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At least 667 records · Page 37

HPTLC Analysis and Chemical Composition of Selected Melaleuca Essential Oils

Tea tree oil (TTO) is a volatile essential oil obtained by distillation, mainly from the Australian native plant Melaleuca alternifolia (Maiden & Betche) Cheel (Myrtaceae). In this study, a comparative analysis of the chemical constituents of seven tea tree oils (M. alternifolia) and four other Melaleuca spp. oils (M. cajuputi, (M Ca ), two chemotypes of M. quinquenervia, (M Ne and M Ni ), and M. ericifolia (M Ro )) was carried out using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). Among the seven TTOs, terpinen-4-ol (37.66–44.28%), γ-terpinene (16.42–20.75%), α-terpinene (3.47–12.62%), α-terpineol (3.11–4.66%), and terpinolene (2.75–4.19%) were the most abundant compounds. On the other hand, the most abundant compounds of the other Melaleuca oils varied, such as 1,8-cineole (64.63%) in M Ca oil, (E)-nerolidol (48.40%) and linalool (33.30%) in M Ne oil, 1,8-cineole (52.20%) in M Ni oil, and linalool (38.19%) and 1,8-cineole (27.57%) in M Ro oil. HPTLC fingerprinting of Melaleuca oils enabled the discrimination of TTO oils from other Melaleuca spp. oils. Variation was observed in the profile of the R f values among EOs. The present study shows that HPTLC is one of the best ways to identify and evaluate the quality control in authenticating TTOs, other Melaleuca EOs, or EOs from other species within the Myrtaceae.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Delamination Modeling of Composites for Improved Crash Analysis

Finite element crash modeling of composite structures is limited by the inability of current commercial crash codes to accurately model delamination growth. Efforts are made to implement and assess delamination modeling techniques using a current finite element crash code, MSC/DYTRAN. Three methods are evaluated, including a straightforward method based on monitoring forces in elements or constraints representing an interface; a cohesive fracture model proposed in the literature; and the virtual crack closure technique commonly used in fracture mechanics. Results are compared with dynamic double cantilever beam test data from the literature. Examples show that it is possible to accurately model delamination propagation in this case. However, the computational demands required for accurate solution are great and reliable property data may not be available to support general crash modeling efforts. Additional examples are modeled including an impact-loaded beam, damage initiation in laminated crushing specimens, and a scaled aircraft subfloor structures in which composite sandwich structures are used as energy-absorbing elements. These examples illustrate some of the difficulties in modeling delamination as part of a finite element crash analysis.

Fleming, David C.↗

Delamination Modeling of Composites for Improved Crash Analysis

Finite element crash modeling of composite structures is limited by the inability of current commercial crash codes to accurately model delamination growth. Efforts are made to implement and assess delamination modeling techniques using a current finite element crash code, MSC/DYTRAN. Three methods are evaluated, including a straightforward method based on monitoring forces in elements or constraints representing an interface; a cohesive fracture model proposed in the literature; and the virtual crack closure technique commonly used in fracture mechanics. Results are compared with dynamic double cantilever beam test data from the literature. Examples show that it is possible to accurately model delamination propagation in this case. However, the computational demands required for accurate solution are great and reliable property data may not be available to support general crash modeling efforts. Additional examples are modeled including an impact-loaded beam, damage initiation in laminated crushing specimens, and a scaled aircraft subfloor structures in which composite sandwich structures are used as energy-absorbing elements. These examples illustrate some of the difficulties in modeling delamination as part of a finite element crash analysis.

Fleming, David C.↗

Finite element analysis of the stiffness of fabric reinforced composites

The objective of this work is the prediction of all three dimensional elastic moduli of textile fabric reinforced composites. The analysis is general enough for use with complex reinforcing geometries and capable of subsequent improvements. It places no restrictions on fabric microgeometry except that the unit cell be determinate and rectangular. The unit cell is divided into rectangular subcells in which the reinforcing geometries are easier to define and analyze. The analysis, based on inhomogeneous finite elements, is applied to a variety of weave, braid, and knit reinforced composites. Some of these predictions are correlated to test data.

