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A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Materials Science and Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2023) | Viewed by 18000

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Arkadiusz Denisiewicz

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Guest Editor

Faculty of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environmental Engineering, University of Zielona Góra, Zielona Góra, Poland
Interests: solid and structural mechanics; multiscale modelling; composite materials and structures; computational methods; ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC); parallel programming

Prof. Dr. Mieczysław Kuczma

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Guest Editor

Civil and Transport Engineering, Institute of Building Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, Poznan, Poland
Interests: shape memory alloys; composite materials and structures made thereof; optimal design of composite materials and structures; structures with clearances; development of numerical algorithms for problems with unilateral constraints; development of computer codes

Dr. Antonella D'Alessandro

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Guest Editor

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
Interests: SHM; assessment, strengthening and repair of structures; structural health monitoring; structural testing and modeling; smart materials; self-sensing materials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Krzysztof Kula

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Faculty of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environmental Engineering, University of Zielona Góra, Zielona Góra, Poland
Interests: solid and structural mechanics; composite materials and structures; computational methods; damage analysis; numerical simulation of failure

Dr. Tomasz Socha

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Guest Editor

Faculty of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environmental Engineering, University of Zielona Góra, 65516 Zielona Góra, Poland
Interests: rheology of wood and synthetic polymers; wooden construction; composite materials and structures; strengthening of structures with glued-in composite; computer methods in structural mechanics and strength of materials

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, the composite materials have been widely used in many branches of industry, e.g., automotive, aerospace and civil engineering. It is very important to model and investigate the new modern composite materials and structures. The failure mechanism of the composite structure is significant to predict the load capacity and the live time of the structures. In the field, our interests are not only fiber composites, but all materials consisting of two or more homogeneous media used for lightweight structures. To ascertain the properties and mechanical behavior of the new material and structures, some sophisticated homogenization techniques are needed. Validation of the analytical or numerical results has to be done via appropriate experiments.

In this Special Issue on “Composite Structures - Modelling, Testing and Manufacturing”, we welcome review articles and original research papers, fundamental or applied, theoretical, numerical, or experimental, on composite structures. Topics include, but are not limited to:

Composite materials and components, lightweight structures
Design and manufacturing of lightweight hybrid structures
Numerical and experimental analysis
Methods for testing of composite materials
Computational methods and simulation techniques
Engineering methods of design, calculations, and simulations
Simulations of material and structural behavior using classical and novel approaches
Rheology of composite materials and structures
Homogenization methods in composite mechanics
Optimization problems and sensitivity analysis
Fatigue strength and fracture mechanics
Composite from renewable materials and recycling of composite structures
Composites and hybrid structures in mobile applications
Composite materials and lightweight structures with high thermal resistance
Processing and technology of composite materials and lightweight structures
Use of composite materials for engineering constructions and their reinforcement
Non-destructive investigation methods for composite materials and structures
Functional and special composite materials (e.g., smart materials)

Dr. Arkadiusz Denisiewicz
Prof. Dr. Mieczysław Kuczma
Dr. Antonella D'Alessandro
Dr. Krzysztof Kula
Dr. Tomasz Socha
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

composite materials and structures
numerical simulation
experimental research
civil engineering
manufacturing
analytical models

Published Papers (13 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 4122 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical and Durability Investigation of Composite Mortar with Carbon Microfibers (CMF)

by Antonella D’Alessandro and Filippo Ubertini

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(7), 2773; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app14072773 - 26 Mar 2024

Viewed by 356

Abstract

This paper investigates the mechanical properties and the durability implications of innovative cement-based mortars doped with carbon microfibers. In particular, mixes with different amounts of carbon additions are produced, and the properties of fresh and hardened samples are analyzed through workability, water absorption, and compressive and flexural tests under specific environmental conditions. These composites can be employed to enhance construction performance or provide structures with strain-monitoring capabilities. However, the analysis of their mechanical properties and their durability behavior is needed before extensive structural use. In this work, the preparation procedure is defined for the various mix designs, considering different amounts of carbon microfibers; then, fresh properties are evaluated, and different types of samples formed. After various curing times, the specific rheological and hardened properties of the specimens are tested in different conditions to consider the durability of the composites, essential for the real-scale adoption in structural elements. Preliminary electrical and sensing tests are first conducted to evaluate the monitoring potential of the investigated composites. The findings highlight the impact of carbon inclusions on the performance of cement-based mortars, offering valuable insights for their utilization in masonry construction or for repairing concrete structures. In particular, sensing capabilities are found to be highly enhanced by the presence of CMF. Additionally, the results of this research pinpoint key areas for further analysis in the material’s development process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composite Structures - Modelling, Testing and Manufacturing)

