An Overview of 3D Thin Shell Textile Preforms

The automobiles, aircraft, and lightweight industries continuously demand thin near-net-shape preforms just out-of-machine as close to the final shape. This study addresses the possibilities of 3D thin shell textile preform as the solution of lightweight reinforcement in various applications. Investigation into the development of 3D thin shells has led to different manufacturing processes. However, 3D thin shell preforms are mostly made by weaving and knitting, but nonwoven, winding, and/or layup techniques have been reported for over a decade. Owing to the complex thin shell manufacturing processes, they are not similar to the conventional methods. The different 3D thin shell preforms can extend the opportunities for new applications in various technical fields. This study presents existing research gaps and a few potential issues to be solved regarding 3D thin shell preforms in the near future.

An Overview of 3D Thin Shell Textile Preforms

The automobiles, aircraft, and lightweight industries continuously demand thin near-net-shape preforms just out-of-machine as close to the final shape. This study addresses the possibilities of 3D thin shell textile preform as the solution of lightweight reinforcement in various applications. Investigation into the development of 3D thin shells has led to different manufacturing processes. However, 3D thin shell preforms are mostly made by weaving and knitting, but nonwoven, winding, and/or layup techniques have been reported for over a decade. Owing to the complex thin shell manufacturing processes, they are not similar to the conventional methods. The different 3D thin shell preforms can extend the opportunities for new applications in various technical fields. This study presents existing research gaps and a few potential issues to be solved regarding 3D thin shell preforms in the near future.

Mechanical Properties of the Cured Laminates on the Hot-press Tackified Preforms in Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding

A hot-press tackified preform was used to improve the uniformity of the laminates thickness and the mechanical properties of the obtained laminates were studied using vacuum assisted resin transfer molding（VARTM）. Two modified preforms were prepared under 0.1 and 0.6 MPa in an autoclave and then were used to fabricate the laminates via VARTM. Permeability and thickness distribution of the laminates were obtained by using a special device. Moreover, the tensile and compressive strengths of the obtained laminates were studied and compared with the unmodified ones. Results show that the tackified laminates present a maximum and minimum thickness under 0.1 and 0.6 MPa, respectively. The thicknesses and in-plane permeability of the tackified laminates, with better thickness uniformity, are significantly decreased compared with that of the unmodified cases, while the tensile and compressive strengths of the tackified laminates are improved obviously. Results show that the mechanical property of the tackified laminates prepared by hotpressing at 0.1 MPa is better than that processed at 0.6 MPa.

Properties of SiC Particulate Preforms Based on Different Pore-forming Agents and Bonding Methods for Making SiC/Al Composites

The preforms with high SiC volume fraction （〉50%） were successfully fabricated by two bonding methods. Moreover, the dimensional change, compressive strength, and microstructure of SiC preforms were investigated, and the bonding mechanism among SiC particulates in preforms was also discussed. Results show that, after heating to 1 100 ~C and holding for 2 h, a uniform and interconnected structure in the SiC preforms can be obtained by using starch, stearic acid, and graphite respectively as the pore-forming agents, which benefits the subsequent infiltration by the molten metals. More neck-like-jointing among SiC particulate by using graphite as the pore-forming agent improves the dimensional accuracy and compressive strength of the preform. Besides, the properties of the preforms by the binder bonding are better than those by the oxidation bonding, which is mainly because the mixed neck-like-jointing and binder at high temperature provide effective bonding together.

Design,preparation,and structure of particle preforms for Si_3N_(4(P))/Si_3N_4 radome composites prepared using chemical vapor infiltration process

A particle preform was designed and prepared by conglomerating and cold-pressed process, which was condensed by chemical vapor infiltration （CVI） process to fabricate silicon nitride particles reinforced silicon nitride composites. The conglomerations are of almost sphericity after conglomerated. There are large pores among the conglomerations and small pores within themselves in the preform according to the design and the test of pore size distribution. The pore size of the preform is characterized by a double-peak distribution. The pore size distribution is influenced by conglomeration size. Large pores among the conglomerations still exist after infiltrated Si3N4 matrix. The conglomerations, however, are very compact. The CVI Si3N4 looks like cauliflowershaped structure. 2008 University of Science and Technology Beijing. All rights reserved.

