Search results for "R-matrix"
showing 10 items of 61 documents
Multiple low-frequency broad band gaps generated by a phononic crystal of periodic circular cavity sandwich plates
2017
Abstract We propose a new type of phononic crystal (PnC) composed of a periodic alternation of circular cavity sandwich plates. In the low-frequency regime, the crystal can modulate the propagation of flexural waves. Governing equations are deduced basing on the classical theory of coupled extensional and flexural vibrations of plates. The dispersion relation of the infinite PnC is calculated by combining the transfer matrix method with Bloch theory. The dynamic response of the PnC with finite unit cells is further studied with finite element analysis. An experiment is carried out to demonstrate the performance of the PnC in vibration isolation. Numerical results and experimental results bo…
Quasi-static behaviour and damage assessment of flax/epoxy composites
2015
Experimental investigations were conducted on flax and E-glass fibres reinforced epoxy matrix composites subjected to quasi-static loadings. Flax/epoxy samples having [0]12, [90]12, [0/90]3S and [±45]3S stacking sequences, with a fibre volume fraction of 43% have been tested under tension, compression and in-plane shear loadings. Overall, the compression strength of glass/epoxy was 76% greater than for the flax/epoxy composite. The damage evolution of flax/epoxy of [0/90]3S and [±45]3S samples has been evaluated in terms of transverse crack densities with respect to the load increment. The crack density exhibited a classical “S” shaped pattern for [0/90]3S and linearly for [±45]3S specimens…
Acoustic characterization of Silica aerogel clamped plates for perfect absorption purpose
2017
International audience; Silica aerogel has been widely studied as bulk material for its extremely low density and thermal conductivity. Plates or membranes made of this extremely soft materials exhibits interesting properties for sound absorption. A novel signal processing method for the characterization of an acoustic metamaterial made of silica aerogel clamped plates is presented. The acoustic impedance of a silica aerogel clamped plate is derived from the elastic theory for the flexural waves, while the transfer matrix method is used to model reflection and transmission coefficients of a single plate. Experimental results are obtained by using an acoustic impedance tube. The difference b…
Green composites: A brief review
2011
The rising concern towards environmental issues and, on the other hand, the need for more versatile polymer-based materials has led to increasing interest about polymer composites filled with natural-organic fillers, i.e. fillers coming from renewable sources and biodegradable. The composites, usually referred to as "green", can find several industrial applications. On the other hand, some problems exist, such as worse processability and reduction of the ductility. The use of adhesion promoters, additives or chemical modification of the filler can help in overcoming many of these limitations. These composites can be further environment-friendly when the polymer matrix is biodegradable and c…
Heart valve tissue engineering: how far is the bedside from the bench?
2015
Heart disease, including valve pathologies, is the leading cause of death worldwide. Despite the progress made thanks to improving transplantation techniques, a perfect valve substitute has not yet been developed: once a diseased valve is replaced with current technologies, the newly implanted valve still needs to be changed some time in the future. This situation is particularly dramatic in the case of children and young adults, because of the necessity of valve growth during the patient's life. Our review focuses on the current status of heart valve (HV) therapy and the challenges that must be solved in the development of new approaches based on tissue engineering. Scientists and physicia…
Effect of filler on the creep characteristics of epoxy and epoxy-based CFRPs containing multi-walled carbon nanotubes
2014
The aim of this work was to determine the effect of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the elastic and viscoelastic properties of an epoxy resin used in carbon fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRPs) in the matrix-dominated flexural testing mode. Neat and CNTs-containing (1. wt.%) epoxy resin and CFRP specimens were prepared and investigated. Three-point bending tests were carried out on nanocomposite (NC) and CFRP specimens at room temperature in quasi-static and cyclic creep regimes. The main effect of CNTs was observed in the reduction of creep compliance of epoxy (40%) and CFRP (30%), especially at higher stresses. The reduction of creep characteristics especially on viscoelastic and plastic strains …
Processing and characterization of highly oriented fibres of biodegradable nanocomposites
2015
Abstract Biodegradable polymeric materials are becoming day by day ever more important in packaging, agriculture, single-use cutleries and other large consumer applications. The major part of those materials is used under the form of film, i.e. subjected to elongational flow, but the main problem is that they often offer poor mechanical properties. Adding nanofillers, like Multi Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) may solve this problem but only if there is a full control of their orientation inside the material. Aim of this work is to investigate the processing-properties-morphology relationships for a system prepared under elongation flow of MaterBi and commercial MWCNTs. The materials were …
High performance composites containing perfluoropolyethers-functionalized carbon-based nanoparticles: Rheological behavior and wettability
2016
Abstract Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) based composites filled with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and carbon black (CB) modified by perfluoropolyethers (PFPE) have been formulated. All composites show a segregated morphology with nanofillers selectively localized at the polymer particle–particle interface. The composites rheological properties have been deeply investigated: the PFPE functionalities linked on CNTs facilitate the semi-3D nanofillers network formation in the composites that show a solid-like behaviour even at lower investigated filler contents, reaching the rheological percolation threshold at lower nanofiller content than bare CNTs filled composites. For composi…
A review on basalt fibre and its composites
2015
Abstract In recent years, both industrial and academic world are focussing their attention toward the development of sustainable composites, reinforced with natural fibres. In particular, among the natural fibres (i.e. animal, vegetable or mineral) that can be used as reinforcement, the basalt ones represent the most interesting for their properties. The aim of this review is to illustrate the results of research on this topical subject. In the introduction, mechanical, thermal and chemical properties of basalt fibre have been reviewed. Moreover, its main manufacturing technologies have been described. Then, the effect of using this mineral fibre as reinforcement of different matrices as po…
On the response of flax fiber reinforced composites under salt-fog/dry conditions: Reversible and irreversible performances degradation
2022
Abstract Despite their scarce resistance to humid or wet conditions, natural fiber reinforced composites (NFRCs) seem to be able to partially recover their performances under discontinuous exposition to marine environment. To investigate this peculiarity, flax fiber reinforced composite was at first subjected to salt-fog spray condition at 35 °C for 15 and 30 days, respectively, and then stored in ‘‘dry” condition (i.e., 50% R.H. and 22 °C) between 0 and 21 days. The performances evolution was evaluated through flexural tests, water uptake and contact angle measurements. Moreover, the morphology of fractured mechanical samples was examined by using 3D optical microscope and scanning electro…