Engineering Commons^™

Investigation Into The Behavior Of Geometrically Nonlinear Composite Arches, John C. Bailey

Theses and Dissertations

This research modifies the existing finite element formulation of a potential energy based large deformation and moderate rotation theory. Hermitian shape functions replace the existing linear bending angle interpolations. Negligible differences between the two formulations indicate the underlying kinematics limit the accuracy, not the finite element interpolations. Using the new program, numerous nonlinear arch geometries are modeled to investigate the effects of arc length and thickness variations. Local and global snapping phenomena are captured as well as through the thickness shear driven nonlinearities.

An Experimental And Analytical Investigation Of The Iosipescu Shear Test For Composite Materials, Barry Stuart Spigel

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Mechanical properties of composite materials under shear loading are difficult to determine. The Iosipescu Shear test, originally proposed for metals, has in recent years been applied to composites. It has the advantages of small specimen size, simple loading and a reasonably uniform shear stress in the test section.

The purpose of this work is to study the validity of the Iosipescu test method for measuring the shear modulus and shear strength of composites. Finite element analyses indicate that optimum specimen geometry and load locations depend upon the degree of orthotropy of the composite. Test results for a quasi-isotropic graphite/epoxy laminate …

Morphological Composite Materials Formed From Different Precursors, Ravi F. Saraf

Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering: Patents

A method of producing a multiphase polymer is disclosed whereby the phases have the same chemical structure but have different morphological states and thus different properties. This is achieved by forming a mixture of precursors of the polymer, at least one of the precursors having a reaction rate higher than the other precursor or precursors in the mixture. The precursor having the highest reaction rate is then converted to obtain a composite of a polymer and the precursors that are not polymerized. This mixture might also be formed by mixing a soluble polymer with its precursor. The polymer/precursor composite is …