Foye, R. L.↗

Modeling and Sensitivity Analysis of Sandwich Composite Cylinders with Geometric Imperfections

It is well known that real shell structures can have significantly lower buckling loads and even different mode shapes than the theoretical predictions for perfect structures. Much of this difference can be attributed to geometric and loading imperfections, and geometrically nonlinear effects. The realistic buckling response can be investigated using geometrically nonlinear finite element analyses and including radial imperfections. Such analyses are used in the NASA Engineering and Safety Center Shell Buckling Knockdown Factor Project, which has the goal of developing new analysis-based buckling design recommendations for select classes of cylindrical shell structures under uniaxial compressive load. The approach for modeling several sandwich composite cylinders with two-dimensional general-purpose shell elements and the influence of the element type selection and element size on the buckling load is discussed. The influence of geometric imperfections of various magnitudes on buckling behavior of a sandwich composite cylinder was also investigated.

Structural Modeling↗

Modeling and Sensitivity Analysis of Sandwich Composite Cylinders with Geometric Imperfections

It is well known that manufactured shell structures can have significantly lower buckling loads and different mode shapes than the theoretical predictions for perfect structures. Much of this difference can be attributed to geometric and loading imperfections, and geometrically nonlinear effects. The buckling response of cylindrical structures can be investigated using geometrically nonlinear finite element analyses and including radial imperfections. Such analyses are used in the NASA Engineering and Safety Center Shell Buckling Knockdown Factor Project, which has the goal of developing new analysis-based buckling design recommendations for select classes of cylindrical shell structures under uniaxial compressive load. The approach for modeling several sandwich composite cylinders with two-dimensional general-purpose shell elements and the influence of the element type selection and element size on the buckling load is discussed. The influence of geometric imperfections of various magnitudes on buckling behavior of a sandwich composite cylinder was also investigated.

Structural Modeling↗

: Modeling and Sensitivity Analysis of Sandwich Composite Cylinders with Geometric Imperfections

It is well known that manufactured shell structures can have significantly lower buckling loads and different mode shapes than the theoretical predictions for perfect structures. Much of this difference can be attributed to geometric and loading imperfections, and geometrically nonlinear effects. The buckling response of cylindrical structures can be investigated using geometrically nonlinear finite element analyses and including radial imperfections. Such analyses are used in the NASA Engineering and Safety Center Shell Buckling Knockdown Factor Project, which has the goal of developing new analysis-based buckling design recommendations for select classes of cylindrical shell structures under uniaxial compressive load. The approach for modeling several sandwich composite cylinders with two-dimensional general-purpose shell elements and the influence of the element type selection and element size on the buckling load is discussed. The influence of geometric imperfections of various magnitudes on buckling behavior of a sandwich composite cylinder was also investigated.

Structural Modeling↗

An approximate method of analysis for notched unidirectional composites

An approximate method is proposed for the analysis of unidirectional, filamentary composite materials having slit notches perpendicular to the fibers and subjected to tension parallel to the fibers. The approach is based on an engineering model which incorporates important effects of material heterogeneity by considering average extensional stresses in the fibers and average shear stresses in the matrix. Effects of interfacial failure and matrix plasticity at the root of the notch are considered. Predictions of the analysis are in reasonably good agreement with previous analytical models and experimental data for graphite/epoxy.

