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Dynamic Behavior of Polymer Composite Materials and Structures

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A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymer Composites and Nanocomposites".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (5 August 2024) | Viewed by 16356

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Hongxu Wang

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Guest Editor

School of Engineering and Information Technology, The University of New South Wales, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
Interests: composite and hybrid materials; impact dynamics; mechanical characterization; numerical modeling; impact testing techniques; additive manufacturing

Dr. Jonathan Tran

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Guest Editor

School of Engineering, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
Interests: computational mechanics; composite materials; lattice structure; fracture mechanics; lightweight concrete; thin film; additive manufacturing; bioinspired material; dynamic behaviour of materials; protective structure

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Polymer composite materials have been increasingly employed in a broad range of engineering fields, such as the automobile, aviation, aerospace, and defense industries, owing to their high specific stiffness and strength. In such applications, composite structures are vulnerable to various dynamic loads, including dropped tools, hailstones, windborne objects, bird strikes, runway debris, etc. Dynamic loads can induce severe damage, thereby jeopardizing the stiffness, strength, load-bearing capacity, structural integrity, and service life of composite structures. For this reason, the dynamic mechanical behavior of polymer composites is critical for structural safety and has recently attracted increasing attention from researchers.

This Special Issue aims to provide a platform for researchers to share the latest results on the mechanical behavior of polymer composite materials under dynamic loading conditions involving a high strain rate, impact, blast, penetration, and shock response. New developments in experimental techniques, modeling approaches, diagnostics, and optimizations for the study of polymer composites in the dynamic regime are also of particular interest. Polymer composite materials of interest include, but are not limited to, fiber-reinforced polymer laminates, sandwich panels, lightweight cellular solids, bioinspired composite materials, 3D-printed composites, etc. The above list is only indicative and by no means exhaustive; any original research papers and review articles on the dynamic responses of polymer composites will be considered in their suitable relation to the theme of this Special Issue.

Dr. Hongxu Wang
Dr. Jonathan Tran
Guest Editors

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Keywords

composite laminates
sandwich structures
cellular and porous materials
bioinspired materials and structures
3D-printed composite materials
fiber metal laminates
dynamic mechanical behavior
strain rate effect
impact resistance
penetration mechanics
crashworthiness and energy absorption
shock response and spall fracture
finite element modeling
optimization of composites

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 11686 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prediction of Residual Compressive Strength after Impact Based on Acoustic Emission Characteristic Parameters

by Jingyu Zhao, Zaoyang Guo, Qihui Lyu and Ben Wang

Polymers 2024, 16(13), 1780; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16131780 - 24 Jun 2024

Viewed by 1030

Abstract

This study proposes a prediction method for residual compressive strength after impact based on the extreme gradient boosting model, focusing on composite laminates as the studied material system. Acoustic emission tests were conducted under controlled temperature and humidity conditions to collect characteristic parameters, establishing a mapping relationship between these parameters and residual compressive strength under small sample conditions. The model accurately predicted the residual compressive strength of the laminates after impact, with the coefficient of determination and root mean square error for the test set being 0.9910 and 2.9174, respectively. A comparison of the performance of the artificial neural network model and the extreme gradient boosting model shows that, in the case of small data volumes, the extreme gradient boosting model exhibits superior accuracy and robustness compared to the artificial neural network. Furthermore, the sensitivity of acoustic emission characteristic parameters is analyzed using the SHAP method, revealing that indicators such as peak amplitude, ring count, energy, and peak frequency significantly impact the prediction results of residual compressive strength. The machine-learning-based method for assessing the damage tolerance of composite laminates proposed in this paper utilizes the global monitoring advantages of acoustic emission technology to rapidly predict the residual compressive strength after the impact of composite laminates, providing a theoretical approach for online structural health monitoring of composite laminates. This method is applicable to various composite laminate structures under different impact conditions, demonstrating its broad applicability and reliability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dynamic Behavior of Polymer Composite Materials and Structures)

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16 pages, 28127 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact Behavior and Residual Strength of PEEK/CF-Laminated Composites with Various Stacking Sequences

by Alexander V. Eremin, Mikhail V. Burkov, Alexey A. Bogdanov, Anastasia A. Kononova and Pavel S. Lyubutin

Polymers 2024, 16(5), 717; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16050717 - 6 Mar 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1465

Abstract

Carbon fiber-reinforced composites are popular due to their high strength and light weight; thus, the structures demonstrate high performance and specific strength. However, these composites are susceptible to impact damage. The objective of this research was to study the behavior of carbon fiber-reinforced laminates based on a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) matrix with six stacking sequences under static and impact loading. Four-point bending, short-beam bending, drop weight impact, and compression after impact tests were carried out. The results were complemented with digital shearography to estimate the damaged areas. Finite element modeling served to assess the failure mechanisms, such as fiber and matrix failure, in different layers due to tension of compression. Three behavior pattern of layups under drop-weight impact were found: (i)—energy redistribution due to mostly linear behavior (like a trampoline) and thus lower kinetic energy absorption for damage initiation, (ii)—moderate absorption of energy with initiation and propagation of concentrated damage with depressed redistribution of energy in the material, (iii)—moderate energy absorption with good redistribution due to initiation of small, dispersed damage. The results can be used to predict the mechanical behavior of composites with different stacking sequences in materials for proper structural design. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dynamic Behavior of Polymer Composite Materials and Structures)

