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Full-Text Articles in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology

Graphene/Oxide Interactions With Polymer Networks Modeled Using Molecular Dynamics, Matthew Alan Reil Jan 2020

Graphene/Oxide Interactions With Polymer Networks Modeled Using Molecular Dynamics, Matthew Alan Reil

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Due to its unique physical properties, graphene has shown great promise as an additive to Polymer Matrix Composites (PMCs) for material property enhancement. Achieving homogeneous dispersion of the graphene platelets within a polymeric network is critical to realizing these enhancements. Research has shown that achieving homogeneous dispersion of graphene platelets within PMCs is challenging as graphene is immiscible with most polymeric networks. This work used Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations to demonstrate dispersion of graphene platelets within PMCs is inhibited by molecular surface charge potentials. Further simulations were conducted to demonstrate functionalized forms of graphene, specifically graphene oxide, have altered surface …


Computational Prediction Of Conductivities Of Disk-Shaped Particulate Composites, Jian Qiu Nov 2017

Computational Prediction Of Conductivities Of Disk-Shaped Particulate Composites, Jian Qiu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The effective conductivities are determined for randomly oriented disk-shaped particles using an efficient computational algorithm based on the finite element method. The pairwise intersection criteria of disks are developed using a set of vector operations. An element partition scheme has been implemented to connect the elements on different disks across the lines of intersection. The computed conductivity is expressed as a function of the density and the size of the circular disks or elliptical plates. It is further expressed in a power-law form with the key parameters determined from curve fittings. The particle number and the trial number of simulations …


On Thermal Aging Prevention In Polymer Core Composite Conductor Rods, Joe D. Hoffman Jan 2015

On Thermal Aging Prevention In Polymer Core Composite Conductor Rods, Joe D. Hoffman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Increased energy usage in the United States and worldwide is driving the demand for new technologies to transmit electrical power in greater quantities and with reliable, safe, and more efficient methods. One recent innovation is to replace the standard Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced electrical transmission conductor with a new conductor design that utilizes a fiber reinforced polymer core rod to support a fully annealed aluminum conductor. This new technology that includes a hybrid carbon fiber/epoxy and glass fiber/epoxy support core allows for better efficiency and for greater current to be transmitted in the same size and weight line. These new …