Zweben, C.↗

Composition-Nanoarchitecture-Performance Analysis of High Energy Density Electrodeposited Silicon for Lithium-Ion Battery Anodes

Electrodeposition of silicon (Si) was previously demonstrated as a promising method for fabricating 3D-structured lithium-ion battery anodes. However, the relationship between the electrochemical performance and chemical composition of the relatively impure electrodeposited silicon is not well understood. Here, we report the electrodeposition of a Si-dominant active material (EDEP-Si) onto 3D-structured nickel (Ni) scaffolds and systematically compare the electrochemical properties, elemental composition, atomistic Si coordination, and molecular structure of EDEP-Si with high-purity amorphous Si grown via static chemical vapor deposition. Despite the considerable amount of carbon (9–11 at %) and oxygen (42–44 at %) present in EDEP-Si, the cycling stability and high reversible specific capacity are remarkably similar to those of CVD-Si on a silicon basis (~2400 mA h/g-Si after 100 cycles). The primary difference is that EDEP-Si exhibits reduced cycling efficiency over the first 10–20 cycles. Reactions between carbon and, more importantly, oxygen in EDEP-Si with lithium are likely responsible for the reduced early cycle performance and lower capacity of the total deposit. Finally, our observations suggest ultrapure Si is not necessary for high electrochemical access to reversible charge storage, although limiting the presence of incorporated impurity species would improve energy density and first cycle efficiency.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Three-Dimensional Effects in the Plate Element Analysis of Stitched Textile Composites

Three-dimensional effects related to the analysis of stitched textile composites are discussed. The method of calculation is based on the virtual crack closure technique (VCCT), and models that model the upper and lower surface of the delamination or debond with two-dimensional (2D) plate elements rather than three-dimensional (3D) solid elements. The major advantages of the plate element modeling technique are a smaller model size and simpler geometric modeling. Details of the modeling of the laminated plate and the stitching are discussed.

Glaessgen, E. H.↗

Integrated analysis and design of thick composite structures for optimal passive damping characteristics

The development of novel composite mechanics for the analysis of damping in composite laminates and structures and the more significant results of this effort are summarized. Laminate mechanics based on piecewise continuous in-plane displacement fields are described that can represent both intralaminar stresses and interlaminar shear stresses and the associated effects on the stiffness and damping characteristics of a composite laminate. Among other features, the mechanics can accurately model the static and damped dynamic response of either thin or thick composite laminates, as well as, specialty laminates with embedded compliant damping layers. The discrete laminate damping theory is further incorporated into structural analysis methods. In this context, an exact semi-analytical method for the simulation of the damped dynamic response of composite plates was developed. A finite element based method and a specialty four-node plate element were also developed for the analysis of composite structures of variable shape and boundary conditions. Numerous evaluations and applications demonstrate the quality and superiority of the mechanics in predicting the damped dynamic characteristics of composite structures. Finally, additional development was focused on the development of optimal tailoring methods for the design of thick composite structures based on the developed analytical capability. Applications on composite plates illustrated the influence of composite mechanics in the optimal design of composites and the potential for significant deviations in the resultant designs when more simplified (classical) laminate theories are used.

Saravanos, D. A.↗

Finite element analysis of a composite artificial ankle

Ultra-light carbon fiber composite materials are being utilized in artificial limbs with increasing frequency in recent years. Dr. Arthur Copes, an orthotist from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has developed a graphite expoxy composite material artificial ankle (Copes/Bionic Ankle) that is intended to be used by amputees who require the most advanced above-and-below-the-knee prosthetic devices. The Copes/Bionic Ankle is designed to reproduce the function of the natural ankle joint by allowing the composite material to act as a spring mechanism without the use of metal mechanical parts. NASA Marshall Space Flight Center has agreed to participate in the design effort by providing the structural analysis of the artificial ankle design.

Perkins, Leigh Ann↗

Modeling of composite beams and plates for static and dynamic analysis

A rigorous theory and the corresponding computational algorithms were developed for through-the-thickness analysis of composite plates. This type of analysis is needed in order to find the elastic stiffness constants of a plate. Additionally, the analysis is used to post-process the resulting plate solution in order to find approximate three-dimensional displacement, strain, and stress distributions throughout the plate. It was decided that the variational-asymptotical method (VAM) would serve as a suitable framework in which to solve these types of problems. Work during this reporting period has progressed along two lines: (1) further evaluation of neo-classical plate theory (NCPT) as applied to shear-coupled laminates; and (2) continued modeling of plates with nonuniform thickness.

