Composites
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OCSiAl opens graphene nanotube R&D center in Europe
The major part of all developments in the Group’s new, Luxembourg facility will be targeted towards elastomers and thermoplastic composites enhanced with graphene nanotubes.
Global graphene nanotube manufacturer OCSiAl (Leudelange, Luxembourg and Columbus, Ohio, U.S.) announced that it has opened its state-of-the-art research and development (R&D) and technical support center designed to develop next-generation materials with graphene nanotubes. The new center is located in Luxembourg, place deemed a hub for advanced technology companies.
With other centers located in Asia and Eastern Europe, the Group’s current decision to open a new center in Luxembourg was in response to Europe’s forefront position in developing material engineering solutions, especially for the ongoing automotive industry revolution. Lightweight and smart car bodies, energy efficient and safe tires, are among the main focuses of OCSiAl’s European team of experts in nanotechnology and materials engineering.
According to the company, the new, 350-square-meter center has more than 50 items of high-end equipment. The major part of all developments will be targeted towards elastomers and thermoplastic composites enhanced with graphene nanotubes, which are said will be widely applied in the cars of the future.
“OCSiAl’s product line is constantly growing. We have developed high-performance solutions for Li-ion batteries and various polymers, many of which have already been accepted as an industry standard. And in fact, one of the best demonstrators and drivers of most nanotube developments is the automotive industry,” says Konstantin Notman, OCSiAl senior vice president, OCSiAl Europe CEO. “Graphene nanotubes significantly enhance and even grant new properties to all the materials that are being used in cars. We make it possible to make safer, lighter, smarter and more eco-friendly vehicles.”
The company plans to launch the world’s largest graphene nanotube synthesizing facility in Luxembourg in 2023. Together with the R&D and technical support center, OCSiAl says its new production facility will form a cluster for the most advanced developments in the field of materials of the future.
> source
The major part of all developments in the Group’s new, Luxembourg facility will be targeted towards elastomers and thermoplastic composites enhanced with graphene nanotubes.
Global graphene nanotube manufacturer OCSiAl (Leudelange, Luxembourg and Columbus, Ohio, U.S.) announced that it has opened its state-of-the-art research and development (R&D) and technical support center designed to develop next-generation materials with graphene nanotubes. The new center is located in Luxembourg, place deemed a hub for advanced technology companies.
With other centers located in Asia and Eastern Europe, the Group’s current decision to open a new center in Luxembourg was in response to Europe’s forefront position in developing material engineering solutions, especially for the ongoing automotive industry revolution. Lightweight and smart car bodies, energy efficient and safe tires, are among the main focuses of OCSiAl’s European team of experts in nanotechnology and materials engineering.
According to the company, the new, 350-square-meter center has more than 50 items of high-end equipment. The major part of all developments will be targeted towards elastomers and thermoplastic composites enhanced with graphene nanotubes, which are said will be widely applied in the cars of the future.
“OCSiAl’s product line is constantly growing. We have developed high-performance solutions for Li-ion batteries and various polymers, many of which have already been accepted as an industry standard. And in fact, one of the best demonstrators and drivers of most nanotube developments is the automotive industry,” says Konstantin Notman, OCSiAl senior vice president, OCSiAl Europe CEO. “Graphene nanotubes significantly enhance and even grant new properties to all the materials that are being used in cars. We make it possible to make safer, lighter, smarter and more eco-friendly vehicles.”
The company plans to launch the world’s largest graphene nanotube synthesizing facility in Luxembourg in 2023. Together with the R&D and technical support center, OCSiAl says its new production facility will form a cluster for the most advanced developments in the field of materials of the future.
> source
Composites
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Machine learning replicates the secrets of composites
Aerospace and automotive applications increasingly rely on lightweight composite parts made from polymers reinforced with carbon or glass fibers. With the rise of additive manufacturing methods like 3D printing, it is becoming possible to design novel filaments and control their orientation within composites to tailor performance to specific applications. But the ease of manufacturing advanced composite parts via 3D printing has a downside. The ubiquity of 3D printers makes it much easier for counterfeiters to copy parts.
“A lot of intellectual property is invested in developing composites material and 3D printing conditions,” points out Nikhil Gupta of New York University. “Reverse engineering using imaging methods can allow this IP to be stolen. Machine learning can even automate this process… [to] produce high quality replicas by unauthorized personnel.”
Gupta and his team show that novel and innovative composite materials can be reverse engineered using three-dimensional imaging and reconstruction techniques combined with powerful machine learning [Yanamandra et al., Composites Science & Technology 198 (2020) 108318]. Not only can the size and shape of a part be reconstructed in this way, but also the tool path – or unique instructions – that the 3D printer needs to manufacture it.
The researchers took a set of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to measure dimensions and micro-CT (µCT) scans to identify the orientation of fibers within a composite. A sub-set of these images was then used to train the machine learning algorithm. The accuracy of the algorithm in identifying the 3D printing tool path was then verified with a second sub-set of images. The team used over 78,000 images to train the algorithm and a further 5000 µCT images to test the accuracy of its predictions.