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18 pages, 7827 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ensuring the Energy Efficiency of Buildings through the Simulation of Structural, Organizational, and Technological Solutions for Facade Insulation

by Zeljko Kos, Ihor Babii, Iryna Grynyova and Oleksii Nikiforov

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(2), 801; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14020801 - 17 Jan 2024

Viewed by 713

Abstract

The article presents ways of selecting effective designs and technological and organizational solutions for the bonded thermal insulation systems of complex-shaped facades based on thermal field and flow modeling using the SolidWorks Simulation Xpress 2021 software and experimental–statistical modeling using the Compex program. Determining optimal insulation parameters at the design stage will help eliminate the negative effects of thermal bridges at balcony junctions and reduce the cost of implementing bonded thermal insulation systems for facades with complex shapes. It has been established that the most effective approach is to insulate not the entire perimeter of the balcony slab, as required by normative documentation, but rather to insulate a sufficient portion of the exterior wall, which is equal to 750 mm, with a 30 mm insulation thickness on top of the slab and 50 mm beneath it. This insulation technology is economically feasible for modern multistory buildings with nonstandard volumetric and architectural solutions, constructed using frame–brick, frame–monolithic, or monolithic schemes without thermal breaks between the balcony slab and the monolithic floor slab, with open-type balconies, bays, or uncovered loggias. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composite Structures - Modelling, Testing and Manufacturing)

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22 pages, 10687 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamic Characteristics of a Composite Beam with Viscoelastic Layers under Uncertain-But-Bounded Design Parameters

by Magdalena Łasecka-Plura

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(11), 6473; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app13116473 - 25 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 771

Abstract

In this study, dynamic characteristics of a composite beam with uncertain design parameters are analyzed. Uncertain-but-bounded parameters change only within certain specified limits. This study uses interval analysis to investigate a composite beam with viscoelastic layers whose behavior is described using the fractional Zener model. In general, parameters describing both elastic and viscoelastic layers can be uncertain. Several methods have been studied to determine the lower and upper bounds of the dynamic characteristics of a structure. Among them, the vertex method is a comparative method in which the lower and upper bounds of the dynamic characteristics are approximated using the first- and second-order Taylor series expansion. An algorithm to determine the critical combination of uncertain design parameters has also been described. Numerical examples demonstrate the effectiveness of the presented methods and the possibility of applying them to the analysis of systems with numerous uncertain parameters and high uncertainties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composite Structures - Modelling, Testing and Manufacturing)

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21 pages, 4392 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Structural Behaviour of Aluminium–Timber Composite Beams with Partial Shear Connections

by Marcin Chybiński and Łukasz Polus

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(3), 1603; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app13031603 - 27 Jan 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1649

Abstract

In this paper, the short-term behaviour of innovative aluminium–timber composite beams was investigated. Laminated veneer lumber panels were attached to aluminium beams with screws. Recently conducted theoretical, experimental, and numerical investigations have focused on aluminium–timber composite beams with almost full shear connections. However, no experiments on aluminium–timber composite beams with partial shear connections have yet been conducted. For this reason, composite action in composite beams with different screw spacing was studied in this paper. Four-point bending tests were performed on aluminium–timber composite beams with different screw spacing to study their structural behaviour (ultimate load, mode of failure, load versus deflection response, load versus slip response, and short-term stiffness). The method used for steel–concrete composite beams with partial shear connection was adopted to estimate the load bearing capacity of the investigated aluminium–timber composite beams. The resistance to sagging bending of the aluminium–timber composite beams with partial shear connections from the theoretical analyses differed by 6–16% from the resistance in the laboratory tests. In addition, four 2D numerical models of the composite beams were developed. One model reflected the behaviour of the composite beam with full shear connection. The remaining models represented the composite beams with partial shear connections and were verified against the laboratory test results. Laminated veneer lumber was modelled as an orthotropic material and its failure was captured using the Hashin damage model. The resistance to sagging bending of the aluminium–timber composite beams with partial shear connections from the numerical analyses were only 3–6% lower than the one from the experiments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composite Structures - Modelling, Testing and Manufacturing)

