Strength prediction of multi-layer plain weave textile composites using the direct micromechanics method

Previously developed micromechanical methods for stiffness and strength prediction are adapted for analysis of multi-layer plain weave textile composites. Utilizing the direct micromechanics method (DMM) via finite element modeling, three methods are presented: (a) direct simulation of a multi-layer plain weave textile composite; (b) micromechanical analysis of a single layer of interest from the force and moment resultants acting on that layer; and (c) application of the previously developed quadratic stress-gradient failure theory to the layer of interest. In comparison to direct modeling, the other two techniques show only 5% difference over a number of random test cases. Several practical design examples of strength prediction are included to illustrate the importance and accuracy of method implementation.     

Performance evaluation of waveguide phase modulators for coherent systems at 1.3 and 1.5 µm

This article describes the fabrication and performance evaluation ofX-cut andZ-cut Ti:LiNbO3traveling wave waveguide phase modulators designed for coherent systems applications at 1.3 and 1.5 μm. Details of device fabrication and measurements of phase shift as a function of optical wavelength, input polarization, modulation voltage, and modulation frequency are reported. Phase modulator performance in a 40-Mbit/s self-heterodyne coherent DPSK experiment is also discussed.     

Optimization of turning operations with multiple performance characteristics using the Taguchi method and Grey relational analysis

This study investigated the optimization of CNC turning operation parameters for SKD11 (JIS) using the Grey relational analysis method. Nine experimental runs based on an orthogonal array of Taguchi method were performed. The surface properties of roughness average and roughness maximum as well as the roundness were selected as the quality targets. An optimal parameter combination of the turning operation was obtained via Grey relational analysis. By analyzing the Grey relational grade matrix, the degree of influence for each controllable process factor onto individual quality targets can be found. The depth of cut was identified to be the most influence on the roughness average and the cutting speed is the most influential factor to the roughness maximum and the roundness. Additionally, the analysis of variance (ANOVA) is also applied to identify the most significant factor; the depth of cut is the most significant controlled factors for the turning operations according to the weighted sum grade of the roughness average, roughness maximum and roundness.     

Buckling analysis of skew laminate plates subjected to uniaxial inplane loads

Elastic stability of skew composite laminate plates subjected to uniaxial inplane compressive forces has been studied. The critical buckling loads of the skew laminate plates are carried out by the bifurication buckling analysis implemented in finite element program ABAQUS. The effects of skew angles, laminate layups, plate aspect ratios, plate thicknesses, central circular cutouts, and edge conditions on the buckling resistance of skew composite laminate plates are presented.     

Nb3Si films with zero resistance Tc at 11.9 K fabricated by sputtering Nb on Si substrates

Dendritic textured Nb₃Si thin films, deposited by sputtering pure niobium onto silicon substrates, exhibit a rather high zero-resistance critical temperature, T_c. X-ray and TEM measurements reveal the films to be polycrystalline with the A15 phase. The resistance begins to drop sharply at a temperature of 13.3 K and down to zero at 11.9 K without residual resistivity.     

Influence of fire ignition locations on the actuation of smoke detectors and wet-type sprinklers in a furnished office

Experiments were conducted in a full-scale model office equipped with movable and fixed fire loads to explore the influence of ignition source (movable fire load(s)) conditions on smoke detector and sprinkler actuation. The interior plan dimension is 5.7 m × 4.7 m and the net ceiling height is 3.3 m. Both northeast and southeast wings have a 2.1 m × 0.9 m single door to be opened. Seven fire scenarios (seven different ignited fire load configurations) under natural ventilation were investigated experimentally. The results show that the amount of fire load at the initial stage in a room fire does not markedly affect smoke generation and does not significantly impact the actuation time of the smoke detectors. When the fire source is located near a corner, the plume corner effect greatly increases; smoke detectors and sprinklers can activate quickly and effectively actuate the fire suppression. When the fire source is located in the room's center, given the uncertainty regarding smoke detector and sprinkler actuation, it may not be possible to control the fire spread.     

Influence of fire source locations on the actuation of wet-type sprinklers in an office fire

An experiment is conducted on a full-scale model office and an actual sprinkler system to explore the influence of fire source locations on sprinkler actuation. The office space is a brick structure that measures 5.7 m in interior length, 4.7 m in width and 2.4 m in ceiling height, and equipped with a sprinkler system. The investigated fire source (100 kW LPG burner) locations include the room center, wall centers, room corner, and other locations at different distances from sprinklers. The results show that actuation of the sprinklers is affected by the fire source locations and the heat conduction properties of the glass temperature-sensing bulb. Average actuation time of all the tests is 102 s, around 40 s faster than if the fire source is located in the room center. For fire sources in corners, sprinklers are quickly activated at the experimental time 75 s, showing concentrated hot gas flow.     

Mechanical behavior of two-dimensional carbon/carbon composites with interfacial carbon layers

Effect of interfacial carbon layers on the mechanical properties and fracture behavior of two-dimensional carbon fiber fabrics reinforced carbon matrix composites were investigated. Phenolic resin reinforced with two-dimensional plain woven carbon fiber fabrics was used as starting materials for carbon/carbon composites and was prepared using vacuum bag hot pressing technique. In order to study the effect of interfacial bonding, a carbon layer was applied to the carbon fabrics in advance. The carbon layers were prepared using petroleum pitch with different concentrations as precursors. The experimental results indicate that the carbon/carbon composites with interfacial carbon layers possess higher fracture energy than that without carbon layers after carbonization at 1000°C. For a pitch concentration of 0.15 g/ml, the carbon/carbon composites have both higher flexural strength and fracture energy than composites without carbon layers. Both flexural strength and fracture energy increased for composites with and without carbon layers after graphitization. The amount of increase in fracture energy was more significant for composites with interfacial carbon layers. Results indicate that a suitable pitch concentration should be used in order to tailor the mechanical behavior of carbon/carbon composites with interfacial carbon layers.     

New hybrid COPRAS-G MADM Model for improving and selecting suppliers in green supply chain management

Greening the supply chain is an increasingly important concern for many business enterprises and a challenge for logistics management. Critical functions within green supply chain management are internal improvements and selection of green suppliers. This study proposes a novel, hybrid model that addresses dependent relationships between various criteria and the vague information coming from decision-makers. The Decision-making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) technique structures the relationships among criteria, thereby constructing an influential network relationship map (INRM). Meanwhile the DEMATEL-based, analytical network process (ANP) method aids in obtaining influential weights of the criteria. Decision-makers may hold diverse opinions and preferences due to incomplete information, differences in knowledge or simply conflicts that are inherent between various departments. This can make it difficult to judge the performance of alternatives. One remedy is to apply a modified COmplex PRoportional ASsessment of alternatives with Grey relations. Next, this is applied to improve each criterion for integration of the performance values obtained in closing the aspiration level from different expert opinions based on INRM. An empirical example using data from a Taiwanese electronics company is provided to demonstrate our proposed method. The results can provide firms with a knowledge-based understanding of the source of some problems, thus reducing the performance gaps and closing the aspiration levels. Finally, there is a discussion on certain managerial implications.