca Marchi, Luca Pozza
Summary: This study presents an extended numerical and experimental investigation on a Timber-Concrete Composite Connection (TCCC) using injection moulded GFRP components. The results show that the GFRP notch can fully utilize the screws' withdrawal capacity without causing sudden concrete failures, regardless of the type of concrete used.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Rajan Jagpal, Evangelos Evangelou, Richard Butler, Evripides G. Loukaides
Summary: This study demonstrates the feasibility and flexibility of the distributed magnetic clamping (DIMAC) method in multiple ply forming strategies, and proposes a method to measure the wrinkling degree. The study also analyzes the impact of ply bending mechanics on the compression folding process.
COMPOSITES COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Mechanics
Ming Mei, Yujia He, Kai Wei, Xujing Yang
Summary: In this study, the preforming characteristics of both single layer and multi-layered NCF hemisphere preforming are systematically investigated through experiments. Strategies such as increasing the weight of the blank holder and optimizing the fabric geometry are applied to mitigate defects. It is found that the macro and meso wrinkles in the single layer fabric preforming are related to positive and negative shear deformation, while the defects are more severe in ply configuration [0 degrees /90 degrees, +/- 45 degrees] compared to [0 degrees /90 degrees]2 in multi-layered fabric preforming. Moreover, the macro wrinkle is more likely to induce defects in the adjacent layer than the meso wrinkle. The weight increase of blank holder strategy effectively mitigates the macro and meso wrinkles by adjusting shear deformation. Additionally, the geometrical optimization of fabric controls the fabric tension in different layers and hemisphere regions, effectively mitigating defects induced by interlayer interaction and shear deformation in multi-layered fabric preforming.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SOLIDS AND STRUCTURES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Aerospace
R. del Cuvillo, J. A. Artero-Guerrero, J. Pernas-Sanchez, J. Lopez-Puente
Summary: Carbon fiber reinforced epoxy laminates are widely used in aeronautical structures. This study investigates the addition of graphene particles to improve the mechanical properties of laminates manufactured using resin transfer moulding. The research demonstrates a 7.6% improvement in compression after impact tests and reveals the influence of graphene on the load-bearing capacity of the laminates through SEM analysis. Additionally, the feasibility of using graphene in an industrial environment is demonstrated by manufacturing an aircraft structure without modifying the existing industrial process.
AEROSPACE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Somen K. Bhudolia, Goram Gohel, Jayaram Kantipudi, Kah Fai Leong, Pierre Gerard
Summary: Current research investigates the low-velocity impact response of hollow tubular structures manufactured using novel thermoplastic resin and carbon fiber reinforcements. The study found that the new composite material showed advantages in peak load and absorbed energy, with higher damage energy attributes.
MATERIALS & DESIGN
(2021)
Article
Mechanics
Shengnan Zhang, Yingjie Xu, Weihong Zhang
Summary: This study proposes a novel micromechanical model to investigate the effects of curing on the tensile properties and failure mechanisms of carbon/epoxy laminates reinforced with z-pins. The microstructures caused by z-pins, such as fiber distortion and resin-rich pockets, are characterized. The results show that increasing z-pin density leads to the presence of cure-induced residual stresses. The high stress concentration is attributed to the thermal expansion and volume shrinkage mismatch between z-pins and resin-rich regions. The existence of interfacial stress concentration and resin-rich channels results in a loss of tensile strength and provides an initial pathway for crack growth under tension. Moreover, the failure mode changes from interfacial cracking to softening and damages of both interface and resin-rich regions with increasing z-pin density.
COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
B. X. Chai, B. Eisenbart, M. Nikzad, B. Fox, A. Blythe, P. Blanchard, J. Dahl
Summary: In this study, a novel multistage heuristic optimisation framework is proposed to optimise the radial injection configuration for the RTM process. The framework effectively identifies suitable search starting points and rapidly converges to the nearest optimum in the search neighbourhood. The results demonstrate the framework's capability to attain satisfactory outcomes at a significantly reduced computational cost.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Hamed Abdoli, Tino Hermann, Simon Bickerton
Summary: Permeability is an important parameter for textile reinforcements, and current measurement methods are destructive. This study introduces a non-destructive measurement concept based on air flow and utilizes a neural network to interpret the data. Limited predictive accuracy has been achieved.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
T. S. Mesogitis, G. M. Maistros, M. Asareh, C. Lira, A. A. Skordos
Summary: The study optimized a dielectric sensor for process monitoring in RTM, validated the technology's feasibility in industrial conditions through simulation and optimization. Increasing wire radius and decreasing coating thickness were found to improve sensor sensitivity, allowing for effective operation at high pressure and temperature.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2021)
Proceedings Paper
Polymer Science
Niccolo Giani, Jacopo Ortolani, Laura Mazzocchetti, Tiziana Benelli, Francesco Picchioni, Loris Giorgini
Summary: This study reports the use of recycled carbon fibers to produce a thermoplastic composite filament for additive manufacturing. Filaments with 5% and 10% recycled carbon fiber loadings were produced and analyzed after optimizing the production process. The study focused on the influence of the production process on carbon fiber length and the thermal and mechanical properties of the composite materials.
