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Characterizing and controlling carbon fiber orientations in a polymer via flow and electric-field alignment
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Zawacki, Ava. Characterizing and controlling carbon fiber orientations in a polymer via flow and electric-field alignment. Retrieved from https://doi.org/doi:10.7282/t3-tsnt-y539

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TitleCharacterizing and controlling carbon fiber orientations in a polymer via flow and electric-field alignment
NameZawacki, Ava (author); Shan, Jerry (chair); Drazer, German (member); Malhotra, Rajiv (member); Rutgers University; School of Graduate Studies
Date Created2023
Other Date2023-01 (degree)
SubjectMechanical engineering, Alignment, Carbon fiber, Channel, Electric field, Orientation, Polymer
Extent75 pages : illustrations
DescriptionCarbon fiber composites (CFC) are common in applications where high strength and low density are desired. More specifically, discontinuous CFC are recognized for their high manufacturability and low cost compared to continuous CFCs. Unique to discontinuous CFs is the ability to change orientation, thereby controlling the anisotropy of the material. Many previous works have used flow or electric fields to vastly improve the CF alignment unidirectionally. What is of interest in this study is to utilize both flow and an electric field, in contrast, to manipulate the orientation of the CFs beyond unidirectional alignment in an epoxy. Analyzing flow and electric field induced torques individually and in combination, we create a way to specify CF orientations within a composite matrix. This gives way to more complex geometries and material properties, and has great potential, specifically in additive manufacturing processes.To examine this relationship, a channel is constructed which creates fiber alignment in the direction of the flow. The alignment mechanisms for this channel are studied through simulation and experimentation to explain the CF orientations. An electric field is then utilized to align CFs perpendicular to the flow direction. To obtain the rotation rate at varying electric field strengths, stationary fibers are studied, and we find the orientation of the fiber is directly related to the time fibers are exposed to the electric field. Because the flow alignment mechanisms are much weaker beyond the inlet, we can assume the effect of the electric field is dominant in this region. This means the resulting CF orientations are dependent on the orientation distribution of the fibers that have entered the channel, the electric field strength, and the amount of time the fibers are influenced by the electric field. This insight allows us to tune our system to create desired alignment.
NoteM.S.
NoteIncludes bibliographical references
Genretheses
Persistent URLhttps://doi.org/doi:10.7282/t3-tsnt-y539
LanguageEnglish
CollectionSchool of Graduate Studies Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Organization NameRutgers, The State University of New Jersey
RightsThe author owns the copyright to this work.
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