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Polymers
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Damage Mechanics of Polymer Composites
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Damage Mechanics of Polymer Composites

A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymer Physics and Theory".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 December 2020) | Viewed by 48810

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Seyed Saeid Rahimian Koloor

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Guest Editor
Institute for Nanomaterials, Advanced Technologies and Innovation (CXI), Technical University of Liberec (TUL), Studentska 2, 461 17 Liberec, Czech Republic
Interests: solid mechanics (mathematical-physical modeling, simulation and experimentation); advanced composites; continuum mechanics; fatigue; fracture and damage mechanics; computational solid mechanics; design and analysis of materials and structures
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Majid Reza Ayatollahi

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Guest Editor
Center of Excellence in Experimental Solid Mechanics and Dynamics, School of Mechanical Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran 13114-16846, Iran
Interests: fracture mechanics; computational solid mechanics; experimental solid mechanics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Mohd Hamdi bin Abd Shukor

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Interests: composites; biomaterials; material processing; advanced manufacturing; surface engineering
Dr. Michal Petrů

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Machinery Construction, Institute for Nanomaterials, Advanced Technologies and Innovation (CXI), Technical University of Liberec, Studentská 1402/2, 46117 Liberec 1, Czech Republic
Interests: materials characterization; modeling; optimization; composites; machine design; machine learning
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Polymer composites have become the fastest growing and most widely used materials in the aerospace industry. Recent advances in the understanding of the mechanical and physical behaviors of polymer composite materials and structures govern the development of constitutive damage models, computational approaches, and novel experimental methods. The implementation of such models in practical applications becomes important and necessary to overcome the challenges in the design aspects of the polymer composite structures in advanced industrial applications. In addition, the development of novel experimental methods for mechanical and damage characterizations of polymer composites plays an important role in the prediction of the internal behavior and mechanical response of the materials to assess the mechanical performance of the polymer composite structures. This Special Issue on the damage mechanics of polymer composites promotes and contributes to the development of the new concepts of damage mechanics, bridging the gap between the fields of continuum deformations and classical mechanics of fatigue and fracture. It covers new developments in the science and engineering of theoretical, computational, and experimental damage mechanics. The Special Issue welcomes research on topics including:

  • Mathematical/physical modelling: elastic, plastic, damage, fracture, impact, fatigue, etc.
  • Computer simulation: finite element, finite difference, molecular dynamic, peridynamics, etc.
  • Experimental methods: empirical, NDT, DIC, photoelasticity, etc.
  • Mechanical and damage characterizations of composite materials.
  • New polymer based-composite materials: FML, FGM, FRP, etc.
  • Design and analysis of composite structures.
  • New applications of polymer composites in advanced industries.

Dr. Seyed Saeid Rahimian Koloor
Prof. Dr. Majid Reza Ayatollahi
Dr. Mohd Hamdi bin Abd Shukor
Dr. Michal Petrů
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • mathematical model
  • constitutive modelling
  • numerical and computational methods
  • experimental solid method
  • mechanical behavior
  • damage mechanics
  • fatigue and fracture mechanics

Published Papers (16 papers)

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17 pages, 6193 KiB  
Article
Fabrication of High-Quality Straight-Line Polymer Composite Frame with Different Radius Parts Using Fiber Winding Process
by Jaroslav Mlýnek, Seyed Saeid Rahimian Koloor, Tomáš Martinec and Michal Petrů
Polymers 2021, 13(4), 497; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym13040497 - 05 Feb 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2343
Abstract
The extraordinary features of fibrous composites enable advanced industries to design composite structures with superior performance compared to traditional structures. Composite frame structures have been designed frequently as components of mechanical systems to resist lateral and gravity loads. The manufacturing of high-quality composite [...] Read more.
