Ballistic Penetration Damage of Hybrid Thermoplastic Composites Reinforced with Kevlar and UHMWPE Fabrics

Polymer matrix types of fiber hybrid composites are key factors to improve ballistic impact damage tolerances.Here we report ballistic penetration damages of Kevlar/ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene(UHMWPE)hybrid composites with thermoplastic polyurethane(PU)matrix.The hybrid composites were penetrated by fragment-simulating projectiles(FSPs)using an air gun impact system.The effects of stacking sequences on the ballistic performance of hybrid composites were analyzed.Two types of specific energy absorption(the energy absorption per unit area density and the energy absorption per unit thickness)were investigated.It was found that the main damage modes of PU hybrid composites were fiber breakage,matrix damage,fiber pullout and interlayer delamination.The instantaneous deformation could not be used as a reference index for evaluating the ballistic performance of the target plate.The energy absorption process of the PU hybrid composites showed a nonlinear pattern.The hybrid structure affected the specific energy absorption of the materials.

Microstructure and thermophysical properties of SiC/Al composites mixed with diamond

The thermophysical properties of the SiC /Al composites mixed with diamond（SiC-Dia/Al） were studied through theoretical calculation and experiments. The thermal conductivity and the thermal expansion coefficient of the SiC-Dia/Al were calculated by differential effective medium（DEM） theoretical model and extended Turner model, respectively. The microstructure of the SiC-Dia/Al shows that the combination between SiC particles and Al is close, while that between diamond particles and Al is not close. The experimental results of the thermophysical properties of the SiC-Dia/Al are consistent with the calculated ones. The calculation results show that when the volume ratio of the diamond particles to the SiC particles is 3：7, the thermal conductivity and the thermal expansion coefficient can be improved by 39% and 30% compared to SiC/Al composites, respectively. In other words, by adding a small amount of diamond particles, the thermophysical properties of the composites can be improved effectively, while the cost increases little.

Relationship between repeated triaxial test and Hamburg wheel tracking test on asphalt mixtures

Both the repeated triaxial test （RTT） and the Hamburg wheel tracking test （HWTT） are adopted to evaluate the high temperature performance of the stone mastic asphalt （SMA） and the mastic asphalt （MA）. The correlation of the permanent deformations of the MA and the correlation of the deformation developments of the SMA between the two tests are analyzed, respectively. Results show that both the two tests can effectively identify the high temperature performance of mixtures, and the correlation between the final results of the two tests as well as that between the deformation developments of the two tests are excellent with R20.9. In order to further prove the correlation, viscoelastic parameters estimated from the RTT results is used to simulate the rutting development in the HWTT slabs by the finite element method （FEM）. Results indicate that the correlation between the two tests is significant with errors less than 10%. It is suitable to predict the rutting development with the viscoelastic parameters obtained from the RTT.

Fatigue behavior of basalt-aramid and basalt-carbon hybrid fiber reinforced polymer sheets

In order to study the fatigue failure mode and fatigue life laws of basalt-aramid and basalt-carbon hybrid fiber reinforced polymer （ FRP ） sheets, fatigue experiments are carried out, considering two hybrid ratios of 1 ： 1 and 2：1 under different stress levels from 0.6 to 0.95. The results show that fractures occur first in carbon fibers or aramid fibers for the specimens with hybrid ratio of 1： 1, namely B1A1 and B1C1, while a fracture occurs first in basalt fibers for the specimens with a hybrid ratio of 2： 1, namely B2A1 and B2C1. The fatigue lives of the hybrid FRP sheets increase with the improvement of the content of carbon fibers or aramid fibers, and the influence of the carbon fibers content improvement to fatigue life is more significant. The fatigue performance of B2A1 is relatively worse, while the fatigue performance of B1C1 and B2C1 is relatively better. Finally, a new fatigue stiffness degradation model with dual variables and double inflection points is presented, which is applicable to both hybrid and normal FRP sheets.

Fracture suppression at steel/concrete connection zones by ECC

In order to avoid brittle fracture failure, a ductile engineered cementitious composite （ECC） was attempted in steel/concrete connection zones to replace normal concrete. The influence of the ECC material ductility on connection failure modes and structural performance was investigated via the pushout test of stud/ECC connection, the pullout test of two-dimensional anchor bolt/ECC connection and the finite element modeling （FEM）. The experimental results suggest that the micromechanically designed ECC with a tensile ductility 300 times that of normal concrete switches the brittle fracture failure mode to a ductile one in steel connection zones. This modification in material behavior leads to higher load carrying capacity and structural ductility, which is also confirmed in FEM investigation. The enhancement in structural response through material ductility engineering is expected to be applicable to a wide range of engineering structures where steel and concrete come into contact.