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14 pages, 5361 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Al-Foam Compression Tests in Parallel and Serial Concepts

by József Kertész, Máté File, Zoltán Nyikes, Tünde Anna Kovács and László Tóth

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(2), 883; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app13020883 - 09 Jan 2023

Viewed by 1382

Abstract

Taking into consideration the additional weight of a vehicle, today’s requirements can only be met using new materials and designs. The application of metal foam is one of the most promising methods of enhancing the impact energy absorption ability of the crumple zone. The energy-absorbing capacity of thin-walled structures filled with metal foams during compression can be notably improved, which results in lower loading on the passengers. The main goal of our research is to develop a new design that is suited to absorb more impact energy while taking into consideration weight optimization. The authors wanted to unveil the effect of the inhomogeneous filler material in these thin-walled structures. Therefore, the present study investigates the compression test of two metal foams of different densities, in different ways. In the first section, the foams were compressed independently from each other by a recording of a stress–strain diagram. After the single compression, the foams were loaded together, first in parallel, and subsequently in a serial scheme. The study aimed to reveal the effect of the parallel and serial compression scheme focusing on the sum of impact energy absorption. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composite Structures - Modelling, Testing and Manufacturing)

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19 pages, 2802 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Derivation and Verification of Laminated Composite T-Beam Theory

by Yu-Ting Lyu, Tsung-Pin Hung, Herchang Ay, Hsiu-An Tsai, Yih-Cherng Chiang and Ah-Der Lin

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(21), 11158; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app122111158 - 03 Nov 2022

Viewed by 1729

Abstract

This study analyzes the composite laminated T-beams using the composite beam and laminated composite plate theories. The theoretical formula was derived assuming that the composite T-beam has one- and two-dimensional (1D and 2D) structures. The 1D analysis was performed according to the Kirchhoff-Love hypothesis, thereby considering only the axial strain to derive a relationship between the strain and displacement. The 2D analysis was performed considering the T-beam as a combination of two composite sheets. The effective stiffness of the beam was derived from the stress-strain and moment-curvature relationships. Furthermore, the deflection of the beam and the stress of each laminate were calculated. A simple support beam, made of AS4/3501-6 carbon/epoxy, was used as a composite laminated T-beam. MSC/NASTRAN finite element software was used for analysis. The accuracy of the theoretical formula and limitations of its use was verified using the finite element analysis. Higher accuracy of the theoretical formula was obtained at a composite beam aspect ratio greater than 15. The formula derived in this study is suitable for thin and long beams. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composite Structures - Modelling, Testing and Manufacturing)

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13 pages, 2631 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modelling of Failure Behaviour of 3D-Printed Composite Parts

by Madhukar Somireddy, Aleksander Czekanski and Sundar V. Atre

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(21), 10724; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app122110724 - 23 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1590

Abstract

Failure in 3D-printed composite parts is complex due to anisotropic properties, which are mainly governed by printing parameters, printing strategy, and materials. Understanding the failure behaviour of materials is crucial for the design calculations of parts. Effective computational methodologies are yet not available for accurately capturing the failure behaviour of 3D-printed parts. Therefore, we proposed two different computational methodologies for modelling the failure behaviour of 3D-printed parts. 3D-printed parts subjected to uniaxial tensile loading were considered for modelling. In the first method, the computational model employed nonlinear properties of virgin material, and the model predicted higher values than the experimental results. This method provided idealistic nonlinear behaviour of 3D-printed parts. The difference in the results of experimental and computational is significant, especially in the case of 3D-printed composites. In the second method, the computational model utilized nonlinear material data from mechanical testing results and the model predicted accurate nonlinear behaviour of 3D-printed parts. This method provided realistic material behaviour of 3D-printed parts. Therefore, for effective design and analysis, it is suggested to use the latter computational methodology to capture the failure behaviour of 3D-printed parts accurately. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composite Structures - Modelling, Testing and Manufacturing)

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19 pages, 6009 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The State of Deformation and Stiffness Analysis of RC Beams Strengthened by Means of CFRP Strips at Different Load Levels

by Iwona Jankowiak

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(19), 9929; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12199929 - 02 Oct 2022