The extraordinary features of fibrous composites enable advanced industries to design composite structures with superior performance compared to traditional structures. Composite frame structures have been designed frequently as components of mechanical systems to resist lateral and gravity loads. The manufacturing of high-quality composite frames depends primarily on the accurate fiber winding on frames with different pro-files and curved shapes. The optimal fiber winding process on a nonbearing composite frame with a circular cross-section is described in previous works by the same authors. As an extension to that, this study focuses on the manufacturing of straight-line composite frames with different profile radii at multiple locations. Such production procedure allows continuous winding of fibers gradually on individual parts of the frame and generally with different angles of fiber winding. The winding procedure is performed using fiber-processing head and industrial robot. The procedure for calculating the distance of the winding plane of fibers on the frame from the guide-line of the fiber-processing head is targeted. This distance depends on the required angle of fiber winding, the radius of the frame, and the geometric parameters of the fiber-processing head. The coordination of the speed of winding the fibers on the frame and the speed of the passage of the frame through the winding head is also considered. Determining the correct distance of winding the fibers from the corresponding guide-line of fiber-processing head and right coordination of the winding speed and the speed of passage of the frame through the fiber-processing head ensure compliance of the required angles of fiber windings on the frame and homogeneity of winding fibers, which are the two of the most important prerequisites for producing a quality composite frame. The derived theory is well verified on a practical experimental example. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Damage Mechanics of Polymer Composites)
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14 pages, 2697 KiB  
Article
An Optimum Fatigue Design of Polymer Composite Compressed Natural Gas Tank Using Hybrid Finite Element-Response Surface Methods
by Kazem Reza Kashyzadeh, Seyed Saeid Rahimian Koloor, Mostafa Omidi Bidgoli, Michal Petrů and Alireza Amiri Asfarjani
Polymers 2021, 13(4), 483; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym13040483 - 03 Feb 2021
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 4088
Abstract
The main purpose of this research is to design a high-fatigue performance hoop wrapped compressed natural gas (CNG) composite cylinder. To this end, an optimization algorithm was presented as a combination of finite element simulation (FES) and response surface analysis (RSA). The geometrical [...] Read more.
The main purpose of this research is to design a high-fatigue performance hoop wrapped compressed natural gas (CNG) composite cylinder. To this end, an optimization algorithm was presented as a combination of finite element simulation (FES) and response surface analysis (RSA). The geometrical model was prepared as a variable wall-thickness following the experimental measurements. Next, transient dynamic analysis was performed subjected to the refueling process, including the minimum and maximum internal pressures of 20 and 200 bar, respectively. The time histories of stress tensor components were extracted in the critical region. Furthermore, RSA was utilized to investigate the interaction effects of various polymer composite shell manufacturing process parameters (thickness and fiber angle) on the fatigue life of polymer composite CNG pressure tank (type-4). In the optimization procedure, four parameters including wall-thickness of the composite shell in three different sections of the CNG tank and fiber angle were considered as input variables. In addition, the maximum principal stress of the component was considered as the objective function. Eventually, the fatigue life of the polymer composite tank was calculated using stress-based failure criterion. The results indicated that the proposed new design (applying optimal parameters) leads to improve the fatigue life of the polymer composite tank with polyethylene liner about 2.4 times in comparison with the initial design. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Damage Mechanics of Polymer Composites)
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13 pages, 3820 KiB  
Article
An Extended Thickness-Dependent Moisture Absorption Model for Unidirectional Carbon/Epoxy Composites
by Azisyahirah Azizan, Mahzan Johar, Salvinder Singh Karam Singh, Shahrum Abdullah, Seyed Saeid Rahimian Koloor, Michal Petrů, King Jye Wong and Mohd Nasir Tamin
Polymers 2021, 13(3), 440; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym13030440 - 30 Jan 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2140
Abstract
Moisture absorption tests for materials that exhibit non-Fickian behavior generally require a relatively long period to reach saturation. Therefore, it would be beneficial to establish a relationship between the moisture content and the thickness to minimize the experimental time and cost. This research [...] Read more.
