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Full-Text Articles in Engineering

Simulating Dynamic Failure Of Polymer-Bonded Explosives Under Periodic Excitation, Rachel Kohler, Camilo Duarte Cordon, Marisol Koslowski Aug 2017

Simulating Dynamic Failure Of Polymer-Bonded Explosives Under Periodic Excitation, Rachel Kohler, Camilo Duarte Cordon, Marisol Koslowski

The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Symposium

Accidental mishandling of explosive materials leads to thousands of injuries in the US every year. Understanding the mechanisms behind the detonation process is crucial to prevent such accidents. In polymer-bonded explosives (PBX), high-frequency mechanical excitation generates thermal energy and can lead to an increase in temperature and vapor pressure, and potentially the initiation of the detonation process. However, the mechanisms behind this energy release, such as the effects of dynamic fracture and friction, are not well understood. Experimental data is difficult to collect due to the different time scales of reactions and vibrations, so research is aided by running simulations …


Composite Plate Optimization With Structural And Manufacturing Constraints, Deepak Polaki May 2017

Composite Plate Optimization With Structural And Manufacturing Constraints, Deepak Polaki

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Theses

This is a design optimization study that focuses on the value of free size optimization technology on composite structures which incorporates realistic structural requirements and practical manufacturing limitations to achieve an iterative design with effective structural performance. To detail a study on such practical implementation, a sample structure is required. A rectangular composite laminate with a central hole cutout is considered for this study and is designed using finite elemental tools which includes compression, tension and shear loading conditions with load reactions at bolted joints and buckling stability. Free size optimization and size optimization are used in this study to …