“Compared with the manual methods of reverse engineering, the machine learning algorithm is a powerful method where a few CT scan images are able to provide the part design and 3D printing tool path,” explains Gupta. “Our study shows that products developed with investment of significant amount of time and money can be easily reverse engineered.”
The work raises concerns over the security of intellectual property in 3D-printed composite parts. Modern capabilities in designing and producing high-performance fiber-reinforced composites can be harnessed to produce almost-indistinguishable high-quality replica parts quickly and cheaply.
“Machine learning methods are being used in the design of complex parts but, as our study shows, they can be a double-edged sword, also making reverse engineering easier,” says Gupta. “Awareness of security issues will encourage researchers to develop new tool paths and composite materials that consider security as a design constraint.”
> source
Aerospace and automotive applications increasingly rely on lightweight composite parts made from polymers reinforced with carbon or glass fibers. With the rise of additive manufacturing methods like 3D printing, it is becoming possible to design novel filaments and control their orientation within composites to tailor performance to specific applications. But the ease of manufacturing advanced composite parts via 3D printing has a downside. The ubiquity of 3D printers makes it much easier for counterfeiters to copy parts.
“A lot of intellectual property is invested in developing composites material and 3D printing conditions,” points out Nikhil Gupta of New York University. “Reverse engineering using imaging methods can allow this IP to be stolen. Machine learning can even automate this process… [to] produce high quality replicas by unauthorized personnel.”
Gupta and his team show that novel and innovative composite materials can be reverse engineered using three-dimensional imaging and reconstruction techniques combined with powerful machine learning [Yanamandra et al., Composites Science & Technology 198 (2020) 108318]. Not only can the size and shape of a part be reconstructed in this way, but also the tool path – or unique instructions – that the 3D printer needs to manufacture it.
The researchers took a set of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to measure dimensions and micro-CT (µCT) scans to identify the orientation of fibers within a composite. A sub-set of these images was then used to train the machine learning algorithm. The accuracy of the algorithm in identifying the 3D printing tool path was then verified with a second sub-set of images. The team used over 78,000 images to train the algorithm and a further 5000 µCT images to test the accuracy of its predictions.
“Compared with the manual methods of reverse engineering, the machine learning algorithm is a powerful method where a few CT scan images are able to provide the part design and 3D printing tool path,” explains Gupta. “Our study shows that products developed with investment of significant amount of time and money can be easily reverse engineered.”
The work raises concerns over the security of intellectual property in 3D-printed composite parts. Modern capabilities in designing and producing high-performance fiber-reinforced composites can be harnessed to produce almost-indistinguishable high-quality replica parts quickly and cheaply.
“Machine learning methods are being used in the design of complex parts but, as our study shows, they can be a double-edged sword, also making reverse engineering easier,” says Gupta. “Awareness of security issues will encourage researchers to develop new tool paths and composite materials that consider security as a design constraint.”
> source
High volume fiber composites
TRB Lightweight Structures (TRB) reports that it has developed a new process to make continuous fiber thermoset composite parts at higher volume.
The process, which focuses on combining materials science with robotic manufacturing is being used to supply a powertrain manufacturer with battery components for electric buses, the company said. It involves feeding custom materials into an integrated process which covers automating cutting, layup, pressing and curing, allowing parts to be manufactured more quickly and more cost effectively, TRB said.
The manufacturing method is suitable for the high-volume production of components for electric vehicles (EV) and can be adapted to include additional material layers offering thermal, electrical conductivity and electromagnetic radiation protection.
‘While high volume composites have many applications, we have chosen to focus on the fast-expanding EV market – both on the road and in the sky – given our mission to accelerate the transition to sustainable transportation,’ said Richard Holland, MD.
This story uses material from TRB, with editorial changes made by Materials Today. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of Elsevier.
> source
TRB Lightweight Structures (TRB) reports that it has developed a new process to make continuous fiber thermoset composite parts at higher volume.
The process, which focuses on combining materials science with robotic manufacturing is being used to supply a powertrain manufacturer with battery components for electric buses, the company said. It involves feeding custom materials into an integrated process which covers automating cutting, layup, pressing and curing, allowing parts to be manufactured more quickly and more cost effectively, TRB said.
The manufacturing method is suitable for the high-volume production of components for electric vehicles (EV) and can be adapted to include additional material layers offering thermal, electrical conductivity and electromagnetic radiation protection.
‘While high volume composites have many applications, we have chosen to focus on the fast-expanding EV market – both on the road and in the sky – given our mission to accelerate the transition to sustainable transportation,’ said Richard Holland, MD.
This story uses material from TRB, with editorial changes made by Materials Today. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of Elsevier.
> source
Composites
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Vestas to acquire offshore business in joint venture
Per the agreement, Vestas will acquire Tokyo-based Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ shares in the MHI Vestas Offshore Wind (MVOW) joint venture. MHI gets 2.5% in Vestas and a seat on the Vestas board.
Vestas (Aarhus, Denmark), and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI, Tokyo, Japan), have signed an agreement that Vestas will acquire MHI’s shares in the MHI Vestas Offshore Wind (MVOW) joint venture, against MHI acquiring 2.5% in Vestas and being nominated to a seat in Vestas’ Board of Directors. This decision is said to have strengthened the partnership within sustainable energy between the two companies.
