Article
Materials Science, Composites
Shaoliang Huang, Yaqing Liu, Kai Wen, Xiaogang Su, Chaobo Liang, Hongji Duan, Guizhe Zhao
Summary: A novel microwave absorbing material (MAM) was developed using a honeycomb sandwich structure filled with magnetic shear-stiffening gel (STG). The structure was optimized to achieve excellent broadband microwave absorption and improved mechanical properties. Finite element analysis revealed the impact resistance mechanism of the material. This work provides a new idea and method for the design and preparation of high-performance MAMs for potential applications in weapons and flight equipment.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Niudong Han, Xiaoxu Wang, Diantang Zhang
Summary: ZPR honeycomb metamaterials have become a popular research topic for realizing the one-dimensional deformation of morphing wings due to their lightweight, low in-plane modulus, and high out-of-plane strength. A ZPR honeycomb metamaterial made from CF/PEEK material was prepared by 3D printing and its mechanical properties were tested. The results showed that the optimized metamaterial can achieve significant in-plane elastic deformation and has certain bending resistance. A new test method for evaluating the cyclic deformation behavior of flexible morphing wings was proposed.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Aerospace
Meng-Fu Guo, Hang Yang, Yi-Min Zhou, Li Ma
Summary: A three-dimensional hybrid double arrow-head (3D HDA) structure is proposed in this study, with tunable Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio through adjusting the complementary action of conventional and auxetic components. Geometric parameters have been found to influence the crushing behaviors and energy absorption performances of 3D HDA structure under different crushing conditions.
AEROSPACE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Engineering, Manufacturing
Rasana Nanoth, K. Jayanarayanan, P. Sarath Kumar, Meera Balachandran, Alessandro Pegoretti
Summary: This paper summarizes the investigations carried out over the last decade on the prediction of the influence of dual nanofillers (DNFs) and multiscale fillers (MSFs) in polymers using experimental and numerical approaches. DNFs and MSFs reinforced polymer composites have exceptional mechanical and thermomechanical properties through the design and control of material and process parameters. The current state of art of manufacturing methodologies, influential parameters, micromechanical models and simulation approaches for static and dynamic mechanical properties of hybrid polymer composites are discussed in this paper. An extensive literature review is conducted to discuss the experimental and micromechanical modulus of composites. Multiscale modelling strategy using stochastic FEM modelling techniques to consider the simultaneous inclusion of DNFs and MSFs of different length scales is reviewed. This review is an important standalone reference for investigations on the experimental, micromechanical models, and multiscale simulation strategies of static and dynamic mechanical properties of DNF and MSF reinforced hybrid polymer composites.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Alex Yohannan, Sumi Vincent, Nidhin Divakaran, Ajay Kumar Pottikadavath Venugopal, Swagata Patra, Kommaji Ashish, Smita Mohanty
Summary: The recent investigation on the development of novel multifunctional thermoplastic polymer-based filaments has led to the extensive use of hybrid nanofiller combinations. The combination of Montmorillonite (MMT) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) tends to enhance the properties of the polymer matrix. In this study, CNT-MMT hybrid was successfully synthesized and its properties were confirmed using various techniques. By adding different wt% of CNT-MMT to the polylactic acid (PLA) matrix, the percolation threshold concentration was determined. The tensile strength and storage modulus of PLA were enhanced with the addition of 1% CNT-MMT, but reduced with 2% addition due to nanofiller agglomeration. The electrical conductivity of the nanocomposites was significantly enhanced with the addition of CNT-MMT. These multifunctional filaments can be used for advanced 3D printing applications.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Hengyi Zhu, Hualin Fan
Summary: A lightweight carbon fiber reinforced composite sandwich cylinder with over-expanded honeycomb core has been designed and manufactured, demonstrating excellent stiffness and a relatively simpler fabrication process. Experimental and simulation analysis have revealed the strength and failure process of the cylinder.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Zhi-yong Li, You-song Xue, Bao-zhong Sun, Bo-hong Gu
Summary: This study reports the ballistic impact damage of plain-woven laminates with different hybrid structures and stacking sequences. Experimental and finite element analysis results show that UHMWPE/Kevlar hybrid laminates with Kevlar layers as the front face have the highest energy absorption capacity.
DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Mechanics
Aghna Mukherjee, Shaikh Faruque Ali, A. Arockiarajan
Summary: This manuscript investigates the snap-through characteristics of a special class of hybrid bistable symmetric laminate (HBSL) under different loading constraints and imperfections through experimental and numerical studies. The insights from the research are used to demonstrate the importance of snap-through characterization in designing a smart actuation system.
COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yingying Xue, Jianhui Mu, Yingjie Huang, Li Zhou, Zimu Shi
Summary: Auxetic materials are a class of materials that exhibit transverse expansion when longitudinally stretched. Research on new three-component auxetic composite-filled tubes showed that they have superior compressive properties compared to empty tubes and auxetic composites, significantly enhancing energy absorption and delaying crack initiation and propagation.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2021)
Article
Mechanics
Kanghui Song, Dawei Li, Changdong Zhang, Tingting Liu, Yunlong Tang, Yi Min Xie, Wenhe Liao
Summary: Inspired by natural hierarchical structures, this study proposes a new hierarchical honeycomb design methodology to overcome the shortcomings of conventional honeycomb structures. Through investigating the filling types, principles, and design basis of triangular, square, and circular holes at the microstructure level, a hierarchical honeycomb structure with superior mechanical properties is obtained. Simulation and experiment results show that the hierarchical honeycomb metastructures exhibit significantly improved overall mechanical properties compared with the conventional honeycomb structures, with the hierarchical honeycomb metastructures with circular holes having the best performance improvement.
COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
(2023)
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
Materials Science, Composites
Carson Squibb, Masaki Hada, Michael Philen
Summary: Polymer-filled honeycomb composites have higher in-plane moduli compared to honeycomb or polymer alone. Previous numerical modeling identified two key mechanisms for this stiffness amplification. This research extends these findings to thick walled honeycombs and experimentally validates the model predictions. The results support the model predictions and demonstrate the potential applications of these composites.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2023)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Vahid Daghigh, Davy M. Belk, Kamran Nikbin
Summary: Understanding the buckling behavior of fiber-reinforced composites (FRCs) is crucial for composite structure design. Finite element (FE) models were developed and validated in this study, accurately predicting numerical and experimental observations. The effects of specimen geometric imperfections were accounted for in the models through linear buckling analyses before nonlinear buckling analyses.
Article
Mechanics
Jian Ge, Lehua Qi, Wenlong Tian, Xujiang Chao, Wei Li, Hejun Li
Summary: This paper proposes a novel numerical model to accurately predict the effective elastic properties of C/C composites with anisotropic pyrocarbon. The model homogenizes the pore-pyrocarbon system as an equivalent matrix and divides it using a modified Voronoi tessellation method based on pyrocarbon micromorphology. Cohesive elements are introduced to capture the interphase effect on the effective elastic properties of C/C composites.
COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Lingbo Li, Fan Yang, Siyuan Zhang, Zhengmiao Guo, Lihua Wang, Xin Ren, Min Zhao
Summary: This paper proposes a star-rhombic honeycomb (SRH) design to improve the load-bearing capacity of conventional auxetic structures while maintaining their auxetic properties. Analytical models for the elastic modulus and Poisson's ratio of this structure under different loading directions are developed. Quasi-static compression experiments conducted on SRH specimens fabricated using selective laser melting (SLM) technique validate the improved elastic modulus and energy absorption capacity of the SRH structure. An optimum energy absorption performance is achieved for an appropriate ratio of the inner rhombic strut thickness to outer reentrant strut thickness (k = 0.5). The SRH structure exhibits significantly higher specific energy absorption compared to conventional reentrant honeycomb (RH) and star honeycomb (SH) structures, making it advantageous for applications requiring both auxetic and load-bearing properties.
ENGINEERING STRUCTURES
(2023)
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)