Effect of cold drawing on mechanical properties of biodegradable fibers.

PubMed

La Mantia, Francesco Paolo; Ceraulo, Manuela; Mistretta, Maria Chiara; Morreale, Marco

2017-01-26

Biodegradable polymers are currently gaining importance in several fields, because they allow mitigation of the impact on the environment related to disposal of traditional, nonbiodegradable polymers, as well as reducing the utilization of oil-based sources (when they also come from renewable resources). Fibers made of biodegradable polymers are of particular interest, though, it is not easy to obtain polymer fibers with suitable mechanical properties and to tailor these to the specific application. The main ways to tailor the mechanical properties of a given biodegradable polymer fiber are based on crystallinity and orientation control. However, crystallinity can only marginally be modified during processing, while orientation can be controlled, either during hot drawing or cold stretching. In this paper, a systematic investigation of the influence of cold stretching on the mechanical and thermomechanical properties of fibers prepared from different biodegradable polymer systems was carried out. Rheological and thermal characterization helped in interpreting the orientation mechanisms, also on the basis of the molecular structure of the polymer systems. It was found that cold drawing strongly improved the elastic modulus, tensile strength and thermomechanical resistance of the fibers, in comparison with hot-spun fibers. The elastic modulus showed higher increment rates in the biodegradable systems upon increasing the draw ratio.

Controlling Fiber Morphology in Simultaneous Centrifugal Spinning and Photopolymerization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, Yichen; Dulaney, Austin; Ellison, Christopher

2015-03-01

Current synthetic fiber manufacturing technologies use either solvent or heat to transform a solid preformed polymer into a liquid before applying a force to draw the liquid into fiber. While the use of solvent poses concerns regarding process safety and environmental impact, the use of heat may also lead to polymer degradation and excessive energy consumption. To address these critical challenges, here we present an alternative fiber manufacturing method that encompasses extruding a monomer solution through an orifice, drawing it using centrifugal Forcespinning and polymerizing the monomer jet into solid fiber in flight using UV initiated thiol-ene chemistry. This method not only negates the use of both heat and solvent, but also produces fibers that are highly crosslinked, mechanically robust, and thermally stable. In this process, the balance between curing kinetics, fiber flight time, and solution viscoelasticity is essential. Studies were conducted to quantitatively investigate the effect of these factors on fiber formation and morphology. An operating diagram was developed to show how the intricate interplay of these factors led to the formation of smooth fibers and other undesirable fiber defects, such as beads-on-string, fused fibers, and droplets.

Diffusion and Interface Effects during Preparation of All-Solid Microstructured Fibers

PubMed Central

Jens, Kobelke; Jörg, Bierlich; Katrin, Wondraczek; Claudia, Aichele; Zhiwen, Pan; Sonja, Unger; Kay, Schuster; Hartmut, Bartelt

2014-01-01

All-solid microstructured optical fibers (MOF) allow the realization of very flexible optical waveguide designs. They are prepared by stacking of doped silica rods or canes in complex arrangements. Typical dopants in silica matrices are germanium and phosphorus to increase the refractive index (RI), or boron and fluorine to decrease the RI. However, the direct interface contact of stacking elements often causes interrelated chemical reactions or evaporation during thermal processing. The obtained fiber structures after the final drawing step thus tend to deviate from the targeted structure risking degrading their favored optical functionality. Dopant profiles and design parameters (e.g., the RI homogeneity of the cladding) are controlled by the combination of diffusion and equilibrium conditions of evaporation reactions. We show simulation results of diffusion and thermal dissociation in germanium and fluorine doped silica rod arrangements according to the monitored geometrical disturbances in stretched canes or drawn fibers. The paper indicates geometrical limits of dopant structures in sub-µm-level depending on the dopant concentration and the thermal conditions during the drawing process. The presented results thus enable an optimized planning of the preform parameters avoiding unwanted alterations in dopant concentration profiles or in design parameters encountered during the drawing process. PMID:28788219

Diffusion and Interface Effects during Preparation of All-Solid Microstructured Fibers.

