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| Title | MULTIFUNCTIONAL NANOCOMPOSITES FOR HIGH DAMPING PERFORMANCE |
| Author | Algozzini, Lee
|
| Keywords | Dissertations, Academic -- Engineering and Computer Science
Engineering and Computer Science -- Dissertations, Academic
Damping (Mechanics)
Nanocomposites (Materials)
|
| Abstract | Composite structures for aerospace and wind turbine applications are subjected to high acoustic and vibrational loading and exhibit very high amplitude displacements and thus premature failure. Materials with high damping or absorbing properties are crucially important to extend the life of structures. Traditional damping treatments are based on the combinations of viscoelastic, elastomeric, magnetic, and piezoelectric materials. In this work, the use of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) in the form of interconnected self-supportive paper as reinforcement can significantly improve damping performance. The interfacial friction is the primary source of energy dissipation in CNF paper based nanocomposites. The approach entailed making CNF paper by filtration of well-dispersed nanofibers under controlled processing conditions. The CNF paper was integrated into composite laminates using modified liquid composite molding processes including Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) and Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM). The rheological and curing behaviors of the CNF-modified polymer resin were characterized with Viscometry and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The process analysis in mold filling and pressure distribution was conducted using Control Volume Finite Element Method (CVFEM) in an attempt to optimize the quality of multifunctional nanocomposites. The mold filling simulation was validated with flow visualization in a transparent mold. Several tests were performed to study the damping properties of the fabricated composites including Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) and piezoceramic patch based vibration tests. It was found that the damping performance was significantly enhanced with the incorporation of carbon nanofibers into the composite structures. |
| Adviser | Gou, Jan
|
| Publisher | University of Central Florida |
| Degree | M.S.
|
| Degree Discipline | Department of Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering
|
| Degree Grantor | Engineering and Computer Science
|
| Degree Program | Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering
|
| Graduation Date | 2009-01-01 |
| Type | Master's thesis
|
| Access Level | Public - Allow Worldwide Access
|
| Release Date | 2009-09-18 |
| Repository | University Archives
|
| Repository Collection | Electronic Theses and Dissertations
|
| Identifier | CFE0002839 |
| Access Link | http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/CFE0002839 |