Fuzzy overbraids for improved structural performance

Overbraiding is used as a reinforcement in two example systems. This includes both standard and ‘fuzzy’ overbraids, the latter created by braiding a brittle fibre at short lay length over a central component; when incorporated into a fibre-reinforced composite increases the resin-matrix contact zone. The fuzzy aspect is therefore expected to improve structural performance.Hierarchical composites, inspired by nature, can be created using pultruded rods as an element, with a hierarchy of fibres at the shorter length scale forming rods at the medium scale and a larger structure then created from these rods. Overbraiding of the pultruded rods is shown to improve their performance under compression.Microvascular channels, used for cooling, can be created in a composite laminate through a lost poly(lactic acid) process. Overbraiding of the poly(lactic acid) results in reinforced microvascular channels, with a fuzzy carbon overbraid demonstrating an order of magnitude increase in burst pressure of the microvascular channels compared to the unreinforced case

Fuzzy overbraids for improved structural performance

Overbraiding is used as a reinforcement in two example systems. This includes both standard and ‘fuzzy’ overbraids, the latter created by braiding a brittle fibre at short lay length over a central component; when incorporated into a fibre-reinforced composite increases the resin-matrix contact zone. The fuzzy aspect is therefore expected to improve structural performance.Hierarchical composites, inspired by nature, can be created using pultruded rods as an element, with a hierarchy of fibres at the shorter length scale forming rods at the medium scale and a larger structure then created from these rods. Overbraiding of the pultruded rods is shown to improve their performance under compression.Microvascular channels, used for cooling, can be created in a composite laminate through a lost poly(lactic acid) process. Overbraiding of the poly(lactic acid) results in reinforced microvascular channels, with a fuzzy carbon overbraid demonstrating an order of magnitude increase in burst pressure of the microvascular channels compared to the unreinforced case

Pressure resistance characterisation of vascular networks embedded in carbon composites for high energy physics applications

In state-of-the-art tracking detectors, lightweight carbon composite structures support the pixel or micro-strip sensors and provide the main thermal path between the silicon and a network of metallic or plastic pipes containing a cooling fluid. Despite the good results obtained with this design approach, the challenges associated with future high energy physics (HEP) experiments demand even lighter and more efficient technologies. In this regard, replacing the existing piping with a network of channels directly embedded in the composite laminates represents a promising solution to improve the thermal coupling, which also offers additional gains in terms of mass and thermo-elastic stability.While some research has been devoted to assessing the mechanical and thermal performance of such laminates, limited information about their resistance to internal pressure is currently available in the literature. This lack of data constitutes an important obstacle for the use of vascular networks in future HEP applications, which the present paper aims to address.Experimental methods were used to investigate the pressure resistance of channels embedded in carbon composite laminates. Modified poly (lactic) acid (PLA) preforms were embedded in carbon-fibre epoxy laminates. A post-cure vaporization technique removed the PLA, thus producing plates with longitudinal channels. Destructive tests were conducted to determine the burst pressure of the plates depending on the lay-up and the cross-section geometry of the channels. Both circular and oblong channels were evaluated, and various reinforcement techniques were explored to enhance the pressure resistance of the laminates. Micro-graphic examinations and X-ray micro-computed tomography were employed to gain a better understanding of the microstructure and the failure mechanisms of the plates. Plates with circular channels measuring 1.75 mm in diameter, embedded in [0/90/0]S laminates and reinforced with 2 mm lay length fuzzy carbon fibre over-braids, achieved burst pressures exceeding 45 MPa. This result, which is approximately an order of magnitude greater than that obtained for the equivalent non-reinforced laminates, demonstrates the enormous potential of this technology for future particle detectors

Strategic R&D Programme on Technologies for Future Experiments - Annual Report 2020

This report summarises the activities and achievements of the strategic R&D programme on technologies for future experiments in the year 2020

Strategic R&D Programme on Technologies for Future Experiments - Annual Report 2021

This report summarises the activities and main achievements of the CERN strategic R&D programme on technologies for future experiments during the year 2021

Extension of the R&D Programme on Technologies for Future Experiments

we have conceived an extension of the R&D programme covering the period 2024 to 2028, i.e. again a 5-year period, however with 2024 as overlap year. This step was encouraged by the success of the current programme but also by the Europe-wide efforts to launch new Detector R&D collaborations in the framework of the ECFA Detector R&D Roadmap. We propose to continue our R&D programme with the main activities in essentially the same areas. All activities are fully aligned with the ECFA Roadmap and in most cases will be carried out under the umbrella of one of the new DRD collaborations. The program is a mix of natural continuations of the current activities and a couple of very innovative new developments, such as a radiation hard embedded FPGA implemented in an ASIC based on System-on-Chip technology. A special and urgent topic is the fabrication of Al-reinforced super-conducting cables. Such cables are a core ingredient of any new superconducting magnet such as BabyIAXO, PANDA, EIC, ALICE-3 etc. Production volumes are small and demands come in irregular intervals. Industry (world-wide) is no longer able and willing to fabricate such cables. The most effective approach (technically and financially) may be to re-invent the process at CERN, together with interested partners, and offer this service to the community

Annual Report 2022

This report summarises the activities and main achievements of the CERN strategic R&D programme on technologies for future experiments during the year 202

Annual Report 2023 and Phase-I Closeout

This report summarises the activities of the CERN strategic R&D programme on technologies for future experiments during the year 2023, and highlights the achievements of the programme during its first phase 2020-2023