Viewed by 1359

Abstract

This work presented some selected results of laboratory tests and FEM analysis study of simple supported RC beams strengthened using carbon strips. The beams were examined to establish the effectiveness of this method of strengthening in terms of increasing their load-carrying capacity as well as flexural stiffness at different preloading states. A set of beams was divided into five groups, which differ in the level of the load applied before application of the composite strips on their bottom surfaces. Laboratory tests were supplemented with numerical analyses based on the finite-element method (FEM) using Abaqus software. The created numerical models were validated, and good agreement of the experimental results with the results obtained in the numerical analyses was observed. The deformation state existing in the main reinforcing bars, in concrete as well as in the strengthening composite strip, and its influence on the failure mechanism of the beams were analyzed. In the stiffness analysis, it was assumed that the stiffness of a beam strengthened with composite material after the elastic range (concrete and reinforcement steel) can be represented by the relation between the stiffness of the noncracked section B and beam curvature κ. The curvature–bending moment diagram as well as bending moment–stiffness diagram were prepared on the basis of laboratory and numerical results. Based on the results, it can be stated that the preload on the beam before strengthening affects the levels of deformation and the utilization rates of the composite material as well as reinforcing bars. The curvature and stiffness of the beams depend on the load level at which the CFRP strip strengthening is realized. The results of the analysis of preloaded beams before strengthening indicate that totally relieving them prior to strip application turns out to be the most beneficial solution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composite Structures - Modelling, Testing and Manufacturing)

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18 pages, 4468 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Elastic–Plastic Mechanical Behavior Analysis of a Nb₃Sn Superconducting Strand with Initial Thermal Damage

by Zhichao Zhang and Lifan Shi

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(16), 8313; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12168313 - 19 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1178

Abstract

It is well known that the parameters of Nb₃Sn superconducting strands are strain sensitive, and the internal brittle Nb₃Sn filament can easily break under deformations. A temperature difference from the preparation temperature of about 1000 K to the cryogenic working environment of 4.2 K damages brittle Nb₃Sn fibers before working. Based on the Curtin–Zhou model, the damage theory for fiber-reinforced composites is utilized to study the influence of filament fractures caused by thermal stress. According to the typical multi-scale geometric of the EAS-Nb₃Sn strand (European Advanced Superconductor, EAS), an efficient hierarchical homogenized calculation model considering filament fracture and matrix plasticity was established. In this work, we took the filament fracture caused by both thermal stresses and mechanical loads into consideration using the secant modulus and simultaneously had the impact of the plastic constitutive of the bronze matrix and the copper protective layer. Mechanical parameters, such as the homogenized secant modulus, shear modulus, and Poisson’s ratio in different directions of level scale, were predicted at various temperatures. The elastoplastic mechanical behavior of the strands subjected to axial load was analyzed, and the results were in good agreement with the experiment. The initial thermal fiber fracture has non-negligible effects on the mechanical properties of the EAS-Nb₃Sn superconducting strand and play the role in accelerating the increase in fiber breakage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composite Structures - Modelling, Testing and Manufacturing)

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9 pages, 1916 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Prediction of the Elastic Properties of Ultra High Molecular-Weight Polyethylene Particle-Reinforced Polypropylene Composite Materials through Homogenization

by Jong-Hwan Yun, Yu-Jae Jeon and Min-Soo Kang

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(15), 7699; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12157699 - 30 Jul 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1485

Abstract

In this study, to improve the mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP) with the objective of developing a composite with ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) as a reinforcement, the mechanical properties of the composite material were investigated via numerical analysis and finite element analysis (FEA). Based on a mathematical approach, the modulus of elasticity, shear modulus, and Poisson’s ratio were calculated using a numerical model, and, through FEA with application of the homogenization method, the elastic properties were predicted, and the results were comparatively analyzed. In the future, it will be necessary to compare experimental and numerical analysis results to verify the findings of this study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composite Structures - Modelling, Testing and Manufacturing)

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17 pages, 4157 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Computational Modelling for the Effects of Capsular Clustering on Fracture of Encapsulation-Based Self-Healing Concrete Using XFEM and Cohesive Surface Technique

by John Hanna

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(10), 5112; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12105112 - 19 May 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1602