A NEW APPROACH TO MANUFACTURING 3D WOVEN PREFORMS USED FOR STRUCTURAL COMPOSITES

The manufacturing of three-dimensional textile preforms used for composites started to re-ceive much attention in the last decade.The major barriers to accelerating the transition from thelamination of two-dimensional fabrics to manufacturing integral three-dimensional near-netshaped textile preforms are high cost and database deficiency.To reduce the cost of weaving three-dimensional preforms,and make full use of the potential of conventional looms,a rig was designedwhich can convert two-dimensional woven fabric to particular three-dimensional preforms wherethe yarn is orientated in the directions of maximum stress.

Fluxless bonding with silver nanowires aerogel in die-attached interconnection

The electronic product has gravitated towards component miniaturization and integration, employment of lead-free materials, and low-temperature soldering processes. Noble-metal aerogels have drawn increasing attention for high conduction and low density. However,the noble metal aerogels with outstanding solderability were rarely studied. This work has successfully synthesized an aerogel derived from silver nanowires(AgNWs) using a liquid phase reduction method. It is found that the noble metal aerogels can be made into diverse aerogel preformed soldering sheets. The influence of bonding temperature(150-300 ℃), time(2-20 min), and pressure(5-20 MPa) on the joint strength of the AgNWs aerogel affixed to electroless nickel/silver copper plates were investigated. Additionally, the AgNWs aerogel displays almost the same shear strength for substrates of various sizes. In a word, this study presents a flux-free, high-strength, and adaptable soldering structural material.

Theoretical study of reactive melt infiltration to fabricate Co-Si/C composites

Cobalt-silicon based carbon composites(Co–Si/C)have established a noteworthy consideration in recent years as a replacement for conventional materials in the automotive and aerospace industries.To achieve the composite,a reactive melt infiltration process(RMI)is used,in which a melt impregnates a porous preform by capillary force.This method promises a high-volume fraction of reinforcement and can be steered in such a way to get the good“near-net”shaped components.A mathematical model is developed using reaction-formed Co–Si alloy/C composite as a prototype system for this process.The wetting behavior and contact angle are discussed;surface tension and viscosity are calculated by Wang’s and Egry’s equations,respectively.Pore radii of 5μm and 10μm are set as a reference on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite.The graphs are plotted using the model,to study some aspects of the infiltration dynamics.This highlights the possible connections among the various processes.In this attempt,the Co–Si(62.5 at.%silicon)alloy’s maximum infiltration at 5μm and 10μm radii are found as 0.05668 m at 125 s and 0.22674 m at 250 s,respectively.

Empirical Model for Evaluating Covered Effect on Polyimide/Metal Wire Cowrapped Yarn by Response Surface Methodology

To accurately evaluate and predict the covered effect of cowrapped yarn,a novel characterization is performed by covered ratio and fineness. Polyimide / metal wire co-wrapped yarn which was designed for applications in aerospace and composites was developed through hollow spindle spinning process. Core yarn speed,hollow spindle rotating speed,and wrapping yarn twist were selected as three main factors that affected spinning process. An empirical model indicating relationship between spinning parameters and covered effect was established based on response surface methodology( RSM). The results show that wrapping yarn twist contributes greatly to smooth wrapping process. Core yarn speed and spindle rotating speed are significant impact factors of covered effect and they interact significantly in covered ratio, but indistinctively in fineness.

Sensitivity Analysis Based Multiple Objective Preform Die Shape Optimal Design in Metal Forging

The multiple objective preform design optimization was put forward. The final forging＇s shape and deformation uniformity were considered in the multiple objective. The objective is to optimize the shape and the deformation uniformity of the final forging at the same time so that a more high integrate quality of the final forging can be obtained. The total objective was assembled by the shape and uniformity objective using the weight adding method. The preform die shape is presented by cubic B-spline curves. The control points of B-spline curves are used as the design variables. The forms of the total objective function, shape and uniformity sub-objective function are given. The sensitivities of the total objective function and the sub-objective functions with respect to the design variables are developed. Using this method, the preform die shape of an H-shaped forging process is optimally designed. The optimization results are very satisfactory.