Vestas is to acquire MHI’s 50% share of the MVOW joint venture against 5,049,337 shares in Vestas that will be issued at closing of the transaction, corresponding to 2.5% of Vestas’ nominal share capital after the capital increase. The transaction has a value of approximately €709 million EUR (approx. $828 million USD), based on the volume-weighted average of the price for shares in Vestas as quoted on Nasdaq Copenhagen the last five days up to and including Oct. 28, 2020. Following a decision made on Oct. 29 by the Board of Directors of Vestas, and subject to completion of the transaction, the share capital of Vestas will be increased by a nominal value of DKK 5,049,337 (about $791,568) USD, divided into shares of DKK 1 ($0.16 USD) each, pursuant to the authorisation in article 3(1)(b) of Vestas’ Articles of association.
If the transaction is approved by the competition authorities, MHI will— through MHI Holding Denmark ApS (MHI, Copenhagen, Denmark) — subscribe for nominally DKK 5,049,337 new shares, divided into shares of DKK 1 each, by contribution in kind of MHI Denmark’s shares in the MHI Vestas Offshore Wind (MVOW) joint venture. The new shares will be subscribed at a price of DKK 1,045 (approx. $164 USD) per share of nominally DKK 1, calculated as the volume-weighted average of the price for shares in Vestas as quoted on Nasdaq Copenhagen A/S the last five business days open for trading up to and including Oct. 28.
Subscription and payment of the new shares will be made by MHI Denmark at the date of completion of the transaction, but no later than 12 months after the date of the decision by the Board of Directors to issue the shares. Vestas is subject to certain obligations to offer MHI Denmark rights to subscribe for shares against cash payment in the event of a rights issue to shareholders in the period until closing of the transaction to ensure that any changes to the size of the nominal value of Vestas shares do not subsequently impact MHI Denmark’s proportionate holdings.
The new shares will have the same rank (“pari passu”) as the existing shares in Vestas and will carry a right to dividend from the date of registration of the capital increase with the Danish Business Authority. Following completion of the capital increase, the registered share capital of Vestas will amount to nominally DKK 201,973,452 (approx. $31,662,751 USD), divided into 201,973,452 shares of DKK 1 each. The new shares are expected to be admitted to trading and official listing on Nasdaq Copenhagen as soon as possible following closing of the transaction.
The share issue will be made pursuant to applicable exemptions from the obligation to publish a prospectus as a directed issue and private placement at market value and without pre-emption rights for Vestas’ existing shareholders.
Per the agreement, Vestas will acquire Tokyo-based Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ shares in the MHI Vestas Offshore Wind (MVOW) joint venture. MHI gets 2.5% in Vestas and a seat on the Vestas board.
Vestas (Aarhus, Denmark), and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI, Tokyo, Japan), have signed an agreement that Vestas will acquire MHI’s shares in the MHI Vestas Offshore Wind (MVOW) joint venture, against MHI acquiring 2.5% in Vestas and being nominated to a seat in Vestas’ Board of Directors. This decision is said to have strengthened the partnership within sustainable energy between the two companies.
Vestas is to acquire MHI’s 50% share of the MVOW joint venture against 5,049,337 shares in Vestas that will be issued at closing of the transaction, corresponding to 2.5% of Vestas’ nominal share capital after the capital increase. The transaction has a value of approximately €709 million EUR (approx. $828 million USD), based on the volume-weighted average of the price for shares in Vestas as quoted on Nasdaq Copenhagen the last five days up to and including Oct. 28, 2020. Following a decision made on Oct. 29 by the Board of Directors of Vestas, and subject to completion of the transaction, the share capital of Vestas will be increased by a nominal value of DKK 5,049,337 (about $791,568) USD, divided into shares of DKK 1 ($0.16 USD) each, pursuant to the authorisation in article 3(1)(b) of Vestas’ Articles of association.
If the transaction is approved by the competition authorities, MHI will— through MHI Holding Denmark ApS (MHI, Copenhagen, Denmark) — subscribe for nominally DKK 5,049,337 new shares, divided into shares of DKK 1 each, by contribution in kind of MHI Denmark’s shares in the MHI Vestas Offshore Wind (MVOW) joint venture. The new shares will be subscribed at a price of DKK 1,045 (approx. $164 USD) per share of nominally DKK 1, calculated as the volume-weighted average of the price for shares in Vestas as quoted on Nasdaq Copenhagen A/S the last five business days open for trading up to and including Oct. 28.
Subscription and payment of the new shares will be made by MHI Denmark at the date of completion of the transaction, but no later than 12 months after the date of the decision by the Board of Directors to issue the shares. Vestas is subject to certain obligations to offer MHI Denmark rights to subscribe for shares against cash payment in the event of a rights issue to shareholders in the period until closing of the transaction to ensure that any changes to the size of the nominal value of Vestas shares do not subsequently impact MHI Denmark’s proportionate holdings.