Abstract

The fracture of microcapsules is an important issue to release the healing agent for healing the cracks in encapsulation-based self-healing concrete. The capsular clustering generated from the concrete mixing process is considered one of the critical factors in the fracture mechanism. Since there is a lack of studies in the literature regarding this issue, the design of self-healing concrete cannot be made without an appropriate modelling strategy. In this paper, the effects of microcapsule size and clustering on the fractured microcapsules are studied computationally. A simple 2D computational modelling approach is developed based on the eXtended Finite Element Method (XFEM) and cohesive surface technique. The proposed model shows that the microcapsule size and clustering have significant roles in governing the load-carrying capacity and the crack propagation pattern and determines whether the microcapsule will be fractured or debonded from the concrete matrix. The higher the microcapsule circumferential contact length, the higher the load-carrying capacity. When it is lower than 25% of the microcapsule circumference, it will result in a greater possibility for the debonding of the microcapsule from the concrete. The greater the core/shell ratio (smaller shell thickness), the greater the likelihood of microcapsules being fractured. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composite Structures - Modelling, Testing and Manufacturing)

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13 pages, 3933 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of Variables and Determination of the Mechanism Affecting the Effective Properties of Representative Volume Elements of Unidirectionally Aligned CNT-Based Nanocomposites

by Chan-Woong Choi, Ki-Weon Kang and Ji-Won Jin

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(8), 4000; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12084000 - 15 Apr 2022

Viewed by 1172

Abstract

This study identified the governing variables affecting the effective properties of the representative volume element (RVE) of nanocomposites consisting of unidirectionally aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and determined the mechanism through which they act. For this purpose, multi-walled nanotubes (MWNTs) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) were selected as the components of the nanocomposites, and Monte Carlo simulations were conducted to examine the variability of the effective properties according to the CNT length. The governing variables affecting the effective properties were identified considering the conditions under which the selected CNTs can be arranged inside the RVE. Using the geometrical relationship between the RVE and CNTs, a simplified two-parameter equation that can calculate the effective properties of the RVE was derived. Using this equation and Monte Carlo simulations, this study confirmed that the characteristics of the effective properties vary with changes in the length of the RVE and the length fraction of the CNTs, and the mechanism of these changes was determined. In addition, the variation in the characteristics of the effective properties according to the coefficient of variation of the CNT length was also determined. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composite Structures - Modelling, Testing and Manufacturing)

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Other

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19 pages, 1662 KiB

Open AccessProject Report

FRP Bridges in the Flanders Region: Experiences from the C-Bridge Project

by Wouter De Corte and Jordi Uyttersprot

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(21), 10897; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app122110897 - 27 Oct 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1095

Abstract

At the start of the C-Bridge project in 2018, the number of fibre-reinforced composite bridges in the Flanders region of Belgium was limited to a handful. These limited achievements were largely due to the poor knowledge of clients (public and private), project managers, design engineers, and contractors, which made the option of composites either unknown or still viewed with a certain degree of suspicion. In addition, there were no standards at the Belgian or European level for the design of such constructions. The C-Bridge project (roadmap into design, guidelines, and execution of composite bridges in Flanders) aimed to stimulate the design, the realization and the construction of composite bridges in Flanders by providing the necessary knowledge to the construction sector in the most suitable form. This knowledge consists of the current state of the art of composites in bridge construction, selection criteria for composite bridges, recommendations for specification texts, and in situ testing of composite bridges and structural and vibration analysis. This C-Bridge project should allow the awarding authorities and contractors to be able to make informed choices regarding fibre-reinforced polymer (fibre composite) bridges but also offer the possibility of making the necessary transformation to this new and promising material to various Flemish companies. The results of the project enable Flemish clients to draw up specifications for FRP bridges in the correct manner. Moreover, they can correctly interpret the calculation notes made available and make a correct assessment. The Flemish engineering firms, on the other hand, will be able to make their own designs of FRP bridges and bridge components. They can also build up a value chain within Flanders with Flemish contractors and producers. From the producers and suppliers’ point of view, the results of the project will lead to a clearer profile of their products on the public and private market. Finally, the general contractors and constructors will be armed to withstand the challenges that FRP bridges entail to subcontractors in terms of execution, follow-up, delivery, and maintenance. The findings are helpful for the acceptance of fibre-reinforced composite bridges as an alternative to timber, steel, or concrete bridges and should generate a market expansion for FRP in the traditionally conservative bridge-building sector first in Flanders and later internationally. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composite Structures - Modelling, Testing and Manufacturing)

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