Moisture absorption tests for materials that exhibit non-Fickian behavior generally require a relatively long period to reach saturation. Therefore, it would be beneficial to establish a relationship between the moisture content and the thickness to minimize the experimental time and cost. This research characterizes the moisture absorption behavior of AS4/8552 carbon/epoxy composites. Specimens were prepared at 4, 8, and 16 plies and immersed in distilled water at 60 °C. The relationship between the non-Fickian parameters (Fickian to non-Fickian maximum moisture content ratio ϕ, non-Fickian diffusivity per square thickness α, and non-Fickian initiation time to) and thickness was characterized using a thickness-dependent model. A comparison with other materials revealed that all three non-Fickian parameters are able to be fitted using a power law. Nevertheless, the upper boundary for the applicability of this model was not determined in this study. The Weibull distribution plots indicate that the probability of non-Fickian moisture absorption is influenced by ϕ and α at approximately 62% within a normalized thickness range of 2–3. In regards to to, it is 82% at a normalized thickness of 6. Therefore, the Weibull distribution is proposed for the assessment of non-Fickian moisture absorption based on the material’s thickness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Damage Mechanics of Polymer Composites)
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22 pages, 6841 KiB  
Article
Linear-Nonlinear Stiffness Responses of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composite Materials and Structures: A Numerical Study
by S. S. R. Koloor, A. Karimzadeh, M. R. Abdullah, M. Petrů, N. Yidris, S. M. Sapuan and M. N. Tamin
Polymers 2021, 13(3), 344; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym13030344 - 22 Jan 2021
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2775
Abstract
The stiffness response or load-deformation/displacement behavior is the most important mechanical behavior that frequently being utilized for validation of the mathematical-physical models representing the mechanical behavior of solid objects in numerical method, compared to actual experimental data. This numerical study aims to investigate [...] Read more.
The stiffness response or load-deformation/displacement behavior is the most important mechanical behavior that frequently being utilized for validation of the mathematical-physical models representing the mechanical behavior of solid objects in numerical method, compared to actual experimental data. This numerical study aims to investigate the linear-nonlinear stiffness behavior of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites at material and structural levels, and its dependency to the sets of individual/group elastic and damage model parameters. In this regard, a validated constitutive damage model, elastic-damage properties as reference data, and simulation process, that account for elastic, yielding, and damage evolution, are considered in the finite element model development process. The linear-nonlinear stiffness responses of four cases are examined, including a unidirectional CFRP composite laminate (material level) under tensile load, and also three multidirectional composite structures under flexural loads. The result indicated a direct dependency of the stiffness response at the material level to the elastic properties. However, the stiffness behavior of the composite structures depends both on the structural configuration, geometry, lay-ups as well as the mechanical properties of the CFRP composite. The value of maximum reaction force and displacement of the composite structures, as well as the nonlinear response of the structures are highly dependent not only to the mechanical properties, but also to the geometry and the configuration of the structures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Damage Mechanics of Polymer Composites)
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13 pages, 26297 KiB  
Article
Adhesion Improvement between PE and PA in Multilayer Rotational Molding
by Jan Sezemský and Petr Špatenka
Polymers 2021, 13(3), 331; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym13030331 - 21 Jan 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3088
Abstract
The aim of this study is to investigate a multilayer structure made of polyethylene and polyamide by rotational molding. Due to the different polarity of these polymers, it is difficult to ensure enough adhesion between created layers. Two methods leading to improve adhesion [...] Read more.
The aim of this study is to investigate a multilayer structure made of polyethylene and polyamide by rotational molding. Due to the different polarity of these polymers, it is difficult to ensure enough adhesion between created layers. Two methods leading to improve adhesion are introduced. Plasma modification of polyethylene powder, after which new functional groups are bound to the treated surface, may enhance specific adhesion by forming hydrogen bonds with-CONH groups of polyamide. Different strategies of adding material to the mold give rise to complicated interlayer which increases joint strength by mechanism of the mechanical adhesion. Mechanical tests show a significant improvement of joint strength, where treated samples reached two-fold values of peel strength (7.657 ± 1.024 N∙mm−1) against the untreated sample (3.662 ± 0.430 N∙mm−1). During bending test, delamination occurred only in samples that were made of the untreated polyethylene. Adding polyamide during the melting stage of polyethylene powder in rotomolding resulted in the formation of entanglements which improve the peel strength almost eight times in comparison with the sample where the polyethylene was left to completely melt and create smooth interlayer surface. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Damage Mechanics of Polymer Composites)
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23 pages, 21835 KiB  
Article
Representative Cell Analysis for Damage-Based Failure Model of Polymer Hexagonal Honeycomb Structure under the Out-of-Plane Loadings
by Muhammad Salman Khan, Ainullotfi Abdul-Latif, Seyed Saeid Rahimian Koloor, Michal Petrů and Mohd Nasir Tamin
Polymers 2021, 13(1), 52; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym13010052 - 25 Dec 2020
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 2999
Abstract
The honeycomb (HC) core of sandwich structures undergoes flexural loading and carries the normal compression and shear. The mechanical properties and deformation response of the core need to be established for the design requirements. In this respect, this article describes the development of [...] Read more.