The new shares will have the same rank (“pari passu”) as the existing shares in Vestas and will carry a right to dividend from the date of registration of the capital increase with the Danish Business Authority. Following completion of the capital increase, the registered share capital of Vestas will amount to nominally DKK 201,973,452 (approx. $31,662,751 USD), divided into 201,973,452 shares of DKK 1 each. The new shares are expected to be admitted to trading and official listing on Nasdaq Copenhagen as soon as possible following closing of the transaction.
The share issue will be made pursuant to applicable exemptions from the obligation to publish a prospectus as a directed issue and private placement at market value and without pre-emption rights for Vestas’ existing shareholders.
Composites
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Vestas’ planning of the expected integration of MVOW into the Vestas group will commence immediately and run until transaction closing, focusing on synergies in sales, technology, manufacturing footprint and procurement to sustain customer relationships, lower costs and the building of a strong shared Vestas culture. Until transaction closing, the executive management of MVOW will consist of Johnny Thomsen, CEO of MVOW, Tatsuichiro Honda, co-chief executive officer and CFO of MVOW, Kentaro Hosomi, deputy chairman of MVOW and CEO, Energy Systems, MHI, and Henrik Andersen, chairman of MVOW and Group president and CEO of Vestas.
On a stand-alone basis, MVOW is expected to report a consolidated revenue for 2020 of approximately €1.4 billion EUR (approx. $1.6 billion USD), with an EBIT margin of around 4%.
Closing of the transaction is expected to take place within either the fourth quarter of 2020 or the first quarter of 2021.
> source
On a stand-alone basis, MVOW is expected to report a consolidated revenue for 2020 of approximately €1.4 billion EUR (approx. $1.6 billion USD), with an EBIT margin of around 4%.
Closing of the transaction is expected to take place within either the fourth quarter of 2020 or the first quarter of 2021.
> source
Composites
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JEC WORLD ANNOUNCES NEW 2021 DATES NEW DIGITAL PLATFORM UNVEILED
Paris, November 3, 2020 – Due to the continued impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and after thorough consultation of clients and partners, the JEC World team today announces that the next edition of JEC World is postponed from March 9 to 11 to June 1 to 3, 2021.
With the growing concern among our exhibitors and partners surrounding the critical situation of the Covid 19, travel restrictions, quarantine, and lockdown measures announced recently in many countries, the JEC World team has decided to work on a new timeline to hold the next edition of the event in safer conditions in 2021.
Thus, JEC World exhibitors answered a survey proposing three dates to determine which one would suit them the most. It appeared that a large majority of respondents favored holding the next JEC World session from June 1 to 3, 2021.
“We truly regret having to make this difficult decision. However, we are all committed, starting today to deliver the best JEC World experience to our clients. We look forward to welcoming the international composites community back to Paris in June 2021″, says Eric Pierrejean, CEO of JEC Group.
Join us from June 1 to 3, 2021, at Paris Nord Villepinte (same venue) and online for a new augmented experience.
As the leading trade show of the composites industry, JEC World brings together the whole composites materials value chain and professionals from application sectors, experts from the scientific and academic world, associations and media from more than 112 countries.
JEC World is also proud to introduce its audience this year, its new digital platform, JEC World Augmented. This online platform, programmed to take place alongside JEC World, is tailored primarily for attendees who cannot be present physically at the show but still want to experience a tremendous digital event immersion.
“JEC World and its augmented platform will bring the international composites community and specialists together to network with exhibitors, hold digital business meetings, access online conferences, workshops, and discover the latest composites innovation,” says Adeline Larroque, Show director and EMEA events. “Now, more than ever, the international composites sector needs to come together to discuss today’s challenges and tomorrow’s composites solutions,” adds Larroque.
About JEC Group
JEC Group is the world’s leading company dedicated entirely to developing information and business connections channels and platforms supporting the growth and promotion of the composite materials industry. The company publishes the sector’s leading magazine, JEC Composites Magazine, and coordinates international programs in innovation. It organizes several events worldwide, including JEC World, the biggest international trade fair in composites and their use, which takes place every year in Paris.
Press contact
Farah Boudjemia – Tel. +33 1 58 36 43 99 – boudjemia@jeccomposites.com
> source
Paris, November 3, 2020 – Due to the continued impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and after thorough consultation of clients and partners, the JEC World team today announces that the next edition of JEC World is postponed from March 9 to 11 to June 1 to 3, 2021.
With the growing concern among our exhibitors and partners surrounding the critical situation of the Covid 19, travel restrictions, quarantine, and lockdown measures announced recently in many countries, the JEC World team has decided to work on a new timeline to hold the next edition of the event in safer conditions in 2021.
Thus, JEC World exhibitors answered a survey proposing three dates to determine which one would suit them the most. It appeared that a large majority of respondents favored holding the next JEC World session from June 1 to 3, 2021.
“We truly regret having to make this difficult decision. However, we are all committed, starting today to deliver the best JEC World experience to our clients. We look forward to welcoming the international composites community back to Paris in June 2021″, says Eric Pierrejean, CEO of JEC Group.
Join us from June 1 to 3, 2021, at Paris Nord Villepinte (same venue) and online for a new augmented experience.
