Magnetorheological Elastomer-Based Variable Stiffness Flexible Coupling for Vibration Isolation.

Magnetorheological elastomers (MRE) are smart composite materials by which their mechanical properties, such as stiffness, are changed under a magnetic field. In this article, the introduction of a variable stiffness coupling (VSC) fitted within a shaft for torsional vibration isolation that would adapt and change its attenuation frequency range is presented. The VSC concept on torsional vibration isolation is tested experimentally. MRE samples with 40% volume fraction are fabricated and manufactured using a 3D mold design and fixed within a coupling in a shaft to investigate the magnetic field effect on the torsional rigidity. Impact hammer test is conducted along with an accelerometer to obtain the transmissibility factor analysis. Results show that the vibration level decreases when the magnetic field increases. The 1st natural frequency of the system happened at 26 Hz and moved to 28 Hz when the applied current increases from 0 mT to 12.38 mT. MRE torsional stiffness increased from 37.4 N.m/rad to 61.6 N.m/rad when the current increased from 0 mT to 12.38 mT. The torsional damping coefficient showed a fluctuation in its variation as the damping effect of MR elastomer is ignored

THE APPLICATION OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS IN THE AEROSPACE INDUSTRY

The paper investigates the growing popularity of composite materials concentrating on explanation of their advantages, especially taking into consideration composite materials used in the aerospace industry such as polymer matrix composites, metal matrix composites, ceramic matrix composites and smart composite materials. Various types of matrices and fibers are described with special emphasis on nanotechnology and opportunities to improve the properties of composites. The paper also presents selected examples of applications in the aerospace industry.

Theoretical and Experimental Contributions on the Use of Smart Composite Materials in the Construction of Civil Buildings with Low Energy Consumption

The paper presents the theoretical and experimental studies undertaken for the realization of an intelligent composite material with phase shift that has optimal characteristics in the thermal energy storage process and an experimental method for integrating the material with phase change in a possible efficient system to be used in the construction of a dwelling. It analyzes the main factors in designing such systems (the temperature limits between which the system must operate, the melting/solidification temperature of the Phase Change Material (PCM), the latent heat of the PCM, the degree of thermal loading, the bed configuration of PCM capsules and a PCM-RB01 material is set. A micro-encapsulation method was chosen and a “solar wall” is made where the incident solar radiation is absorbed by the PCM embedded in the wall, so the stored heat is used for heating and ventilation of a home. Experimental research has shown that developed PCM allows a maximum room temperature reduction of about 4 °C during the day and can reduce the night-time heating load. Also, despite the lower thermal energy absorption capacity, the developed PCM-RB01 material provides a superior physical stability compared to the classical types of integration.

The Mechanical Properties of a Novel STMR Damper Based on Magnetorheological Silly Putty

A novel shear thickening magnetorheological (STMR) damper with both speed locking and semiactive controlling properties was designed and fabricated based on multifunctional smart composite materials which was defined as magnetorheological Silly Putty (MRSP). The rate sensitive property and magnetorheological effect of MRSP samples were analyzed by using a rheometer to select the best filler for the STMR damper. The mechanical properties of the STMR damper were investigated through slow, fast, and dynamic experiments. The experimental results indicate that the STMR damper exhibits an obvious rate sensitive characteristic and semiactive control property. On one hand, when the STMR damper is simulated fast enough, it can realize the “speed switch” function, which enables it to instantly lock up and act as a shock transmission unit (STU). On the other hand, when the STMR damper is applied with current, the damping force can be adjusted by magnetic field strength to realize its semiactive controlling property. In addition, a multiparameter and symmetry model was established to describe the dynamic hysteretic behavior of the STMR damper, which is consistent with the experimental data.