The honeycomb (HC) core of sandwich structures undergoes flexural loading and carries the normal compression and shear. The mechanical properties and deformation response of the core need to be established for the design requirements. In this respect, this article describes the development of the smallest possible representative cell (RC) models for quantifying the deformation and failure process of the Nomex polymer-based hexagonal HC core structure under the out-of-plane quasi-static loadings. While the hexagonal single and multi-cell models are suitable for the tension and compression, a six-cell model is the simplest RC model developed for shear in the transverse and ribbon direction. Hashin’s matrix and fiber damage equations are employed in simulating the failure process of the orthotropic cell walls, using the finite element (FE) analysis. The FE-calculated load–displacement curves are validated with the comparable measured responses throughout the loading to failure. The location of the fracture plane of the critical cell wall in the out-of-plane tension case is well predicted. The wrinkling of the cell walls, leading to the structural buckling of the HC core specimen in the compression test, compares well with the observed failure mechanisms. In addition, the observed localized buckling of the cell wall by the induced compressive stress during the out-of-plane shear in both the transverse and ribbon direction is explained. The mesoscale RC models of the polymer hexagonal HC core structure have adequately demonstrated the ability to predict the mechanics of deformation and the mechanisms of failure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Damage Mechanics of Polymer Composites)
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22 pages, 24600 KiB  
Article
Effect of Radiation Crosslinking and Surface Modification of Cellulose Fibers on Properties and Characterization of Biopolymer Composites
by Petr Lenfeld, Pavel Brdlík, Martin Borůvka, Luboš Běhálek and Jiří Habr
Polymers 2020, 12(12), 3006; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym12123006 - 16 Dec 2020
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2795
Abstract
Recently, polymers have become the fastest growing and most widely used material in a huge number of applications in almost all areas of industry. In addition to standard polymer composites with synthetic matrices, biopolymer composites based on PLA and PHB matrices filled with [...] Read more.
Recently, polymers have become the fastest growing and most widely used material in a huge number of applications in almost all areas of industry. In addition to standard polymer composites with synthetic matrices, biopolymer composites based on PLA and PHB matrices filled with fibers of plant origin are now increasingly being used in selected advanced industrial applications. The article deals with the evaluation of the influence and effect of the type of surface modification of cellulose fibers using physical methods (low-temperature plasma and ozone application) and chemical methods (acetylation) on the final properties of biopolymer composites. In addition to the surface modification of natural fibers, an additional modification of biocomposite structural systems by radiation crosslinking using gamma radiation was also used. The components of the biopolymer composite were a matrix of PLA and PHBV and the filler was natural cellulose fibers in a constant percentage volume of 20%. Test specimens were made from compounds of prepared biopolymer structures, on which selected tests had been performed to evaluate the properties and mechanical characterization of biopolymer composites. Electron microscopy was used to evaluate the failure and characterization of fracture surfaces of biocomposites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Damage Mechanics of Polymer Composites)
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15 pages, 5756 KiB  
Article
Quasi-Static Shear Test of Hybrid Adhesive Bonds Based on Treated Cotton-Epoxy Resin Layer
by Martin Tichý, Viktor Kolář, Miroslav Müller, Rajesh Kumar Mishra, Vladimír Šleger and Monika Hromasová
Polymers 2020, 12(12), 2945; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym12122945 - 09 Dec 2020
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1806
Abstract
This research evaluates the mechanical properties of hybrid adhesive bonds with various 100% cotton fabrics in static and quasi-static conditions and the influence of alkali surface treatment (NaOH) of the cotton fabrics on the mechanical properties. Biological fibers in polymers are characterized by [...] Read more.