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31 pages, 17009 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of Structural Energy Absorption Performance in 3D-Printed Polymer (Tough 1500 Resin) Materials with Novel Multilayer Thin-Walled Sandwich Structures Inspired by Peano Space-Filling Curves

by Peng Lin, Zhiqiang Zhang, Yun Chen and Dayong Hu

Polymers 2023, 15(20), 4068; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15204068 - 12 Oct 2023

Viewed by 1408

Abstract

Inspired by Peano space-filling curves (PSCs), this study introduced the space-filling structure design concept to novel thin-walled sandwich structures and fabricated polymer samples by 3D printing technology. The crushing behaviors and energy absorption performance of the PSC multilayer thin-walled sandwich structures and the traditional serpentine space-filling curve (SSC) multilayer thin-walled sandwich structures were investigated using quasi-static compression experiments and numerical analysis. Taking the initial peak crushing force (IPF), specific energy absorption (SEA), and crushing force efficiency (CFE) as evaluation criteria, the effects of geometric parameters, including the curve order, layer height, septa thickness, and wall thickness, on energy absorption performance were comprehensively examined. The results indicated that the energy absorption capacity of the PSC structure was significantly enhanced due to its complex hierarchy. Specifically, the second-order PSC structure demonstrated a 53.2% increase in energy absorption compared to the second-order SSC structure, while the third-order PSC structure showed more than a six-fold increase in energy absorption compared to the third-order SSC structure. Furthermore, a multi-objective optimization method based on the response surface method and the NSGA-II algorithm were employed to optimize the wall thickness and layer height of the proposed novel PSC structures. The optimal solutions suggested that a reasonable wall thickness and layer height were two important factors for designing PSC structures with better energy absorption performance. The findings of this study provide an effective guide for using the space-filling concept with Peano curves for the design of a novel polymer thin-walled energy absorber with high energy absorption efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dynamic Behavior of Polymer Composite Materials and Structures)

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19 pages, 6641 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Layer Fabric Composites Combined with Non-Newtonian Shear Thickening in Ballistic Protection—Hybrid Numerical Methods and Ballistic Tests

by Maciej Roszak, Dariusz Pyka, Mirosław Bocian, Narcis Barsan, Egidijus Dragašius and Krzysztof Jamroziak

Polymers 2023, 15(17), 3584; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15173584 - 29 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2130

Abstract

Multi-layer fabrics are commonly used in ballistics shields with a lower bulletproof class to protect against pistol and revolver bullets. In order to additionally limit the dynamic deflection of the samples, layers reinforced with additional materials, including non-Newtonian fluids compacted by shear, are additionally used. Performing a wide range of tests in each case can be very problematic; therefore, there are many calculation methods that allow, with better or worse results, mapping of the behavior of the material in the case of impact loads. The search for simplified methods is very important in order to simplify the complexity of numerical fabric models while maintaining the accuracy of the results obtained. In this article, multi-layer composites were tested. Two samples were included in the elements subjected to shelling. In the first sample, the outer layers consisted of aramid fabrics in a laminate with a thermoplastic polymer matrix. The middle layer contained a non-Newtonian shear-thickening fluid enclosed in hexagonal (honeycomb) cells. The fluid was produced using polypropylene glycol and colloidal silica powder with a diameter of 14 µm in the proportions of 60/40. The backing plate was made using a 12-layer composite made of Twaron^® para-aramid fabrics with a DCPD matrix—not yet used in a wide range of ballistics. Then, numerical simulations were carried out in the Abaqus/Explicit dynamic analysis. The Johnson–Cook constitutive strength model was used to describe the behavior of elastic–plastic materials constituting the elements of the projectiles. For the non-Newtonian fluid, a Up-Us EOS was used. The inner layers of the fabric were treated as an orthotropic material. Complete homogenization of the sample layers was carried out, thanks to which each layer was treated as a homogeneous continuum. As a parameter of fracture mechanics for shield components, the strain criterion was used with the smooth particles hydrodynamics method (SPH). Then, the results of simulations were compared with the results of the ballistic test for both samples placed next to each other, which resulted in the formation of a multi-layer composite in one ballistic test subjected to impact loads during firing with a 9 × 19 mm Parabellum FMJ projectile with an initial velocity of 370 ± 10 m/s. The results of numerical tests are very similar to the ballistic tests, which indicates the correct mapping of the process and the correct conduct of layer homogenization. The applied proportions of the components in the non-Newtonian fluid allowed a reduction in the deflection compared to previous studies. Additionally, the proposal to use a DCPD matrix allowed to obtain a much lower deflection value compared to other materials, which is a novelty in the field of production of ballistic shields. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dynamic Behavior of Polymer Composite Materials and Structures)