MACROMOLECULAR SYMPOSIA
(2022)
Proceedings Paper
Polymer Science
Francesco Montorsi, Gianluca Brancolini, Laura Mazzocchetti, Tiziana Benelli, Loris Giorgini
Summary: This study focuses on optimizing the pyro-gasification process of carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs) to recover carbon fibers (CFs) for the production of sustainable composites. The thickness of the composites plays a crucial role in determining suitable pyro-gasification conditions.
MACROMOLECULAR SYMPOSIA
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Emanuele Maccaferri, Matteo Dalle Donne, Laura Mazzocchetti, Tiziana Benelli, Tommaso Maria Brugo, Andrea Zucchelli, Loris Giorgini
Summary: The study found that nanofibrous mats can effectively hinder delamination in composite laminates.The combination of Nylon 66 nanofibers and Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) can produce rubber/thermoplastic membranes that hinder delamination. The performance of Nylon 66 mats electrospun from different solvent systems was compared, and it was found that mats electrospun from formic acid/chloroform performed better. The NBR coating benefits both types of nanofibers and significantly improves interlaminar fracture toughness (G(I)). The best results were achieved by interleaving medium-thickness and lightweight mats with a high loading of rubber.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Giacomo Selleri, Francesco Mongioi, Emanuele Maccaferri, Riccardo D'Anniballe, Laura Mazzocchetti, Raffaella Carloni, Davide Fabiani, Andrea Zucchelli, Tommaso Maria Brugo
Summary: The development of electronic skins and wearable devices is rapidly growing due to their broad application fields. Tactile sensors based on piezoelectric polymers, such as PVDF-TrFE nanofibers, are widely used for their self-powering capability, flexibility, and light weight. In this work, a flexible sensor was manufactured using PVDF-TrFE nanofibers with enhanced piezoelectric properties, and carbon black-based electrodes were used to collect the piezoelectric signal. The sensor showed a sensitivity of up to 4 mV/N in a frequency range consistent with human activities, and its proposed electrical model was validated by experimental results.
Article
Polymer Science
Emanuele Maccaferri, Laura Mazzocchetti, Tiziana Benelli, Jacopo Ortolani, Tommaso Maria Brugo, Andrea Zucchelli, Loris Giorgini
Summary: Graphene can effectively enhance the properties of polymers and polymer composites. In this study, the effect of different nanofibers (polyether, polyester, and polyamide) and graphene addition on the mechanical properties of epoxy-matrix carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs) was evaluated. The results showed that polycaprolactone and poly(ethylene oxide) improved the properties of CFRPs through matrix toughening, while Nylon 66 enhanced the properties through nanofiber bridging. However, graphene did not provide a positive contribution in this context.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Nicola Spignoli, Giangiacomo Minak
Summary: This study aims to investigate the fatigue behavior of thin-walled structures and the potential impact of post-process treatments. Specimens with novel geometry were produced using selective laser melting (SLM) technology and subjected to different treatments. The results showed that mechanical treatments and T6 quenching significantly improved the fatigue strength. Microscopic observations and measurement of density and porosity were performed. The study concluded that the thickness did not affect fatigue life in the cases studied.
Article
Mechanics
Maria Pia Falaschetti, Francesco Rondina, Emanuele Maccaferri, Laura Mazzocchetti, Lorenzo Donati, Andrea Zucchelli, Loris Giorgini
Summary: This study investigates the integration of rubbery nanofibers into composite laminates to improve crash performance. The results show that the nanofibers significantly increase the fracture toughness of the laminates and improve the energy absorption capacity by 8.2%.
COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Stefano Scurti, Jacopo Ortolani, Alberto Ghirri, Emanuele Maccaferri, Daniele Caretti, Laura Mazzocchetti
Summary: Phosphorylated poly(vinyl alcohol) (PPVA) is synthesized and used as an intumescent flame inhibitor coating for carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates. The PPVAs exhibit excellent fire resistance properties, reducing the flame time by up to 58%. In contrast, poly(vinyl alcohol) coatings worsen the overall fire behavior of the material, highlighting the crucial role of phosphorous in reducing flammability.