This research evaluates the mechanical properties of hybrid adhesive bonds with various 100% cotton fabrics in static and quasi-static conditions and the influence of alkali surface treatment (NaOH) of the cotton fabrics on the mechanical properties. Biological fibers in polymers are characterized by low wettability with the matrix, which decreases mechanical properties. Adhesive bonds usually operate in cyclic stress, which causes irreversible failure before maximal strength. In this paper, a quasi-static test was used to load the adhesive bonds in 5–50% (192–1951 N) and 5–70% (192–2732 N) intervals with 1000 cycles. The results of SEM analysis showed good wettability of alkali treated cotton fabric with NaOH solution in hybrid adhesive bonds. The static test proved the influence of reinforcing cotton fabrics on shear tensile strength against pure resin, i.e., sample Erik up to 19% on 14.90 ± 1.15 MPa and sample Tera up to 21% on 15.28 ± 1.05 MPa. The adhesive bonds with pure resin did not resist either quasi-static tests. Reinforcing cotton fabrics resisted both quasi-static tests, even shear tensile strength increases up to 10% on 16.34 ± 1.24 MPa for the fabric Erik. The results of strain difference of adhesive bonds with Tera and Erik confirmed that a lower value of the difference during cyclic loading positively influenced the ultimate shear tensile strength. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Damage Mechanics of Polymer Composites)
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15 pages, 6578 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Mechanical Properties of Eucalyptus-Basalt-Based Hybrid-Reinforced Cement Composites
by Promoda Behera, Muhammad Tayyab Noman and Michal Petrů
Polymers 2020, 12(12), 2837; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym12122837 - 28 Nov 2020
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2238
Abstract
The present study describes the manufacturing of flat sheets of eucalyptus-basalt based hybrid reinforced cement composites (EB-HRCC). The potential of basalt fibrous waste (BFW) as a reinforcement agent in cement matrices and its effects on mechanical and interfacial properties were evaluated in detail. [...] Read more.
The present study describes the manufacturing of flat sheets of eucalyptus-basalt based hybrid reinforced cement composites (EB-HRCC). The potential of basalt fibrous waste (BFW) as a reinforcement agent in cement matrices and its effects on mechanical and interfacial properties were evaluated in detail. Significantly enhanced bending (flexural) strength and ductility were observed for all developed composite samples. BFW and eucalyptus pulp (EP) were utilized as reinforcement and filling agents respectively for EB-HRCC samples. Mechanical, microstructural and physical properties of EB-HRCC samples were investigated with different formulations of BFW with EP in cement matrices. The results showed that physical properties of the composite samples were more influenced by fiber content. For standard mechanical analysis, the composite samples were placed in sealed bags for two days, thermally cured at 60 °C for five days and immersed in water in ambient conditions for one day. The obtained results showed that samples prepared under optimized conditions (4% EP and 2% BFW) had significantly higher flexural strength and bulk density with lower water absorption and apparent void volume (porosity). Moreover, the higher percentage of BFW significantly enhanced the values of modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), specific energy (SE) and limit of proportionality (LOP). The effects of entrapped air under the four-point bending test on the mechanical behavior of hybrid composites were also investigated in this thematic study. The composites were designed to be used as roofing tile alternatives. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Damage Mechanics of Polymer Composites)
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13 pages, 3633 KiB  
Article
Moisture Absorption Effects on Mode II Delamination of Carbon/Epoxy Composites
by King Jye Wong, Mahzan Johar, Seyed Saeid Rahimian Koloor, Michal Petrů and Mohd Nasir Tamin
Polymers 2020, 12(9), 2162; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym12092162 - 22 Sep 2020
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 2479
Abstract
It is necessary to consider the influence of moisture damage on the interlaminar fracture toughness for composite structures that are used for outdoor applications. However, the studies on the progressive variation of the fracture toughness as a function of moisture content M (%) [...] Read more.
