Characterization of Isogrid Structure in GFRP

Lightening parts, maintaining also a high strength, is a request of the transport industry. Isogrid structures represent one of the best answer to face these issues, especially if composite materials are considered for their production. However, the fabrication of these structures is very complex, as defects can arise that cause the part discarding or the part failure during service. The properties of the fabricated structure depend on some process characteristics, as the forming technology, the process parameters and the tools that have to be wisely designed. Isogrid structures are characterized by the ribs, so the mould shape must be carefully planned. In fact, a common defect that usually occurs is a scarce compaction of the ribs, which involves porosity and low mechanical strength. In this paper, the manufacturing process peculiarities for GFRP (Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer) isogrid structures were defined, then both the mould and the parts were produced. Structural tests were carried out on these structures in order to validate the process design methodology, paying particular attention to the structural properties of the ribs, as the compaction degree and the interlaminar shear strength. Finally, some actions were undertaken to avoid the problems found in the first production run

Effect of intraoperative constant rate infusion of lidocaine on short-term survival of dogs with septic peritonitis: 75 cases (2007-2011)

OBJECTIVE To investigate whether intraoperative administration of a lidocaine infusion to dogs with septic peritonitis was associated with short-term (48 hours) survival after surgery. DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 75 dogs with septic peritonitis. PROCEDURES Medical records of dogs with septic peritonitis that underwent laparotomy between January 2007 and December 2011 at the Royal Veterinary College were reviewed. Select variables during the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative periods and short-term survival after surgery were compared between dogs that received an opioid only (group O; n = 33) and dogs that received lidocaine (50 \u3bcg/kg/min [22.7 \u3bcg/kg/min], IV; group L; 42) in addition to an opioid during surgery. RESULTS The proportion of dogs that survived for 48 hours after surgery was significantly greater for group L (35/42) than for group O (20/33). Intraoperative infusion of lidocaine increased the odds of short-term survival (OR, 8.77; 95% CI, 1.94 to 39.57). No significant differences were observed between the 2 treatment groups for variables assessed during the preoperative and postoperative periods. During the intraoperative period, more dogs in group L received an IV bolus of a synthetic colloid than did dogs in group O, but the number of IV boluses administered was not associated with short-term survival. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that IV infusion of lidocaine might improve the short-term survival of dogs with septic peritonitis. Prospective clinical trials are necessary to determine the efficacy of lidocaine as a supportive treatment for dogs with septic peritonitis

Friction influence on the AA6060 aluminium alloy formability

Using a finite element calculation code, this work analyses the influence of friction during a stamping test conducted on the AA6060 aluminium-based alloy. The study focuses on phenomena happening when the sheet necking appears. This condition, based on the Hill's localized necking theory and the Swift's diffuse necking theory, is dependent on the material hardening index. This work shows that the punch stroke at the necking condition point is maximum when the main strain measured on the sheet surface are unbalanced and close to a balanced biaxial tension condition

Effect of operating temperature on aged single lap bonded joints

Abstract In recent decades, designers have increasingly focused on the stability of assemblies in composite materials over time, particularly when used in structural applications. The use of structural adhesives allows for realising assemblies without mechanical fasteners. In fact, bonding is an assembly technique that prevent corrosion, ensures uniform stresses in the joint, and grows the specific resistance of the assembly. The knowledge of the behaviour of bonded joint is necessary to ensure the reliability of this technique over time, especially in aggressive environments. The aim of this work consists in investigating the combined effect of hydrothermal ageing and temperature test on the lap shear strength of single lap joints realised in CFRP. The results showed a higher influence of the ageing on paste adhesive compared to film adhesive. However, the ageing, combined with the operating temperature, played a fundamental role on the shear strength of the bonded joints

Interlaminar shear strength study on CFRP/Al hybrid laminates with different properties

FML (Fibre Metal Laminate) is a hybrid material that presents outstanding structural properties, such as resistance to cyclic and dynamic loads, together with low specific weight. This material consists of metal sheets alternating to composite material layers. In the present work, the ILSS (Interlaminar Shear Strength) was evaluated for different types of carbon fibre/aluminium FML, produced varying the layer thickness and the bonding solution of layers. In fact, FMLs consisting of one or two metal sheets (a parameter strictly connected to the layer thickness, as the metal/composite volume fraction was kept at constant value) and bonded with structural adhesive or prepreg resin were considered for this study. The ILSS was determined according to the three-point bending method with short beam specimens. The experimental tests evidenced an effect of the adhesion methodology on the ILSS value, while the layer thickness did not influence the interlaminar strength. The mechanical behaviour after the maximum load point was investigated too, evaluating the trend of the shear stress as a function of the loading nose displacement