As the leading trade show of the composites industry, JEC World brings together the whole composites materials value chain and professionals from application sectors, experts from the scientific and academic world, associations and media from more than 112 countries.
JEC World is also proud to introduce its audience this year, its new digital platform, JEC World Augmented. This online platform, programmed to take place alongside JEC World, is tailored primarily for attendees who cannot be present physically at the show but still want to experience a tremendous digital event immersion.
“JEC World and its augmented platform will bring the international composites community and specialists together to network with exhibitors, hold digital business meetings, access online conferences, workshops, and discover the latest composites innovation,” says Adeline Larroque, Show director and EMEA events. “Now, more than ever, the international composites sector needs to come together to discuss today’s challenges and tomorrow’s composites solutions,” adds Larroque.
About JEC Group
JEC Group is the world’s leading company dedicated entirely to developing information and business connections channels and platforms supporting the growth and promotion of the composite materials industry. The company publishes the sector’s leading magazine, JEC Composites Magazine, and coordinates international programs in innovation. It organizes several events worldwide, including JEC World, the biggest international trade fair in composites and their use, which takes place every year in Paris.
Press contact
Farah Boudjemia – Tel. +33 1 58 36 43 99 – boudjemia@jeccomposites.com
> source
Composites
Photo: IR thermograms of six impact damage defects/ Composites Part B: Engineering.
Heat and ultrasonic help scientists to detect 'kissing-bond' defects in a promising space material
Scientists from Tomsk Polytechnic University together with their colleagues from Malaysia have studied for the first time a carbon-carbon (C/C) composite by a new non-destructive method – ultrasonic IR thermography. The material itself is promising for aerospace engineering since it can withstand the temperature of up to 2,500 °C. Experiments showed that the method makes it possible to detect so-called ‘kissing-bond’ defects in the materials with high accuracy and online. If they are not detected in time they can cause emergency situations. The study results were published in the journal Composites Part B: Engineering.
‘Due to its high strength with relative less mass and resistance against corrosion, composite materials are often used for aerospace engineering, shipbuilding, and automobile industry. However, they have substantial limitations – composites are vulnerable to shock damage.
If they are used for external parts in aircraft (airplanes, rockets, and others), for example, hail, bird strikes, and tools can damage them. Defects in such materials, e.g. the smallest delamination, cracks, breaks in the fibers are often invisible. Over time, during their operation, they enlarge and potential danger increases. Therefore manufacturing of critical parts out of composites requires new methods of non-destructive testing, ’ says research fellow Zaki Umar from Malaysian Nuclear Agency. Recently he has been on internship at Tomsk Polytechnic University. The carbon-carbon composite has a complex fibrous structure. It features ‘’kissing-bond’ defects. Such defects look like, for example, cracks in which the edges closely adjoin each other. They are difficult to detect by standard ultrasonic and X-ray methods because they do not resist mechanical waves and ionizing radiation. At TPU Zaki Umar was proposed to test the C/C composite by ultrasonic infrared thermography. It unites two methods of non-destructive testing at once: an ultrasonic and a thermal.
Tomsk Polytechnic University is one of few Russian scientific centers where the research of ultrasonic infrared thermography is conducted.
TPU Professor Vladimir Vavilov, the head of the Research Laboratory for Thermal Testing says:
‘The method is still new in the world and not adopted at manufacturing in Russia. Though it has a series of advantages. The idea of the method is simple: powerful ultrasound with a frequency of 20-40 kHz, which is more powerful than in the traditional ultrasonic testing, is introduced into the tested object. Ultrasonic waves propagating in a solid body causes friction of the defect walls, generating thermal energy. We identify the energy with an infrared camera installed at a short distance from the tested object. The thermal ‘footprints’ of defects show their location and characteristics.’
Experiments showed that ultrasonic infrared thermography is very effective in detecting defects in a carbon-carbon composite. The scientists received clear signals that are difficult to confuse with ‘noises’ that are usual for standard ultrasonic testing.
‘Composites, including carbon-carbon ones are materials for manufacturing parts which are difficult to test by usual ultrasound. Ultrasonic thermography is more accessible from the perspective of the point of ultrasonic introduction, therefore it is appropriate for testing complex shaped parts. The testing process is carried out online, all data obtained are immediately available for analysis,’ explains Professor Vavilov.
In the framework of the study, TPU scientists developed ThermoSource software to solve a basic problem on the evaluation of the energy released during internal friction. This will determine the limiting capabilities of the method and optimize the procedure of non-destructive testing. In addition, 3D modeling of thermal release in defects makes it possible to study the structure of complex defects that occur in composites due to external exposure.
Scientists from Tomsk Polytechnic University together with their colleagues from Malaysia have studied for the first time a carbon-carbon (C/C) composite by a new non-destructive method – ultrasonic IR thermography. The material itself is promising for aerospace engineering since it can withstand the temperature of up to 2,500 °C. Experiments showed that the method makes it possible to detect so-called ‘kissing-bond’ defects in the materials with high accuracy and online. If they are not detected in time they can cause emergency situations. The study results were published in the journal Composites Part B: Engineering.