It is necessary to consider the influence of moisture damage on the interlaminar fracture toughness for composite structures that are used for outdoor applications. However, the studies on the progressive variation of the fracture toughness as a function of moisture content M (%) is rather limited. In this regard, this study focuses on the characterization of mode II delamination of carbon/epoxy composites conditioned at 70 °C/85% relative humidity (RH). End-notched flexure test is conducted for specimens aged at various moisture absorption levels. Experimental results reveal that mode II fracture toughness degrades with the moisture content, with a maximum of 23% decrement. A residual property model is used to predict the variation of the fracture toughness with the moisture content. Through numerical simulations, it is found that the approaches used to estimate the lamina and cohesive properties are suitable to obtain reliable simulation results. In addition, the damage initiation is noticed during the early loading stage; however, the complete damage is only observed when the numerical peak load is achieved. Results from the present research could serve as guidelines to predict the residual properties and simulate the mode II delamination behavior under moisture attack. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Damage Mechanics of Polymer Composites)
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14 pages, 4316 KiB  
Article
Failure of Glass Fibre-Reinforced Polypropylene Metal Laminate Subjected to Close-Range Explosion
by Amin Bassiri Nia, Li Xin, Mohd Yazid Yahya, Amran Ayob, Ali Farokhi Nejad, Seyed Saeid Rahimian Koloor and Michal Petrů
Polymers 2020, 12(9), 2139; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym12092139 - 19 Sep 2020
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2739
Abstract
The present study investigates the effects of close-range blast loading of fibre metal laminates (FMLs) fabricated from woven glass polypropylene and aluminium alloy 2024-T3. The polypropylene layers and anodized aluminium are stacked in 3/2 layering configuration to investigate the impact energy absorbed through [...] Read more.
The present study investigates the effects of close-range blast loading of fibre metal laminates (FMLs) fabricated from woven glass polypropylene and aluminium alloy 2024-T3. The polypropylene layers and anodized aluminium are stacked in 3/2 layering configuration to investigate the impact energy absorbed through deformation and damage. In order to study the blast responses of FMLs, a 4-cable instrumented pendulum blast set-up is used. Effects of blast impulse and stand-off distance were examined. Investigation of the cross-section of FMLs are presented and damages such as fibre fracture, debonding, and global deformation are examined. Increasing stand-off distance from 4 to 14 mm resulted in a change of damage mode from highly localized perforation to global deformation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Damage Mechanics of Polymer Composites)
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17 pages, 4834 KiB  
Article
Quasi-Static Tests of Hybrid Adhesive Bonds Based on Biological Reinforcement in the Form of Eggshell Microparticles
by Viktor Kolář, Miroslav Müller, Rajesh Mishra, Anna Rudawska, Vladimír Šleger, Martin Tichý, Monika Hromasová and Petr Valášek
Polymers 2020, 12(6), 1391; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym12061391 - 22 Jun 2020
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2011
Abstract
The paper is focused on the research of the cyclic loading of hybrid adhesive bonds based on eggshell microparticles in polymer composite. The aim of the research was to characterize the behavior of hybrid adhesive bonds with composite adhesive layer in quasi-static tests. [...] Read more.