Laser-weldable Si_p-SiC_p/Al hybrid composites with bilayer structure for electronic packaging

Laser-weldable Sip-SiCp/Al hybrid composites with high volume fraction （60%-65%） of SiC reinforcement were fabricated by compression moulding and vacuum gas pressure infiltration technology. Microscopic observation displayed that the Sip-SiCp/Al hybrid composites with bilayer structure were compact without gas pores and the intergradation between Sip/Al layer and SiCp/Al layer was homogeneous and continuous. Further investigation revealed that the Sip-SiCp/Al hybrid composites possessed low density （2.96 g/cm^3）, high gas tightness （1.0 mPa·cm^3）/s）, excellent thermal management function as a result of high thermal conductivity （194 W/（m·K） and low coefficient of thermal expansion （7.0×10^-6 K-1）. Additionally, Sip-SiCp/Al hybrid composites had outstanding laser welding adaptability, which is significantly important for electronic packaging applications. The gas tightness of components after laser welding （48 mPa·cm^3）/s） can well match the requirement of advanced electronic packaging. Several kinds of these precision components passed tests and were put into production.

Optimization of machining parameters in drilling hybrid aluminium metal matrix composites

Taguchi method with grey relational analysis was used to optimize the machining parameters with multiple performance characteristics in drilling hybrid metal matrix A1356/SiC-mica composites. Experiments were conducted on a computer numerical control vertical machining centre and Lzs orthogonal array was chosen for the experiments. The drilling parameters namely spindle speed, feed rate, drill type and mass fraction of mica were optimized based on the multiple performance characteristics including thrust force, surface roughness, tool wear and burr height （exit）. The results show that the feed rate and the type of drill are the most significant factors which affect the drilling process and the performance in the drilling process can be effectively improved by using this approach.

Mechanical properties of polyvinyl alcohol-basalt hybrid fiber engineered cementitious composites with impact of elevated temperatures

In the present study,the mechanical properties of polyvinyl alcohol(PVA)-basalt hybrid fiber reinforced engineered cementitious composites(ECC)after exposure to elevated temperatures were experimentally investigated.Five temperatures of 20,50,100,200 and 400℃ were set to evaluate the residual compressive,tensile and flexural behaviors of hybrid and mono fiber ECC.It was shown that partial replacement of PVA fibers with basalt fibers endowed ECC with improved residual compressive toughness,compared to brittle failure of mono fiber ECC heated to 400℃.The tension tests indicated that the presence of basalt fibers benefited the tensile strength up to 200℃,and delayed the sharp reduction of strength to 400℃.Under flexural load,the peak deflections corresponding to flexural strengths of hybrid fiber ECC were found to be less vulnerable ranging from 20 to 100℃.Further,the scanning electron microscopy(SEM)results uncovered that the rupture of basalt fiber at moderate temperature and its pullout mechanism at high temperature was responsible for the mechanical evolution of hybrid fiber ECC.This work develops a better understanding of elevated temperature and basalt fiber impact on the residual mechanical properties and further provides guideline for tailoring ECC for improved fire resistance.

Ion-transport characteristics of new-old concrete composite system

New-old concrete composite system usually exists in concrete repairing structure.In the present work,series of experiments were carried out to investigate permeability and ion diffusion properties of new-old concrete composite by measuring 6-hour coulomb charge and chloride diffusivity.The interrelation among transport properties of new-old composites,new,and old concretes was also discussed.Results indicate that the permeability and chloride diffusivity of new-old concrete composite system closely interrelate to the corresponding new concrete and old concrete.The interfacial transition zone between new concrete and old concrete greatly influences the transport property of new-old concrete system.Compared with the corresponding new concrete and old concrete lower permeability and diffusivity values for the new-old concrete composites can be achieved by choosing suitable new concrete.It is possible to design the tailor-made new-old concrete composite system for repair given the transport property.

Effect of hybrid ratio on friction and wear behavior of AZ91D matrix nanocomposites under oil lubricated conditions

Friction and wear behavior of AZ91D and its nanocomposites reinforced by different contents of hybrid multi-walled CNTs and nano-SiC particulates under oil lubrication was investigated using a MRS-10P four-ball tribometer.Friction coefficients and wear rates were measured within a load range of 200-1000 N at a spindle rotary speed of 380 r/min.Worn surface morphologies,phase and element compositions were studied by scanning electron microscope(SEM),X-ray diffraction(XRD)and energy dispersive spectroscopy(EDS),respectively.The mechanism of synergistic effect of CNTs and SiC nanoparticles was discussed.The results indicate that the AZ91D nanocomposites show better wear resistance properties and different wear mechanisms compared with AZ91D.The AZ91D nanocomposites reinforced with 0.5%CNTs and 0.5%nano-SiC have the best tribological capacity.The wear mechanisms for the Mg-based hybrid nanocomposites appear to be a mix-up of micro-ploughing,micro-cutting,slight adhesive wear and delamination.