PROGRESS IN ORGANIC COATINGS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Emanuele Maccaferri, Andrea Canciani, Laura Mazzocchetti, Tiziana Benelli, Loris Giorgini, Stefania Albonetti
Summary: Polymeric catalytic membranes made of PEO/PEGDA blends with Au/Pd catalyst were proposed for water phase and low-temperature reactions. The resulting nanofibrous mat, optimized in terms of blend solution, electrospinning process, and UV irradiation time, maintained its structure in water. The addition of Au-6/Pd-1 catalyst supported on TiO2 enabled the production of a catalytic nanofibrous membrane, which demonstrated potential usage in catalysis through the reduction of 4-NP to 4-AP.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Irene Coralli, Demetra Giuri, Lorenzo Spada, Jacopo Ortolani, Laura Mazzocchetti, Claudia Tomasini, Lee A. Stevens, Colin E. Snape, Daniele Fabbri
Summary: The study investigates the use of three silica-polyethylenimine materials for CO2 adsorption in carbon capture and storage. The researchers found that solvent extraction and pyrolysis can recover and utilize these materials, obtaining valuable chemicals in the process.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Adriano Parodi, Vincenzo Arpaia, Chiara Samori, Laura Mazzocchetti, Paola Galletti
Summary: This study characterized the main components of starch-based plastics and investigated three recycling strategies. The results showed that all three methods were effective in recovering the components of starch-based plastics. Extensive characterization of the recovered PBAT demonstrated the efficiency of the processes. The environmental sustainability of the proposed approaches was preliminarily evaluated through the calculation of their environmental factor.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Marine
Giangiacomo Minak
Summary: This paper examines the primary applications and recent developments of solar energy as the main power source in the maritime sector. A comprehensive review of literature identifies three prominent areas for advancing solar energy-powered boats: maritime drones, sporting boats, and short-range touristic vessels. The paper explores specific cases and discusses potential future perspectives.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Iacopo Bassi, Francesca Delchiaro, Claudia Bandinelli, Laura Mazzocchetti, Elisabetta Salatelli, Gianluca Sarti
Summary: In PVC compounds, hydrogen chloride plays a fundamental role in flame retarding and promoting cross-linking. Low-smoke acidity PVC compounds have been developed to reduce HCl emission and smoke. However, acid scavengers in these compounds can neutralize the action of flame retardants and make PVC items prone to ignite.
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Keyu Zhu, Xitao Zheng, Jing Peng, Jiaming Sun, Ruilin Huang, Leilei Yan
Summary: This paper discusses the influence of multiple impacts on the compression strength of honeycomb sandwich structures with composite face sheets. It is found that the size of the impactor affects the turning point of the compression strength. Additionally, high impact energy leads to damage in the bottom face sheet and reduces the overall compression strength.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Danqian Wang, Yanfei Yue, Jueshi Qian
Summary: Magnesium Potassium Phosphate Cement (MKPC) as a binder for steel rebars shows improved corrosion resistance when subjected to carbonation, due to the increase in pH and the formation of a more protective oxide film.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Zhibin Li, Wenyu Wang, Pengcheng Xue, Xingyu Wei, Jian Xiong
Summary: This work proposes a design approach and manufacturing method for carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) corrugated sandwich truncated cones (CSTC) to improve their anti-debonding ability and ensure reliability. The study establishes theoretical models for CSTCs' stiffness and failure modes, which are verified through experiments and finite element analysis (FEA). The research reveals the effect of geometric parameters on failure modes and performs an optimal design for CSTC structures. The findings have significant implications for the design and application of lightweight CSTCs in constructions, such as launch vehicle adapters.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Mingyu Zhang, Lei Chu, Jiahua Chen, Fuxun Qi, Xiaoyan Li, Xinliang Chen, Deng-Guang Yu
Summary: This review summarizes the different structures and construction methods of fibrous membranes with asymmetric wettability. It also reviews the biological applications of these membranes and suggests future challenges.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
E. Mofakhami, L. Gervat, B. Fayolle, G. Miquelard-Garnier, C. Ovalle, L. Laiarinandrasana
Summary: This study investigates the effects of fibre concentration on the mechanical response of welded glass-fibre-reinforced polypropylene (GF-PP). Experimental observations reveal a significant reduction in weld ratio, up to 60%, indicating a decreased strength compared to the bulk material. Increasing fibre content in the welded material results in a decrease in stress at break and strain at the maximum stress. The use of DIC technique and X-ray microtomography further confirms the localized strain amplification in the welded zone due to the significant increase in fibre density.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Emad Pourahmadi, Farjad Shadmehri, Rajamohan Ganesan
Summary: This research compares the mechanical properties of laminates manufactured using automated fiber placement and conventional autoclave curing methods. The results show that laminates manufactured using automated fiber placement have a lower interlaminar shear strength compared to laminates reconsolidated using autoclave curing. A finite element simulation method is proposed to quantitatively analyze these differences.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Johnny Jakobsen, Benny Endelt, Fahimeh Shakibapour