‘Due to its high strength with relative less mass and resistance against corrosion, composite materials are often used for aerospace engineering, shipbuilding, and automobile industry. However, they have substantial limitations – composites are vulnerable to shock damage.
If they are used for external parts in aircraft (airplanes, rockets, and others), for example, hail, bird strikes, and tools can damage them. Defects in such materials, e.g. the smallest delamination, cracks, breaks in the fibers are often invisible. Over time, during their operation, they enlarge and potential danger increases. Therefore manufacturing of critical parts out of composites requires new methods of non-destructive testing, ’ says research fellow Zaki Umar from Malaysian Nuclear Agency. Recently he has been on internship at Tomsk Polytechnic University. The carbon-carbon composite has a complex fibrous structure. It features ‘’kissing-bond’ defects. Such defects look like, for example, cracks in which the edges closely adjoin each other. They are difficult to detect by standard ultrasonic and X-ray methods because they do not resist mechanical waves and ionizing radiation. At TPU Zaki Umar was proposed to test the C/C composite by ultrasonic infrared thermography. It unites two methods of non-destructive testing at once: an ultrasonic and a thermal.
Tomsk Polytechnic University is one of few Russian scientific centers where the research of ultrasonic infrared thermography is conducted.
TPU Professor Vladimir Vavilov, the head of the Research Laboratory for Thermal Testing says:
‘The method is still new in the world and not adopted at manufacturing in Russia. Though it has a series of advantages. The idea of the method is simple: powerful ultrasound with a frequency of 20-40 kHz, which is more powerful than in the traditional ultrasonic testing, is introduced into the tested object. Ultrasonic waves propagating in a solid body causes friction of the defect walls, generating thermal energy. We identify the energy with an infrared camera installed at a short distance from the tested object. The thermal ‘footprints’ of defects show their location and characteristics.’
Experiments showed that ultrasonic infrared thermography is very effective in detecting defects in a carbon-carbon composite. The scientists received clear signals that are difficult to confuse with ‘noises’ that are usual for standard ultrasonic testing.
‘Composites, including carbon-carbon ones are materials for manufacturing parts which are difficult to test by usual ultrasound. Ultrasonic thermography is more accessible from the perspective of the point of ultrasonic introduction, therefore it is appropriate for testing complex shaped parts. The testing process is carried out online, all data obtained are immediately available for analysis,’ explains Professor Vavilov.
In the framework of the study, TPU scientists developed ThermoSource software to solve a basic problem on the evaluation of the energy released during internal friction. This will determine the limiting capabilities of the method and optimize the procedure of non-destructive testing. In addition, 3D modeling of thermal release in defects makes it possible to study the structure of complex defects that occur in composites due to external exposure.
Composites
Photo: IR thermograms of six impact damage defects/ Composites Part B: Engineering.
The elaborated testing method and the model for calculation releasing energy are now possible to apply for different composite materials, in particular, carbon-fiber plastic, fiberglass, composite ceramics, and others.
> source
> source
Composites
Photo
Turkish Aerospace, Boeing partner to produce thermoplastic composites
Per the partnership, Boeing will provide technical support to establish a fully automated facility in Turkey for the production of thermoplastic aerospace components, as well as training technical personnel.
R&D company, Turkish Aerospace (Ankara, Turkey) announced on Nov. 12 a partnership with Boeing (Chicago, Ill., U.S.) that aims to develop thermoplastic manufacturing capabilities in Turkey, as part of the region’s continued effort to develop high-tech products locally. For the collaboration, Boeing will provide technical support for Turkish Aerospace to establish a fully automated facility for the production of thermoplastic materials for the aerospace industry.
“We are very excited to sign a new cooperation with our strategic partner Boeing,” Turkish Aerospace CEO, Professor Temel Kotil says. “We look forward to continue increasing the direction of new production technologies in the aviation sector. As the company that guides and leads the most important projects of Turkey, we will have high-quality thermoplastic part production, which will reduce cost significantly.”
Aysem Sargin, managing director Boeing Turkey, adds that this agreement adds a new dimension to the longstanding partnership between Turkish Aerospace and Boeing. “It also expands the existing technology collaboration between Boeing and Turkey under the National Aerospace Initiative (NAI), which is Boeing’s investment plan for Turkey, announced in 2017. This is a reflection of our continued commitment to the country and to our partners.”
Turkish Aerospace and Boeing’s research is focused on designing high-quality thermoplastic parts in a high-capacity rapid production system for aerospace use. Initial results show that High Efficiency Affordable Rapid Thermoplastic (HEART), can reduce the production cycle and process costs by 30% compared to conventional composites.
This partnership will include the training of technical personnel to develop local expertise in this field and enable Turkey to produce thermoplastics that meets the highest global standards.
> photo: Turkish Aerospace
> source
Per the partnership, Boeing will provide technical support to establish a fully automated facility in Turkey for the production of thermoplastic aerospace components, as well as training technical personnel.
R&D company, Turkish Aerospace (Ankara, Turkey) announced on Nov. 12 a partnership with Boeing (Chicago, Ill., U.S.) that aims to develop thermoplastic manufacturing capabilities in Turkey, as part of the region’s continued effort to develop high-tech products locally. For the collaboration, Boeing will provide technical support for Turkish Aerospace to establish a fully automated facility for the production of thermoplastic materials for the aerospace industry.
