Limpet teeth are striking examples of a biological fibrous nanocomposite consisting of goethite mineral within a polymeric chitin matrix. The mechanical function of limpet teeth is critically dependent on the efficient composite behaviour of goethite, formed as distinct discontinuous nanofibres, reinforcing the matrix. The mechanical properties of discrete volumes from a limpet tooth measured u...

If the pundits are to be believed, something approaching 10% of the world's population watches each Formula 1 race. Having said that, beneath its glamorous surface, few understand what exactly is involved and why it has evolved into "technological warfare". The strategy of Formula 1 will be discussed with a view to explain why the cars are so dependent on the use of advanced materials, in parti...

In the present study, modelling and vibration analysis of Carbon nanotubes/ fiber/ polymer composite microplates are investigated. The governing equations of the Carbon nanotubes/ fiber/ polymer composite microplates are derived based on first order shear deformation plate theory, rather than other plate theories, due to accuracy and simplicity of polynomial functions. The modified couple stres...

In recent years many elegant techniques have been developed for the quantification of composite micromechanical parameters. Unfortunately most of these techniques have found little enthusiastic support in the industrial product development environment. We have developed an improved method for obtaining the micromechanical parameters, interfacial shear strength, fibre orientation factor, and fib...

SUMMARY Theoretical analyses are made of the influence of the following features on the longitudinal shear and transverse tensile moduli of unidirectional fibre reinforced composites: (i) random variations in positioning of individual fibres, (ii) overall variations leading to fibre bunching, (iii) overall variations leading to interspersed matrix layers, (iv) localised variations resulting in ...

The accurate and reliable numerical approximation of wave propagation is of fundamental importance to the simulation of acoustic, electromagnetic and elastic phenomena. In mechanical engineering, advanced composites such as carbon fibre reinforced polymer have become one of the most promising materials to build light-weight structures for several fields of application, for instance in aerospace...

Fibre reinforced plastic composite materials are difficult to machine because of the anisotropy and inhomogeneity characterizing their microstructure and the abrasiveness of their reinforcement components. During machining, very rapid cutting tool wear development is experienced, and surface integrity damage is often produced in the machined parts. An accurate selection of the proper tool and m...

Hemp fibre mat reinforced polyester composites were fabricated using a conventional sheet moulding compound (SMC) process. The influence of fibre and CaCO3 filler content on strength and stiffness of the HF-SMCs is reported and compared with data for chopped glass fibre reinforced sheet moulding compounds (GF-SMCs). In addition the influence of alkaline and silane treatments of the hemp fibres ...