The paper is focused on the research of the cyclic loading of hybrid adhesive bonds based on eggshell microparticles in polymer composite. The aim of the research was to characterize the behavior of hybrid adhesive bonds with composite adhesive layer in quasi-static tests. An epoxy resin was used as the matrix and microparticles of eggshells were used as the filler. The adhesive bonds were exposed to cyclic loading and their service life and mechanical properties were evaluated. Testing was performed by 1000 cycles at 5–30% (165–989 N) and 5–70% (165–2307 N) of the maximum load of the filler-free bond in the static test. The results of the research show the importance of cyclic loading on the service life and mechanical properties of adhesive bonds. Quasi-static tests demonstrated significant differences between measured intervals of cyclic loading. All adhesive bonds resisted 1000 cycles of the quasi-static test with an interval loading 5–30%. The number of completed quasi-static tests with the interval loading 5–70% was significantly lower. The filler positively influenced the service life of adhesive bonds at a higher amount of quasi-static tests, i.e., the safety of adhesive bonds increased. The filler had a positive effect on adhesive bonds ABF2, where the strength significantly increased up to 20.26% at the loading of 5–30% against adhesive bonds ABF0. A viscoelasticity characteristic (creep) of the adhesive layer occurred at higher values of loading, i.e., between loading 5–70%. The viscoelasticity behavior did not occur at lower values of loading, i.e., between loading 5–30%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Damage Mechanics of Polymer Composites)
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15 pages, 4782 KiB  
Article
Using Finite Element Approach for Crashworthiness Assessment of a Polymeric Auxetic Structure Subjected to the Axial Loading
by Ali Farokhi Nejad, Roozbeh Alipour, Mozafar Shokri Rad, Mohd Yazid Yahya, Seyed Saeid Rahimian Koloor and Michal Petrů
Polymers 2020, 12(6), 1312; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym12061312 - 09 Jun 2020
Cited by 31 | Viewed by 2815
Abstract
Polyurethane foams are one of the most common auxetic structures regarding energy absorption enhancement. This present study evaluates the result reliability of two different numerical approaches, the H-method and the P-method, to obtain the best convergence solution. A polymeric re-entrant cell is created [...] Read more.
Polyurethane foams are one of the most common auxetic structures regarding energy absorption enhancement. This present study evaluates the result reliability of two different numerical approaches, the H-method and the P-method, to obtain the best convergence solution. A polymeric re-entrant cell is created with a beam element and the results of the two different methods are compared. Additionally, the numerical results compare well with the analytical solution. The results show that there is a good agreement between converged FE models and the analytical solution. Regarding the computational cost, the P-method is more efficient for simulating the re-entrant structure subjected to axial loading. During the second part of this study, the re-entrant cell is used for generating a polymeric auxetic cellular tube. The mesh convergence study is performed on the cellular structures using the H- and P- methods. The cellular tube is subjected to tensional and compressive loading, the module of elasticity and Poisson’s ration to calculate different aspect ratios. A nonlinear analysis is performed to compare the dynamic response of a cellular tube versus a solid tube. The crashworthiness indicators are addressed and the results are compared with equivalent solid tubes. The results show that the auxetic cellular tubes have better responses against compressive loading. The primary outcome of this research is to assess a reliable FE approach for re-entrant structures under axial loading. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Damage Mechanics of Polymer Composites)
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26 pages, 12119 KiB  
Article
Fabrication of High-Quality Polymer Composite Frame by a New Method of Fiber Winding Process
by Jaroslav Mlýnek, Michal Petrů, Tomáš Martinec and Seyed Saeid Rahimian Koloor
Polymers 2020, 12(5), 1037; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym12051037 - 02 May 2020
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3368
Abstract
Polymer composite frame has been frequently used in the main structural body of vehicles in aerospace, automotive, etc., applications. Manufacturing of complex curved composite frame suffer from the lack of accurate and optimum method of winding process that lead to preparation of uniform [...] Read more.