Insight into the preformed albumin corona on in vitro and in vivo performances of albumin-selective nanoparticles

Preformed albumin corona of albumin-nonselective nanoparticles(NPs)is widely exploited to inhibit the unavoidable protein adsorption upon intravenous administration.However,very few studies have concerned the preformed albumin corona of albumin-selective NPs.Herein,we report a novel type of albumin-selective NPs by decorating 6-maleimidocaproyl polyethylene glycol stearate(SA)onto PLGA NPs(SP NPs)surface,taking albuminnonselective PLGA NPs as control.PLGA NPs and SP NPs were prepared by emulsion-solvent evaporation method and the resultant NPs were in spherical shape with an average diameter around 180 nm.The corresponding albumin-coating PLGA NPs(PLGA@BSA NPs)and albumin-coating SP NPs(SP@BSA NPs)were formulated by incubating SP NPs or PLGA NPs with bovine serum albumin solution,respectively.The impact of albumin corona on particle characteristics,stability,photothermal effect,cytotoxicity,cell uptake,spheroid penetration and pharmacokinetics was investigated.In line with previous findings of preformed albumin coating,PLGA@BSA NPs exhibited higher stability,cytotoxicity,cell internalization and spheroid penetration performances in vitro,and longer blood circulation time in vivo than those of albumin-nonselective PLGA NPs,but albumin-selective SP NPs is capable of achieving a comparable in vitro and in vivo performances with both SP@BSA NPs and PLGA@BSA NPs.Our results demonstrate that SA decorated albumin-selective NPs pave a versatile avenue for optimizing nanoparticulate delivery without preformed albumin corona.

Optimal Preform Die Design through Controlling Deformation Uniformity in Metal Forging

A finite element based sensitivity analysis method for preform die shape design in metal forging is developed. The optimization goal is to obtain more uniform deformation within the final forging by controlling the deformation uniformity. The objective function expressed by the effective strain is constructed. The sensitivity equations of the objective function, elemental volume, elemental effective strain rate and the elemental strain rate with respect to the design variables are constituted. The preform die shapes of an H-shaped forging process in axisymmetric deformation are designed using this method.

A Numerical Study of Densification Behavior of Silicon Carbide Matrix Composites in Isothermal Chemical Vapor Infiltration

We studied the characteristics of two-scale pore structure of preform in the deposition process and the mass transfer of reactant gas in dual-scale pores, and observed the physiochemical phenomenon associated with the reaction. Thereby, we established mathematical models on two scales, respectively, preform and reactor. These models were used for the numerical simulation of the process of ceramic matrix composites densified by isothermal chemical vapor infiltration(ICVI). The models were used to carry out a systematic study on the influence of process conditions and the preform structure on the densification behaviors. The most important findings of our study are that the processing time could be reduced by about 50% without compromising the quality of the material, if the processing temperature is 950-1 000 ℃ for the first 70 hours and then raised to 1 100 ℃.

Surface composites fabricated by vacuum infiltration casting technique

Alumina （Al2O3） particles reinforced copper matrix surface composites were fabricated on the bronze substrate using the vacuum infiltration casting technique. Three cases were obtained in the vacuum infiltration casting technique： no infiltration, partial infiltration and full infiltration （the thickness of preforms do not exceed 3.5mm）. The reason of no infiltration is that the vacuum degree is not enough so that the force acting on the liquid metal is lower than the resistance due to the surface tension. Partial infiltration is because of somewhat lower vacuum degree and pouring temperature. Full desired infiltration is on account of suitable infiltration casting conditions, such as vacuum degree, pouring temperature, grain size and preheating temperature of the preform. The most important factor of affecting formation of surface composites is the vacuum degree, then pouring temperature and particle size. The infiltration mechanism was discussed on the bases of different processing conditions. The surface composite up to 3.5 mm in thickness with uniformly distributed Al2O3 particles could be fabricated via the vacuum infiltration casting technique.