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20 pages, 11042 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Investigation on the Low-Velocity Impact Response of Tandem Nomex Honeycomb Sandwich Panels

by Jinbo Fan, Penghui Li, Weiqi Guo, Xiuguo Zhao, Chen Su and Xinxi Xu

Polymers 2023, 15(2), 456; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15020456 - 15 Jan 2023

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2776

Abstract

Sandwich panels are often subjected to unpredictable impacts and crashes in applications. The core type and impactor shape affect their impact response. This paper investigates the responses of five tandem Nomex honeycomb sandwich panels with different core-types under low-velocity-impact conditions with flat and hemispherical impactors. From the force response and impact displacement, gradient-tandem and foam-filled structures can improve the impact resistance of sandwich panels. Compared with the single-layer sandwich panel, the first peak of contact force of the foam-gradient-filled tandem honeycomb sandwich panels increased by 34.84%, and maximum impact displacement reduced by 50.98%. The resistance of gradient-tandem Nomex honeycomb sandwich panels under low-velocity impact outperformed uniform-tandem structures. Foam-filled structures change the impact responses of the tandem sandwich panels. Impact damage with a flat impactor was more severe than the hemispherical impactor. The experimental results are helpful in the design of tandem Nomex honeycomb sandwich panels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dynamic Behavior of Polymer Composite Materials and Structures)

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13 pages, 3736 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Impact Initiation Behavior of PTFE/Al/Ni₂O₃ Reactive Materials

by Can Liu, Yi-Yang Dong, Yu-Yang Fan, Yi Yang, Jing-Yun Zhao, Ke Wang and Xiao-Jun Liu

Polymers 2022, 14(21), 4629; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14214629 - 31 Oct 2022

Viewed by 1758

Abstract

PTFE/Al reactive material is an energetic material that releases energy under impact conditions, resulting in a wide range of application prospects. In order to improve its damage ability—considering the higher heat of the reaction per unit mass when Ni₂O₃ is involved in the aluminothermic reaction—we designed and studied PTFE/Al/Ni₂O₃, a reaction material based on polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). We also designed two other kinds (PTFE/Al, PTFE/Al/CuO) for comparative study, with the mass fraction of the metal oxides added at 10%, 20%, and 30%, respectively. The quasi-static compression properties and impact initiation behavior of the material were investigated by a universal material testing machine and a drop hammer test. The reaction process of different materials under a high strain rate was recorded using a high-speed camera. The results show that with the increase in Ni₂O₃ content, the strength of the PTFE/Al/Ni₂O₃ reactive material shows an increasing trend followed by a decreasing trend. Among the three reactive materials, when the content of Al/Ni₂O₃ reaches 30 wt.%, the reaction duration is the longest (at 4 ms) and the reaction fireball is the largest. The addition of Ni₂O₃ is helpful to improve the reactivity and reaction duration of the PTEF/Al reactive material. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dynamic Behavior of Polymer Composite Materials and Structures)

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18 pages, 6737 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancement of Mechanical and Bond Properties of Epoxy Adhesives Modified by SiO₂ Nanoparticles with Active Groups

by Jiejie Long, Chuanxi Li and You Li

Polymers 2022, 14(10), 2052; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14102052 - 18 May 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3337

Abstract

In order to improve the mechanical and bond properties of epoxy adhesives for their wide scope of applications, modified epoxy adhesives were produced in this study with SiO₂ nanoparticles of 20 nm in size, including inactive groups, NH₂ active groups, and C₄H₈ active groups. The mechanical properties of specimens were examined, and an investigation was conducted into the effects of epoxy adhesive modified by three kinds of SiO₂ nanoparticles on the bond properties of carbon fiber reinforced polymer and steel (CFRP/steel) double lap joints. According to scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the distribution effect in epoxy adhesive of SiO₂ nanoparticles modified by active groups was better than that of inactive groups. When the mass fraction of SiO₂-C₄H₈ nanoparticles was 0.05%, the tensile strength, tensile modulus, elongation at break, bending strength, flexural modulus, and impact strength of the epoxy adhesives reached their maximum, which were 47.63%, 44.81%, 57.31%, 62.17%, 33.72%, 78.89%, and 68.86% higher than that of the EP, respectively, and 8.45%, 9.52%, 9.24%, 20.22%, 17.76%, 20.18%, and 12.65% higher than that of the inactive groups of SiO₂ nanoparticles, respectively. The SiO₂ nanoparticles modified with NH₂ or C₄H₈ active groups were effective in improving the ultimate load-bearing capacity and bond properties of epoxy adhesives glued to CFRP/steel double lap joints, thus increasing the strain and interface shear stress peak value of the CFRP surface. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dynamic Behavior of Polymer Composite Materials and Structures)

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