Summary: This study proposes a new bolted/pinned joining method for composite applications, which improves load transfer by introducing a patch-type reinforcement. Experimental results demonstrate significant improvements in both static and fatigue load conditions compared to existing methods. Finite element simulations highlight the advantage of this method, as it creates a more efficient load-transferring mechanism through different stress distributions.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Gisele G. Cintra, Janine D. Vieira, Daniel C. T. Cardoso, Thomas Keller
Summary: This paper proposes a novel approach to assess multi-crack behavior in layered fiber-polymer composites. The generated Compliance and R-curves provide useful insights into understanding the multiple delamination process and allow for separate evaluation of strain energy release rate (SERR) for each crack. The developed cohesive zone model successfully simulates the failure process zone of three parallel cracks, showing good agreement between the numerical model and experimental results.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Renil Thomas Kidangan, Sreedhar Unnikrishnakurup, C. Krishnamurthy, Krishnan Balasubramaniam
Summary: The induction heating process can accurately identify fiber orientation and stacking order, making it a valuable tool for large-area inspection and quality control in manufacturing fiber-reinforced composites.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Sungjun Hwang, Yousoo Han, Douglas J. Gardner
Summary: Bleached Kraft pulp, unbleached Kraft pulp, and old corrugated cardboard pulp are suitable for producing cellulose nanofibril suspensions. Spray drying is a fast, simple, cost-effective, and scalable drying method. Spray-dried cellulose nanofibrils can be used as reinforcing materials in polypropylene matrices. The particle size of cellulose nanofibrils affects the material properties.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Mehdi Mahdavi, Abbas Zolfaghari
Summary: This study aims to improve the recovery forces of shape memory polymers (SMPs) through material extrusion additive manufacturing. By using glass fiber (GF) as reinforcement and manufacturing multi-layer composite specimens, it was found that PLA with 6.62% GF exhibited the best recovery force, which was further optimized through annealing heat treatment.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Review
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Xiang Ao, Antonio Vazquez-Lopez, Davide Mocerino, Carlos Gonzalez, De-Yi Wang
Summary: The vulnerability of natural fibers to heat and fire poses a significant challenge for their substitution of traditional fiber reinforcements in composite materials. Natural fiber/polymer composites (NFCs) are regarded as potential candidates for engineering applications due to their environmental friendliness and low-impact sourcing. Thus, appropriate approaches need to be implemented to enhance the fire safety of NFCs. This review summarizes and discusses the latest understanding of flammability and thermal properties of natural fibers, with a special focus on their interaction with polymer matrix in fire behavior. Additionally, the latest developments in flame-retardant approaches for NFCs are reviewed, covering both flame retardancy and fire structural integrity. Finally, future prospects and perspectives on fire safety of NFCs are proposed, providing insights into further advancements of NFCs.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Cheng Wang, Siqi Huo, Guofeng Ye, Bingtao Wang, Zhenghong Guo, Qi Zhang, Pingan Song, Hao Wang, Zhitian Liu
Summary: The demand for multifunctional, transparent epoxy resin with superior dielectric, mechanical, and fire-safety performances is increasing in modern industries. Researchers have developed an epoxidized, phosphaphenanthrene-containing poly(styrene butadiene styrene) (ESD) for advanced fire-safe epoxy resin, which maintains high transparency and improves UV-blocking property. The addition of 10 wt% ESD results in improved mechanical properties, decreased dielectric constant and loss, and outperformance compared to other fire-safe epoxy resins. This research provides an effective method for developing multifunctional flame-retardant epoxy resin.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Bo Pang, Heping Zheng, Zuquan Jin, Dongshuai Hou, Yunsheng Zhang, Xiaoyun Song, Yanan Sun, Zhiyong Liu, Wei She, Lin Yang, Mengyuan Li
Summary: This study develops an internal superhydrophobic material (ISM) using waste denitrification fly ash, which maintains stable hydrophobicity under harsh conditions of use and does not rely on expensive fluor-based surface modifications. The synthesized ISM has excellent matrix strength, strong waterproof properties, and retains superhydrophobicity even at damaged or friction interfaces.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Meirbek Mussatayev, Qiuji Yi, Mark Fitzgerald, Vincent K. Maes, Paul Wilcox, Robert Hughes
Summary: Real-time monitoring of carbon fibre composites during Automated Fibre Placement (AFP) manufacturing remains a challenge for non-destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques. This study designed a directional eddy-current (EC) probe to evaluate the detectability of out-of-plane wrinkles. Experimental evaluations and finite element modeling were conducted to better understand the relationship between eddy-current density and defect detection. The findings suggest that the probe configuration with an asymmetric driver coil and differential pickup coils shows the best capability for wrinkle detection.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