“We are very excited to sign a new cooperation with our strategic partner Boeing,” Turkish Aerospace CEO, Professor Temel Kotil says. “We look forward to continue increasing the direction of new production technologies in the aviation sector. As the company that guides and leads the most important projects of Turkey, we will have high-quality thermoplastic part production, which will reduce cost significantly.”
Aysem Sargin, managing director Boeing Turkey, adds that this agreement adds a new dimension to the longstanding partnership between Turkish Aerospace and Boeing. “It also expands the existing technology collaboration between Boeing and Turkey under the National Aerospace Initiative (NAI), which is Boeing’s investment plan for Turkey, announced in 2017. This is a reflection of our continued commitment to the country and to our partners.”
Turkish Aerospace and Boeing’s research is focused on designing high-quality thermoplastic parts in a high-capacity rapid production system for aerospace use. Initial results show that High Efficiency Affordable Rapid Thermoplastic (HEART), can reduce the production cycle and process costs by 30% compared to conventional composites.
This partnership will include the training of technical personnel to develop local expertise in this field and enable Turkey to produce thermoplastics that meets the highest global standards.
> photo: Turkish Aerospace
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Composites
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Russian Scientists Create a Particularly Durable Pseudoplastic Material
Composite materials, which are employed in modern technology, have great rigidity, strength, and fragility. Scientists have learned how to produce unique composites that have unusual pseudoplasticity.
The professor from South Ural State University Sergei Sapozhnikov, together with colleagues from KU Leuven, Belgium, have developed a pseudoplastic hybrid of two initially fragile carbon plastics. The work employs an original theory, proposed by Prof Sapozhnikov. An article on the new pseudoplastic CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced polymer) has been published in Composites Part B: Engineering, the journal with the highest JCR-rank (2019) in the composite materials field.
Durable composite of fragile components
Carbon fiber composite materials have been used for decades. Their use is remarkably widespread in aviation and astronautics. These materials are light-weight, but at the same time possess extraordinary strength. However, composite materials are relatively fragile. If a structure made of such a material is affected by a force slightly greater than the calculated value, then the object is destroyed instantly. Therefore, scientists who study composites are proposing alternative options for pseudoplastic non-fragile materials. To create them, different composites are combined: carbon fiber and fiberglass, carbon fiber and organic plastic, etc.
Professor of the Institute of Engineering and Technology Sergei Sapozhnikov, together with professors Yentl Svolfs and Stepan Lomov from the Catholic University of Leuven (KU Leuven, Belgium), proposed to produce an experimental material based on two brittle carbon plastics – ultra-high-strength and ultra-high-modulus.
The joint work was supported with a grant from the Russian Science Foundation (RSF), by the administration of the Catholic University of Leuven and the Japanese company TORAY, a supplier of materials and sponsor of the Chair for Composite Materials in the Catholic University of Leuven. Sergei Sapozhnikov visited KU Leuven to carry on his research on the unique technological, testing, and analytical equipment. The original theory, developed by Prof Sapozhnikov, allowed a clever design of the tested materials.
It was formerly considered that only thin-layer hybrid composites possess the pseudoplastic properties. The team of scientists showed that the effect of pseudoplasticity can be obtained on composites with standard layer thicknesses. It is only important to have enough fracture toughness at the interface of two layers. The team described this property in their first article.
“I have used two hybrid composites that have never been used to create one material with a unique property called pseudoplasticity. Such materials do not failure suddenly. First, they are initially elastically deformed, then accumulate microdamage, and then destroyed. Pseudoplasticity is necessary to make materials more durable. These hybrid composites have higher strength, but much lower density than steel. With the help of my software program, we created such materials and experimentally proved that these composites can be used,” Sergei Sapozhnikov says. Pseudoplastic composites are the basis of “smart structures”
The collaboration with the University of Leuven is not accomplished: the team intends to test how the new material will resist repeated loads. Professor Valter Carvelli of Politecnico di Milano, Italy, is also collaborating on this topic. The research will be further developed by the study of polymers wear resistance.
Sergei Sapozhnikov also noticed that the data obtained by the international team can at present be used in practice around the world.
Composite materials, which are employed in modern technology, have great rigidity, strength, and fragility. Scientists have learned how to produce unique composites that have unusual pseudoplasticity.
The professor from South Ural State University Sergei Sapozhnikov, together with colleagues from KU Leuven, Belgium, have developed a pseudoplastic hybrid of two initially fragile carbon plastics. The work employs an original theory, proposed by Prof Sapozhnikov. An article on the new pseudoplastic CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced polymer) has been published in Composites Part B: Engineering, the journal with the highest JCR-rank (2019) in the composite materials field.
Durable composite of fragile components
Carbon fiber composite materials have been used for decades. Their use is remarkably widespread in aviation and astronautics. These materials are light-weight, but at the same time possess extraordinary strength. However, composite materials are relatively fragile. If a structure made of such a material is affected by a force slightly greater than the calculated value, then the object is destroyed instantly. Therefore, scientists who study composites are proposing alternative options for pseudoplastic non-fragile materials. To create them, different composites are combined: carbon fiber and fiberglass, carbon fiber and organic plastic, etc.
