Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA
Date of Award
8-2006
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Mechanical Engineering
First Advisor
Dr. Arturo Fuentes
Second Advisor
Dr. Karen Lozano
Third Advisor
Dr. Robert E. Jones
Abstract
Functionally Graded Materials for compressive applications were designed and manufactured by tailoring the properties of Pure Polyethylene (PE) and Vapor Grown Carbon Nanofiber (VGCNF) Reinforced PE Composites. Properties of NRPC have been extensively studied. Properties are dependent on parameters such as the reinforcement/matrix interaction; reinforcement volume fraction, orientation, dispersion, and packing, and the final matrix microstructure. However, there is limited literature on their properties under compression loading. Compression strength studies for high density PE reinforced with VGCNF for different fiber volume fraction (0%, 5%, 10% and 15%) were carried out. The role of interface and alignment was studied. Samples were prepared with fibers oriented parallel (L) and perpendicular (T) to the loading conditions. It was observed that the compressive properties were very sensitive to the interface and the (T) samples were found to have better compressive properties. Based on compressive strength results, functionally graded materials were designed and manufactured for passive control of structural energy absorption. Future work and applications are discussed.
Granting Institution
University of Texas-Pan American
Comments
Copyright 2006 Sanjay Varma Kalidindi. All Rights Reserved.
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