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Nanoparticle Reinforced Core Materials for Sandwich Construction: Investigation of Mechanical and Fracture Behavior

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Date Issued:
2008
Summary:
Sandwich composites provide excellent structural integrity for a variety of applications. In this study pristine and functionalized 30 nrn Silicon Carbide nanoparticles are infused into a low density polyurethane foam used for the inner core of the sandwich structure. The mechanical properties are characterized using compressive, tensile, and flexural tests. A plane-strain fracture test and a TSD (Tilted Sandwich Debond) test characterize the fracture properties of the foam and the coreskin interface. Thermal characterization is carried out using Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) and Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA). FTIR spectral analysis reveals changes in molecular bonding due to pristine and functionalized nanoparticle infusion. The fracture resistance of the foam is improved and the delamination strength of the sandwich construction with nanophased cores is dramatically improved. The TSD testing indicated that the G1c value rose from 0.14 kJ/m^2 in the neat foam to 0.56 kJ/m^2 with just 0.1 wt% of SiC nanoparticle inclusion reflecting an enhancement of almost 300%.
Title: Nanoparticle Reinforced Core Materials for Sandwich Construction: Investigation of Mechanical and Fracture Behavior.
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Name(s): Stewart, Justin Keith
Mahfuz, Hassan, Thesis advisor
Florida Atlantic University, Degree grantor
College of Engineering and Computer Science
Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Type of Resource: text
Genre: Electronic Thesis Or Dissertation
Date Created: 2008
Date Issued: 2008
Publisher: Florida Atlantic University
Place of Publication: Boca Raton, Fla.
Physical Form: application/pdf
Extent: 162 p.
Language(s): English
Summary: Sandwich composites provide excellent structural integrity for a variety of applications. In this study pristine and functionalized 30 nrn Silicon Carbide nanoparticles are infused into a low density polyurethane foam used for the inner core of the sandwich structure. The mechanical properties are characterized using compressive, tensile, and flexural tests. A plane-strain fracture test and a TSD (Tilted Sandwich Debond) test characterize the fracture properties of the foam and the coreskin interface. Thermal characterization is carried out using Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) and Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA). FTIR spectral analysis reveals changes in molecular bonding due to pristine and functionalized nanoparticle infusion. The fracture resistance of the foam is improved and the delamination strength of the sandwich construction with nanophased cores is dramatically improved. The TSD testing indicated that the G1c value rose from 0.14 kJ/m^2 in the neat foam to 0.56 kJ/m^2 with just 0.1 wt% of SiC nanoparticle inclusion reflecting an enhancement of almost 300%.
Identifier: FA00012558 (IID)
Degree granted: Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2008.
Collection: FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection
Note(s): College of Engineering and Computer Science
Subject(s): Composite materials--Mechanical properties
Nanostructured materials--Testing
Fracture mechanics
Held by: Florida Atlantic University Libraries
Sublocation: Digital Library
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00012558
Use and Reproduction: Copyright © is held by the author with permission granted to Florida Atlantic University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
Use and Reproduction: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
Host Institution: FAU
Is Part of Series: Florida Atlantic University Digital Library Collections.