Fabrication characteristics and tensile strength of novel Al2024/SiC/red mud composites processed via stir casting route

The stir casting technique was used to fabricate aluminum2024matrix hybrid composites reinforced with SiC(5%,mass fraction)and red mud(5%-20%,mass fraction)particles.The developed composites were characterized by using scanning electron microscopy(SEM)and electron dispersive spectrum(EDS)techniques.Further,Taguchi’s approach of experimental design was used to examine the tensile strength of the hybrid composites(with minimum number of experiments).It was found that the reinforcing particles were well dispersed and adequately bonded in the hybrid composites.The density and porosity of the hybrid composites were reduced with the increase in reinforcement content.The tensile strength of the composites increased with the increase in the red mud content and the ageing time.The developed model indicated that the red mud content had the highest influence on the tensile strength response followed by the ageing time.Overall,it was found that Al2024/SiC/red mud composites exhibited superior tensile strength(about34%higher)in comparison to the Al2024alloy under optimized conditions.

High temperature tribological behaviors of aluminum matrix composites reinforced with solid lubricant particles

The AA6061-10 wt.%B4 C mono composite, AA6061-10 wt.%B4 C-Gr(Gr: graphite) hybrid composites containing 2.5, 5, and 7.5 wt.% Gr particles, and AA6061-10 wt.%B4 C-Mo S2 hybrid composites containing 2.5, 5, and 7.5 wt.% Mo S2 particles were fabricated through stir casting. The dry sliding tribological behaviors of the mono composite and hybrid composites were studied as a function of temperature on high temperature pin-on-disc tribotester against EN 31 counterface. The wear rate and friction coefficient of the Gr-reinforced and Mo S2-reinforced hybrid composites decreased in the temperature range of 30-100 ℃ due to the combined lubrication offered by the wear protective layer and its solid lubricant phase. Scanning electron microscopy(SEM) observation of the worn pin surface revealed severe adhesion, delamination, and abrasion wear mechanisms at temperatures of 150, 200, and 250 ℃, respectively. At 150 ℃, transmission electron microscopy(TEM) observation of the hybrid composites revealed the formation of deformation bands due to severe plastic deformation and fine crystalline structure due to dynamic recrystallization.

Influence of addition of Gr_p/Al_2O_(3p )with SiC_p on wear properties of aluminum alloy 6061-T6 hybrid composites via friction stir processing

Aluminum alloy base surface hybrid composites were fabricated by incorporating with mixture of （SiC＋Gr） and （SiC＋Al2O3） particles of 20 μm in average size on an aluminum alloy 6061-T6 plate using friction stir processing （FSP）. Microstructures of both the surface hybrid composites revealed that SiC, Gr and Al2O3 are uniformly dispersed in the nugget zone （NZ）. It was observed that the addition of Gr particles rather than Al2O3 particles with SiC particles, decreases the microhardness but immensely increases the dry sliding wear resistance of aluminum alloy 6061-T6 surface hybrid composite. The observed microhardness and wear properties are correlated with microstructures and worn micrographs.

Magnesium composites with hybrid nano-reinforcements:3D simulation of dynamic tensile response at elevated temperatures

3D numerical simulations of dynamical tensile response of hybrid carbon nanotube(CNT)and SiC nanoparticle reinforced AZ91D magnesium(Mg)based composites considering interface cohesion over a temperature range from 25 to 300℃ were carried out using a 3D representative volume element(RVE)approach.The simulation predictions were compared with the experimental results.It is clearly shown that the overall dynamic tensile properties of the nanocomposites at different temperatures are improved when the total volume fraction and volume fraction ratio of hybrid CNTs to SiC nanoparticles increase.The overall maximum hybrid effect is achieved when the hybrid volume fraction ratio of CNTs to SiC nanoparticles is in the range from 7:3 to 8:2 under the condition of total volume fraction of 1.0%.The composites present positive strain rate hardening and temperature softening effects under dynamic loading at high temperatures.The simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental data.

Improving tribological behavior of friction stir processed A413/SiC_p surface composite using MoS_2 lubricant particles

The effect of MoS2 lubricant particles on the microstructure, microhardness and tribological behavior of A413/SiCp surface composite, fabricated via friction stir processing （FSP）, was studied. For this purpose, the FSP was carried out with tool rotational speed of 1600 r/min, tool travel speed of 25 mm/min and tool tilt angle of 3° through only a “single pass”. The optical and scanning electron microscopies, microhardness and reciprocating wear tests were used to characterize the samples. The results showed that the addition of MoS2 lubricant particles to A413/SiCp surface composite leads to the decrease of friction coefficient and mass loss. In fact, the generation of mechanically mixed layer （MML） containing MoS2 lubricant particles in A413/SiCp/MoS2p surface hybrid composite results in the reduction of metal-to-metal contact and subsequently leads to the improvement of tribological behavior.