Polymer composite frame has been frequently used in the main structural body of vehicles in aerospace, automotive, etc., applications. Manufacturing of complex curved composite frame suffer from the lack of accurate and optimum method of winding process that lead to preparation of uniform fiber arrangement in critical location of the curved frame. This article deals with the fabrication of high-quality polymer composite frame through an optimal winding of textile fibers onto a non-bearing core frame using a fiber-processing head and an industrial robot. The number of winding layers of fibers and their winding angles are determined based on the operational load on the composite structure. Ensuring the correct winding angles and thus also the homogeneity of fibers in each winding layer can be achieved by using an industrial robot and by definition of its suitable off-line trajectory for the production cycle. Determination of an optimal off-line trajectory of the end-effector of a robot (robot-end-effector (REE)) is important especially in the case of complicated 3D shaped frames. The authors developed their own calculation procedure to determine the optimal REE trajectory in the composite manufacturing process. A mathematical model of the winding process, matrix calculus (particularly matrices of rotations and translations) and an optimization differential evolution algorithm are used during calculation of the optimal REE trajectory. Polymer composites with greater resistance to failure damage (especially against physical destruction) can be produced using the above mentioned procedure. The procedure was successfully tested in an experimental composite laboratory. Two practical examples of optimal trajectory calculation are included in the article. The described optimization algorithm of REE trajectory is completely independent of the industrial robot type and robot software tools used and can also be used in other composite manufacturing technologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Damage Mechanics of Polymer Composites)
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20 pages, 17224 KiB  
Article
Experimental and Numerical Assessment of Fibre Bridging Toughening Effects on the Compressive Behaviour of Delaminated Composite Plates
by Aniello Riccio, Angela Russo, Andrea Sellitto, Cinzia Toscano, Davide Alfano and Mauro Zarrelli
Polymers 2020, 12(3), 554; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym12030554 - 03 Mar 2020
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 2599
Abstract
Increasing the Mode I inter-laminar fracture toughness of composite laminates can contribute to slowing down delamination growth phenomena, which can be considered one of the most critical damage mechanisms in composite structures. Actually, the Mode I interlaminar fracture toughness (GIc) [...] Read more.
Increasing the Mode I inter-laminar fracture toughness of composite laminates can contribute to slowing down delamination growth phenomena, which can be considered one of the most critical damage mechanisms in composite structures. Actually, the Mode I interlaminar fracture toughness (GIc) in fibre-reinforced composite materials has been found to considerably increase with the crack length when the fibre bridging phenomenon takes place. Hence, in this paper, the fibre bridging phenomenon has been considered as a natural toughening mechanism able to replace embedded metallic or composite reinforcements, currently used to increase tolerance to inter-laminar damage. An experimental/numerical study on the influence of delamination growth on the compressive behaviour of fibre-reinforced composites characterised by high sensitivity to the fibre bridging phenomenon has been performed. Coupons, made of material systems characterised by a variable toughness related to a high sensitivity to the fibre bridging phenomenon and containing artificial through-the-width delaminations, were subjected to a compressive mechanical test and compared to coupons made of standard material system with constant toughness. Out-of-plane displacements and strains were monitored during the compression test by means of strain gauges and digital image correlation to assess the influence of fibre bridging on delamination buckling, delamination growth and on the global buckling of the specimens, including buckling shape changes. Experimental data were combined with a numerical study, performed by means of a virtual crack closure technique based procedure, named SMart Time XB – Fibre Bridging (SMXB-FB), able to mimic the crack bridging effect on the toughness properties of the material system. The combination of numerical results and experimental data has allowed the deformations and the buckling shape changes to be correlated to the onset and evolution of damage and, hence, contributes to improving the knowledge on the interaction of the failure mechanisms in the investigated composite specimens. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Damage Mechanics of Polymer Composites)
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Review

Jump to: Research

25 pages, 3195 KiB  
Review
Influence of Nanoparticles on Thermal and Electrical Conductivity of Composites
by Divan Coetzee, Mohanapriya Venkataraman, Jiri Militky and Michal Petru
Polymers 2020, 12(4), 742; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym12040742 - 27 Mar 2020
Cited by 82 | Viewed by 6767
Abstract
This review analyzes thermal and electrically conductive properties of composites and how they can be influenced by the addition of special nanoparticles. Composite functional characteristics—such as thermal and electrical conductivity, phase changes, dimensional stability, magnetization, and modulus increase—are tuned by selecting suitable nanoparticle [...] Read more.
This review analyzes thermal and electrically conductive properties of composites and how they can be influenced by the addition of special nanoparticles. Composite functional characteristics—such as thermal and electrical conductivity, phase changes, dimensional stability, magnetization, and modulus increase—are tuned by selecting suitable nanoparticle filler material. The conductivity of composites can be related to the formation of conductive pathways as nanofiller materials form connections in the bulk of a composite matrix. With increasing use of nanomaterial containing composites and relatively little understanding of the toxicological effects thereof, adequate disposal and recyclability have become an increasing environmental concern. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Damage Mechanics of Polymer Composites)
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