Professor of the Institute of Engineering and Technology Sergei Sapozhnikov, together with professors Yentl Svolfs and Stepan Lomov from the Catholic University of Leuven (KU Leuven, Belgium), proposed to produce an experimental material based on two brittle carbon plastics – ultra-high-strength and ultra-high-modulus.
The joint work was supported with a grant from the Russian Science Foundation (RSF), by the administration of the Catholic University of Leuven and the Japanese company TORAY, a supplier of materials and sponsor of the Chair for Composite Materials in the Catholic University of Leuven. Sergei Sapozhnikov visited KU Leuven to carry on his research on the unique technological, testing, and analytical equipment. The original theory, developed by Prof Sapozhnikov, allowed a clever design of the tested materials.
It was formerly considered that only thin-layer hybrid composites possess the pseudoplastic properties. The team of scientists showed that the effect of pseudoplasticity can be obtained on composites with standard layer thicknesses. It is only important to have enough fracture toughness at the interface of two layers. The team described this property in their first article.
“I have used two hybrid composites that have never been used to create one material with a unique property called pseudoplasticity. Such materials do not failure suddenly. First, they are initially elastically deformed, then accumulate microdamage, and then destroyed. Pseudoplasticity is necessary to make materials more durable. These hybrid composites have higher strength, but much lower density than steel. With the help of my software program, we created such materials and experimentally proved that these composites can be used,” Sergei Sapozhnikov says. Pseudoplastic composites are the basis of “smart structures”
The collaboration with the University of Leuven is not accomplished: the team intends to test how the new material will resist repeated loads. Professor Valter Carvelli of Politecnico di Milano, Italy, is also collaborating on this topic. The research will be further developed by the study of polymers wear resistance.
Sergei Sapozhnikov also noticed that the data obtained by the international team can at present be used in practice around the world.
Composites
Photo
“We hope to establish the properties of pseudoplastic objects made of composite materials, which were created in SUSU. This is necessary to increase reliability and prevent sudden destruction of the material. After all, pseudoplastic composites, due to the accumulation of fibers rupture that is more rigid and fragile, warn that complete destruction of the material is approaching,” Sergei Sapozhnikov says.
Research in the field of materials along with the smart industry and ecology represents the strategic directions of the scientific-educational activities at South Ural State University.
SUSU is a member of the 5-100 Project intended to increase the competitiveness of the university among the world's leading research and academic centers.
> source
Research in the field of materials along with the smart industry and ecology represents the strategic directions of the scientific-educational activities at South Ural State University.
SUSU is a member of the 5-100 Project intended to increase the competitiveness of the university among the world's leading research and academic centers.
> source
Composites
Photo
Skoltech optimizes pultrusion process productivity
The institute analyzed the influence of pulling speed on the structural characteristics of L-shaped profiles, analyzing the interconnection between a variety of characteristics.
A group of scientists from the Skoltech Center for Design, Manufacturing and Materials (CDMM, Moscow, Russia) and University of Salerno (Italy) have reportedly improved pultrusion process productivity by optimizing pulling speed and structural parameters. According to the research results, which were published in the Composites Structures journal, Skoltech discovered and analyzed the interconnection between pulling speed of pultrusion and severity of manufactured induced shape distortions, matrix cracking and delaminations, as well as mechanical characteristics.
Out of the many current composite manufacturing processes, Skoltech says, pultrusion is considerably the most efficient, combining high production rates with low material waste, characteristics that are continuously sought after, particularly in the construction market.
The pultrusion process optimization involves careful consideration of the many parameters influencing the quality of the final product, the institute adds. One of the parameters to be considered is the pulling speed. Maximizing the pulling speed while preserving the quality of the produced profiles is necessary to increase efficiency and, thus, the pultrusion process's profitability.
#Skoltech #UniversityOfSalerno
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The institute analyzed the influence of pulling speed on the structural characteristics of L-shaped profiles, analyzing the interconnection between a variety of characteristics.
A group of scientists from the Skoltech Center for Design, Manufacturing and Materials (CDMM, Moscow, Russia) and University of Salerno (Italy) have reportedly improved pultrusion process productivity by optimizing pulling speed and structural parameters. According to the research results, which were published in the Composites Structures journal, Skoltech discovered and analyzed the interconnection between pulling speed of pultrusion and severity of manufactured induced shape distortions, matrix cracking and delaminations, as well as mechanical characteristics.
Out of the many current composite manufacturing processes, Skoltech says, pultrusion is considerably the most efficient, combining high production rates with low material waste, characteristics that are continuously sought after, particularly in the construction market.
The pultrusion process optimization involves careful consideration of the many parameters influencing the quality of the final product, the institute adds. One of the parameters to be considered is the pulling speed. Maximizing the pulling speed while preserving the quality of the produced profiles is necessary to increase efficiency and, thus, the pultrusion process's profitability.
#Skoltech #UniversityOfSalerno
> source