Triple-phase interfaces of graphene-like carbon clusters on antimony trisulfide nanowires enable high-loading and long-lasting liquid Li_(2)S_(6)-based lithium-sulfur batteries

High performance of lithium-sulfur batteries have been dragged down by their shuttling behavior which is complicated multiphase transition-based 16-electron redox reactions of the S8/Li2 S.In this article,the triple-phase interfaces of graphene-like carbon clusters on antimony trisulfide(C-Sb_(2)S_(3))nanowires are tailored to design a multifunctional polysulfide host which can inhibit migration of polysulfides and accelerate conversion kinetics of redox electrochemical reactions.Benefiting from the triple-interface design of polysulfides/Sb_(2)S_(3)/carbon clusters,the C-Sb_(2)S_(3) electrode not only anchors polysulfide migration by the synergistic effect of Sb,S,and C atoms as interfacial active sites,but also the graphene-like carbon clusters shorten the diffusion paths to further favor redox electron/ion transport through the liquid(electrolyte/polysulfide)and solid(Li2 S/S8,carbon clusters,and Sb_(2)S_(3))-based triple-phases.Therefore,these Li_(2)S_(6)-based C-Sb_(2)S_(3) cells possess high sulfur loading,excellent cycling stability,impressive specific capacity,and great rate capability.This work of interfacial engineering reveals insight for powering reaction kinetics in the complicated multistep catalysis reaction with multiphase evolution-based chargetransfer/non-transfer processes.

X-ray Computed Tomography Characterization of 3D Tufted Twill Textile Composite for Aerostructures

Damage assessments in three dimensional (3D) textile composites subjected to mechanical loading can be performed by non-destructive and destructive techniques.This paper applies the two techniques to investigate the fracture behavior of 3D tufted textile composites.X-ray computed tomography as a non-destructive evaluation method is appropriate to detect damage locations and identify their progression in 3D textile composites.Destructive methods such as sectioning toward observing damage provide valuable information about damage patterns.The results of this research could be utilized to evaluate the initial cause of rupture in 3D tufted composites used in aerospace structures and analyze fracture modes and damage progression.

Spinel Castables for Steel Ladle Lining:In-Situ Versus Preformed

The paper discusses the difference in the formulation concepts of alumina - spinel （spinel containing ） and alumina - magnesia （ spin, el forming） castables and the influence on their physical properties. The individual property profile is discussed with respect to the requirements of refactory lining materials for the different zones of a steel ladle.

Development and Characterization of Fe-Based Friction Material Made by Hot Powder Preform Forging for Low Duty Applications

This present paper investigates the friction and wear properties of friction material developed by ‘Hot Powder Preform Forging’ technique. The conventional technique to manufacture Metallo-ceramic brake pads was successfully and economically tried to replace the above process. Compacting and sintering technology suffers from certain major limitations such as inadequate joining of friction element with backing plate, poor density levels achieved in friction element owing to limited application of pressure during compacting, poor thermal conductivity due to high levels of porosity in the product, poor strength due to segregation of the impurities along prior particle boundaries (PPB’s) and, wide variations in final characteristics due to large number of variables involved. In contrast to these limitations, the present technique can offer brake pads of much simpler chemistry but with improved performance on account of simultaneous application of pressure and temperature and with better control of variables. Fade and recovery studies were carried out on a Krauss machine tester following the Economic Commission for Europe Regulation for replacement brake linings (ECE R-90). μfade, μrecovery, μperformance, % age fade , % age recovery & temperature rise lie within the range for friction materials used for low duty applications. The mechanical properties of these materials were characterized using ASTM standards.

Model of Preformed Hole-Pairs in c-Axis Transport in Cuprate Superconductors

Model of hole-pairs in electrical transport along ab plane in cuprate superconductors has already been proposed. It has been found to be in the shape of 3dx2–y2 orbital of an electron in an atom. This time, model of hole-pairs in transport along c-axis in cuprate superconductors is proposed. In ab-plane, hole-pairs are formed along CuO2 plane;one hole-pair covering 9 - 10 two dimensional CuO2 unit cells in 3dx2–y2 configuration. In the investigation of c-axis hole-pairs, cuprate superconductors have been sub-divided into three categories depending on the number of CuO2 planes/formula unit. There is a little different treatment for finding out the order parameter in each category. Coherence lengths along ab-planes are of the order of a few tens of Angstroms, whereas along c-axis, they are less than even their a-, b-lattice constants. In cuprates with 2 or 3 CuO2 planes, the order parameter is of 3dz2–x2 type in zx-plane with lobes along both the axes much constrained. For cuprates with a single CuO2 layer, the order parameter is of 3dx2–y2 type, but its dimensions are less than a-, b-lattice constants.