Forming Process Analysis of an AA6060 Aluminum Vessel

This work analyses the results of a simple forming process of an AA6060 aluminium alloy sheet in order to validate the development of a simulation model based on the finite element method (FEM). This work represents the starting point of a broader study aimed at analysing the sheet formability. The FEM based model and the use of both the flow stress curve and the formability limit curve (FLC) were validated through the simulation of a simple forming process that required use of a hemispherical punch. The detailed analysis of the machining process by using FEM allows significant time and cost savings, avoiding "trial-and-error" operations that are normally used in the setup phase of the production process

mechanical performances increasing of natural stones by gfrp sandwich structures

Abstract Natural stone is generally used in the buildings decoration and furniture finishes for its aesthetic properties and durability. However, its brittle nature limits its applications, in fact the tensile strength of stone is considerably less than its compression strength; this disparity can limit the use of stone in applications where tensile and flexural strength capacity is required, such as for long spans or thin sections. The aim of this work is to investigate the use of sandwich structural laminate in composite materials as external reinforcement both to increase the mechanical resistance and to decrease weight of natural stone. High strength glass/epoxy laminates were bonded to the lower surfaces of marble and granite beams, and 3-point bend and short-beam tests were performed on reinforced and unreinforced specimens. Results indicate that external composite reinforcement can increase the mechanical property of both types of stone up to an order of magnitude as compared to unreinforced control samples

experimental investigation of hydrothermal ageing on single lap bonded cfrp joints

Abstract Composite materials are increasingly being used in various field of engineering interest over recent decades. As an alternative to fastening, bonding is one of the most promising assembly techniques of composite materials since it allows a uniform distribution of forces, it has a greater ability to dampen vibration and it does not raise any problems of corrosion typical of metal fasteners. Currently the use of composite materials is limited by the incomplete knowledge of their behaviour in an aggressive environment. For example, the factors influencing the durability of the bonded joints are mainly temperature and humidity, but it is usually impossible to predict their effect without performing experiments. In this work is investigated how the hydrothermal ageing can affect the mechanical resistance of CFRP single lap joints. The parameters chosen for the activity consist in two types of adhesives (AF 163-2K film and EA 9309NA paste) and three ageing environments (thermal cycles from -28 °C to 85 °C in air, distilled water and salt water)

Performance Index of Natural Stones-GFRP Hybrid Structures

Natural stone is a material that presents durableness over time and high aesthetic characteristic, but it is brittle and its tensile strength is significantly lower than compressive one: these peculiarities must be taken into account for material usage; in fact, for applications requiring high flexural and tensile strength, as thin sections or long spans, the particular mechanical behavior of the natural stone constitutes an issue to be overcome. A solution to the above mentioned problem is presented in the present paper: a natural stone tile is reinforced by bonding a sandwich structural laminate made of composite materials. In such manner, a double result is obtained: the mechanical strength increment and the and the tile specific weight decrement. In particular, two different types of sandwich structures, made of glass/epoxy laminates and honeycomb or foam core, were bonded to the lower surfaces of marble and granite tiles; then, 3-point bending tests were carried out on specimens extracted from the produced hybrid tiles. A performance index, considering both strength and weight of tiles, was introduced and the comparison with specimens extracted from traditional unreinforced tiles demonstrated that the considered reinforcement increases the structural characteristics of stone tiles up to an order of magnitude

Influence of hydrothermal ageing on single lap bonded CFRP joints

Nowadays adhesive are widely used in structural applications, in particular for assembly composite materials. In fact, this technique allows to obtain a more uniform load in the joint, to realise a joint with an higher specific strength and to avoid drilling parts as in the case of bolted joints. However, the mechanical properties of bonded parts over time are not well understood if they are subjected to a more or less aggressive environment. Generally, the main factors of influence regarding the durability of bonded joints are humidity and temperature, but their effects are not always clear if these two factors act simultaneously. In this work the effect of hydrothermal ageing on the mechanical resistance of single lap bonded CFRP joints has been investigated. In particular two types of adhesives (AF 163-2K film and EA 9309NA paste) and three ageing environments (thermal cycles from -28 °C to 85 °C in air, distilled water and salt water) have been chosen for the activity