Seismic behaviors of steel reinforced ECC/RC composite columns under low-cyclic loading

To improve the seismic performance of columns, engineered cementitious composite （ECC） is introduced to partially substitute concrete at the base of the columns to form ECC,/reinforced concrete （ RC） composite columns. The mechanical behaviors of the ECC/RC composite columns are numerically studied under low-cyclic loading with the finite element analysis softwareof MSC. MARC. It is found that the ECC/RC composite columns can significantly enhance the load capacity, the ductility ad energy dissipation of columns. Then, the effects of the height of the ECC, the axial compression ratio and the longitudinal reinforcement ratio on the seismic behaviors of the composite columns are parametrically studied. The results show that the ECC/RC composite column with a height of the ECC layer of 0. Sh（h is the height to the cross-section） can achieve similar seismic performance of a full ECC column. The peak load of the composite column increases significantly while the ductility decreases with the increase of the axial compression ratio. Increasing the longitudinal reinforcement ratio within a certain range can improve the ductility and energy dissipation capacity and almost has no effect on load capacity. The aalysis results ae instructive and valuable for reference in designing ECC structures.

Experimental Research on Behavior of Composite Material Projectile Penetrating Concrete Target

Projectile made of carbon fiber composite material shell and metal warhead penetrates concrete target at speeds of 336,m/s,447,m/s and 517,m/s.The angles between the perpendicu-lar of target surface and projectile axis are 0°and 30°.The thickness of concrete target is 200,mm and the compression strength is 30 MPa.The experimental results indicate that the strength of composite material structure is high.Composite projectile can go through concrete tar-get without fiber segregation and breakage.The percent fill is 18.5% in the composite material projectile.It is about twice as that of metal projectile,if the density of metal is taken as 7.8,g/cm3.Comparing with metal projectile,low-density,high-strength composite material can lessen projec-tile weight,improve charge-weight ratio of detonator and enhance destructive powder.

Process−microstructure−properties relationship in Al−CNTs−Al2O3 nanocomposites manufactured by hybrid powder metallurgy and microwave sintering process

Al−2CNTs−xAl2O3 nanocomposites were manufactured by a hybrid powder metallurgy and microwave sintering process.The correlation between process-induced microstructural features and the material properties including physical and mechanical properties as well as ultrasonic parameters was measured.It was found that physical properties including densification and physical dimensional changes were closely associated with the morphology and particle size of nanocomposite powders.The maximum density was obtained by extensive particle refinement at milling time longer than 8 h and Al2O3 content of 10 wt.%.Mechanical properties were controlled by Al2O3 content,dispersion of nano reinforcements and grain size.The optimum hardness and strength properties were achieved through incorporation of 10 wt.%Al2O3 and homogenous dispersion of CNTs and Al2O3 nanoparticles(NPs)at 12 h of milling which resulted in the formation of high density of dislocations and extensive grain size refinement.Also both longitudinal and shear velocities and attenuation increase linearly by increasing Al2O3 content and milling time.The variation of ultrasonic velocity and attenuation was attributed to the degree of dispersion of CNTs and Al2O3 and also less inter-particle spacing in the matrix.The larger Al2O3 content and more homogenous dispersion of CNTs and Al2O3 NPs at longer milling time exerted higher velocity and attenuation of ultrasonic wave.

Infiltration of A6063 aluminium alloy into SiC-B_4C hybrid preforms using vacuum assisted block mould investment casting technique

Production of A6063/SiC-B4C hybrid composite using vacuum assisted block mould investment casting was investigated. Firstly,SiC-B4C hybrid preforms were fabricated in cylindrical shape.The preferred mean particle size of the SiC and B4C powders were 60μm and 55μm respectively.In early experiments,single powder ratio of 85%SiC and 15%B4C was selected to produce the tough preforms.Subsequently,the preforms were placed into the cylindrical shape gypsum bonded block investment moulds and A6063 alloy was infiltrated into the preforms using vacuum assisted（-10 5 Pa）casting machine.Porosity fraction of preforms was determined using Archimedes’test.The fabricated cast specimens were characterized using hardness tests,image analysis and SEM observations and EDX analysis.The result indicates that,by the vacuum assisted block mould investment casting technique,the infiltration of the preforms by molten metal was successfully realized.