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Full-Text Articles in Mechanical Engineering
Capturing Microstructural Heterogeneity And Predicting Local Transport Phenomena In Pemfc Catalyst Layers: A Comprehensive Network Modeling Approach, Shahriar Alam
Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports
A unique network architecture that captures the microstructural heterogeneity and predicts the local transport properties of PEMFC catalyst layers is proposed. Separate networks containing numerous cylindrical elements and nodes are generated that represent the solid and pore phase of the catalyst layer. Transport resistances are assigned to the elements while the nodes are volumeless. The networks are interlinked through nodes where local properties are stored. The generated computational grid's macroscopic behaviors (percolation behavior, gas diffusivity, and ion conductivity) will be matched against the experimental data for validation. Diffusion-like transport equations are applied to the networks that provide local water balance, …
Molecular Dynamics Modeling Of Polymers For Aerospace Composites, Swapnil Sambhaji Bamane
Molecular Dynamics Modeling Of Polymers For Aerospace Composites, Swapnil Sambhaji Bamane
Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports
Polymer matrix composite materials are widely used as structural materials in aerospace and aeronautical vehicles. Resin/reinforcement wetting and the effect of polymerization on the thermo-mechanical properties of the resin are key parameters in the manufacturing of aerospace composite materials. Determining the contact angle between combinations of liquid resin and reinforcement surfaces is a common method for quantifying wettability. It is challenging to determine contact angle values experimentally of high-performance resins on CNT materials such as CNT, graphene, bundles or yarns, and BNNT surfaces. It is also experimentally difficult to determine the effect of polymerization reaction on material properties of a …