Impact behavior and fractographic study of carbon nanotubes grafted carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy matrix multi-scale hybrid composites

Carbon nanotubes are the most promising reinforcement for high performance composites. Multiwall carbon nanotubes were directly grown onto the carbon fiber surface by catalytic thermal chemical vapor deposition technique. Multi-scale hybrid composites were fabricated using the carbon nanotubes grown fibers with epoxy matrix. Morphology of the grown carbon nanotubes was investigated using field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The fabricated composites were subjected to impact tests which showed 48.7% and 42.2% higher energy absorption in Charpy and Izod impact tests respectively. Fractographic analysis of the impact tested specimens revealed the presence of carbon nanotubes both at the fiber surface and within the matrix which explained the reason for improved energy absorption capability of these composites. Carbon nanotubes presence at various cracks formed during loading provided a direct evidence of micro crack bridging. Thus the enhanced fracture strength of these composites is attributed to stronger fiber–matrix interfacial bonding and simultaneous matrix strengthening due to the grown carbon nanotubes.     

Characteristics of polycarbosilanes produced under different synthetic conditions and their influence on SiC fibers: Part I

SiC fibers can be obtained by the spinning, curing, and heat treatment of polycarbosilane (PCS); however, the properties of the PCS precursor must be considered to set the correct spinning conditions. Although many studies have focused on the synthesis conditions, the characterization (in particular, the structural characteristics) of PCS fibers, and the polymer itself has limitations. In this study, PCS was prepared in two steps, and the growth of the polymer with respect to the reaction conditions was analyzed. We found that PCS is formed and grown by the rearrangement and subsequent condensation reactions of polydimethylsilane (PDMS). Further, fiber formation was affected by the reaction temperature, time, and pressure. Three types of PCS were obtained under different synthetic conditions, and they were all characterized. Regardless of the structural similarity of the PCS fibers (based on the spectroscopic analysis), the polymers showed different thermal and rheological properties. Our findings will be important in improving the production of PCS fibers (and subsequent SiC fibers) with finely controlled properties.     

Erbium doped Bi2O3-B2O3 glass-ceramics containing Bi3B5O12 and CaF2 nanocrystallites for 1.53 μm fiber lasers

Trivalent erbium ions doped Bi₂O₃-B₂O₃ transparent glass ceramics containing CaF₂ were prepared and characterized through X -ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared absorption, optical absorption, and near infrared emission for 1.53 μm fiber lasers. The glass ceramics obtained by applying thermal treatment at 575 °C for 5 h and 575 °C for 10 h contain Bi₃B₅O₁₂ and CaF₂ crystallites. The Judd-Ofelt theory was applied to evaluate various spectroscopic and laser characteristic properties. The NIR emission corresponding to the ⁴I_13/2 → ⁴I_15/2 (∼1.53 μm) transition was studied by exciting the samples at 514.5 nm laser radiation. The stimulated emission cross-sections of ∼1.53 μm luminescence were also obtained applying the Mc Cumber theory. The experimental results confirm that the transparent glass ceramic obtained at a thermal treatment of 575 °C for 10 h is more suitable to design fiber lasers for diverse applications in the fields of industry, medicine and scientific research.     

纤维在沥青混合料中的应用研究

选用工程中常用的几种纤维,结合工程应用要求,试验分析了纤维的吸湿性、耐热性,并通过网篮析漏试验、动态剪切试验和沉锥试验,讨论了纤维对沥青的稳定和吸附作用,以及纤维对沥青混合料“加筋”效果和作用机理。研究表明有的纤维“吸附、稳定”性能好,而有的纤维“加筋、桥接”效果好,在应用纤维时,应根据纤维的主要特点以及沥青混合料的使用要求来选用。     

Improving Short-Circuit Current Capacity, Resistance, and Breaking Load of OPGW Constructions by Modifying Aluminium Alloy With AlB2

This article presents a method that can be applied to molten AA-6101 alloy to improve electrical properties of the aluminium part of the optical ground wire (OPGW) used in overhead transmission lines to protect phase conductors from lightning strike and to transmit signals and data. AA-6101 alloy in casting of the log as 6 m length and 178 mm diameter for extrusion has been inoculated by AlB₂ to decrease detrimental effects of Cr, Ti, V, and Zr on the conductivity of the material. After inoculation, improved billets were extruded as 9.5 mm diameter feedstock. Required wires drawn from the feedstock according to the construction types of OPGW to be tested were exposed to aging at 175°C, 6 h (T-8). Upon completion of the back-twist and performing-type stranding process, resistance, and short-circuit current capacity and breaking load of the OPGW 88/44 constructions with other metal combinations have been examined and tested to show improvement. Results are summarized in tables and graphically.     

环形掺Er3+光纤激光器输出特性分析与实验研究

理论分析了掺Er^3＋光纤环形腔激光器的输出特性，获得了稳态条件下激光器输出功率、阔值泵浦功率和斜率效率的解析表达式．分析了泵浦光波长、泵浦功率、Er^3＋光纤掺杂浓度、输出端耦合器分光比等的影响，推导了在特定输出波长处获得最大输出功率所需最佳掺Er^3＋光纤长度的解析表达式。进行了LD泵浦掺Er^3＋光纤环形腔激光器的实验工作，获得了斜率效率10％以上的激光输出。     

基于光纤Bragg光栅的滤波技术

介绍了国际上最新的基于光纤Bragg光栅的光纤滤波技术发展情况，详细阐述了分布反馈式光纤Bragg光栅滤波器、多波长选择光纤Bragg光栅滤波器、应用光纤Bragg光栅的Michelson干涉型（MI）滤波器以及光纤Bragg光栅滤波耦合器的理论难点、基本原理及其应用。     

色用缓变光纤中交叉相位调制不稳定性分析

从非线性薛定谔方程出发得到了色散缓变光纤（DDF）中交叉相位调制（XPM）不稳定增益谱。研究了增益谱随入纤功率及光纤纵向色散参量的变化关系。结果表明：反常色散区的增益谱宽比正常色散区宽，且峰值增益高：DDF中XPM不稳定增益谱宽比常规光纤的宽，二者的比值随传输距离和光纤色散参量的乘积成指数增长；DDF的反常色散区是产生调制不稳定的较好的色散介质。     

Experimental Investigation of FRP-Strengthened RC Beam-Column Joints

The results of a comprehensive experimental program, aimed at providing a fundamental understanding of the behavior of shear-critical exterior reinforced concrete (RC) joints strengthened with fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) under simulated seismic load, are presented in this study. The role of various parameters on the effectiveness of FRP is examined through 2/3-scale testing of 18 exterior RC joints. Conclusions are drawn on the basis of certain load versus imposed displacement response characteristics, comprising the strength (maximum lateral load), the stiffness, and the cumulative energy dissipation capacity. The results demonstrate the important role of mechanical anchorages in limiting premature debonding, and they provide important information on the role of various parameters, including: area fraction of FRP; distribution of FRP between the beam and the column; column axial load; internal joint (steel) reinforcement; initial damage; carbon versus glass fibers; sheets versus strips; and effect of transverse beams.