Hodges, Dewey H.↗

Modeling of composite beams and plates for static and dynamic analysis

The main purpose of this research was to develop a rigorous theory and corresponding computational algorithms for through-the-thickness analysis of composite plates. This type of analysis is needed in order to find the elastic stiffness constants for a plate and to post-process the resulting plate solution in order to find approximate three-dimensional displacement, strain, and stress distributions throughout the plate. This also requires the development of finite deformation plate equations which are compatible with the through-the-thickness analyses. After about one year's work, we settled on the variational-asymptotical method (VAM) as a suitable framework in which to solve these types of problems. VAM was applied to laminated plates with constant thickness in the work of Atilgan and Hodges. The corresponding geometrically nonlinear global deformation analysis of plates was developed by Hodges, Atilgan, and Danielson. A different application of VAM, along with numerical results, was obtained by Hodges, Lee, and Atilgan. An expanded version of this last paper was submitted for publication in the AIAA Journal.

Hodges, Dewey H.↗

Micromechanics Fatigue Damage Analysis Modeling for Fabric Reinforced Ceramic Matrix Composites

A micromechanics analysis modeling method was developed to analyze the damage progression and fatigue failure of fabric reinforced composite structures, especially for the brittle ceramic matrix material composites. A repeating unit cell concept of fabric reinforced composites was used to represent the global composite structure. The thermal and mechanical properties of the repeating unit cell were considered as the same as those of the global composite structure. The three-phase micromechanics, the shear-lag, and the continuum fracture mechanics models were integrated with a statistical model in the repeating unit cell to predict the progressive damages and fatigue life of the composite structures. The global structure failure was defined as the loss of loading capability of the repeating unit cell, which depends on the stiffness reduction due to material slice failures and nonlinear material properties in the repeating unit cell. The present methodology is demonstrated with the analysis results evaluated through the experimental test performed with carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbide matrix plain weave composite specimens.

Min, J. B.↗

A robust clustering algorithm for analysis of composition-dependent organic aerosol thermal desorption measurements

Abstract. One of the challenges of understanding atmospheric organic aerosol (OA) particles stems from its complex composition. Mass spectrometry is commonly used to characterize the compositional variability of OA. Clustering of a mass spectral dataset helps identify components that exhibit similar behavior or have similar properties, facilitating understanding of sources and processes that govern compositional variability. Here, we developed an algorithm for clustering mass spectra, the noise-sorted scanning clustering (NSSC), appropriate for application to thermal desorption measurements of collected OA particles from the Filter Inlet for Gases and AEROsols coupled to a chemical ionization mass spectrometer (FIGAERO-CIMS). NSSC, which extends the common density-based special clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN) algorithm, provides a robust, reproducible analysis of the FIGAERO temperature-dependent mass spectral data. The NSSC allows for the determination of thermal profiles for compositionally distinct clusters of mass spectra, increasing the accessibility and enhancing the interpretation of FIGAERO data. Applications of NSSC to several laboratory biogenic secondary organic aerosol (BSOA) systems demonstrate the ability of NSSC to distinguish different types of thermal behaviors for the components comprising the particles along with the relative mass contributions and chemical properties (e.g., average molecular formula) of each mass spectral cluster. For each of the systems examined, more than 80 % of the total mass is clustered into 9–13 mass spectral clusters. Comparison of the average thermograms of the mass spectral clusters between systems indicates some commonality in terms of the thermal properties of different BSOA, although with some system-specific behavior. Application of NSSC to sets of experiments in which one experimental parameter, such as the concentration of NO, is varied demonstrates the potential for mass spectral clustering to elucidate the chemical factors that drive changes in the thermal properties of OA particles. Further quantitative interpretation of the thermograms of the mass spectral clusters will allow for a more comprehensive understanding of the thermochemical properties of OA particles.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