PubMed

Jens, Kobelke; Jörg, Bierlich; Katrin, Wondraczek; Claudia, Aichele; Zhiwen, Pan; Sonja, Unger; Kay, Schuster; Hartmut, Bartelt

2014-09-25

All-solid microstructured optical fibers (MOF) allow the realization of very flexible optical waveguide designs. They are prepared by stacking of doped silica rods or canes in complex arrangements. Typical dopants in silica matrices are germanium and phosphorus to increase the refractive index (RI), or boron and fluorine to decrease the RI. However, the direct interface contact of stacking elements often causes interrelated chemical reactions or evaporation during thermal processing. The obtained fiber structures after the final drawing step thus tend to deviate from the targeted structure risking degrading their favored optical functionality. Dopant profiles and design parameters (e.g., the RI homogeneity of the cladding) are controlled by the combination of diffusion and equilibrium conditions of evaporation reactions. We show simulation results of diffusion and thermal dissociation in germanium and fluorine doped silica rod arrangements according to the monitored geometrical disturbances in stretched canes or drawn fibers. The paper indicates geometrical limits of dopant structures in sub-µm-level depending on the dopant concentration and the thermal conditions during the drawing process. The presented results thus enable an optimized planning of the preform parameters avoiding unwanted alterations in dopant concentration profiles or in design parameters encountered during the drawing process.

Design of control system for optical fiber drawing machine driven by double motor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Yue Chen; Bo, Yu Ming; Wang, Jun

2018-01-01

Micro channel Plate (MCP) is a kind of large-area array electron multiplier with high two-dimensional spatial resolution, used as high-performance night vision intensifier. The high precision control of the fiber is the key technology of the micro channel plate manufacturing process, and it was achieved by the control of optical fiber drawing machine driven by dual-motor in this paper. First of all, utilizing STM32 chip, the servo motor drive and control circuit was designed to realize the dual motor synchronization. Secondly, neural network PID control algorithm was designed for controlling the fiber diameter fabricated in high precision; Finally, the hexagonal fiber was manufactured by this system and it shows that multifilament diameter accuracy of the fiber is +/- 1.5μm.

General Tips Concerning What Has Been Learned About Cotton Processing in Traditional Textile Manufacturing

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

This article, under the following sub-headings, briefly describes a few important practical tips involving processing of cotton in traditional textile manufacturing: (1)Bale Selection and Fiber Mixing, (2) Fiber Opening and Cleaning, (3) Carding, (4) Drawing, (5) Combing (if necessary), (6) Roving, ...

Tapered polysilicon core fibers for nonlinear photonics.

PubMed

Suhailin, Fariza H; Shen, Li; Healy, Noel; Xiao, Limin; Jones, Maxwell; Hawkins, Thomas; Ballato, John; Gibson, Ursula J; Peacock, Anna C

2016-04-01

We propose and demonstrate a novel approach to obtaining small-core polysilicon waveguides from the silicon fiber platform. The fibers were fabricated via a conventional drawing tower method and, subsequently, tapered down to achieve silicon core diameters of ∼1  μm, the smallest optical cores for this class of fiber to date. Characterization of the material properties have shown that the taper process helps to improve the local crystallinity of the silicon core, resulting in a significant reduction in the material loss. By exploiting the combination of small cores and low losses, these tapered fibers have enabled the first observation of nonlinear transmission within a polycrystalline silicon waveguide of any type. As the fiber drawing method is highly scalable, it opens a route for the development of low-cost and flexible nonlinear silicon photonic systems.

Nanotailored Carbon Fibers

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-04-27

PMMA) was removed by soaking the fiber in nitromethane for about 10 min. It can be noted that cold drawing step improved precursor fiber properties...During cold drawing, sheath component (PMMA) was removed using nitromethane . After cold drawing, fiber spool was placed in nitromethane bath for about

Brillouin lasing in single-mode tapered optical fiber with inscribed fiber Bragg grating array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Popov, S. M.; Butov, O. V.; Chamorovskiy, Y. K.; Isaev, V. A.; Kolosovskiy, A. O.; Voloshin, V. V.; Vorob'ev, I. L.; Vyatkin, M. Yu.; Mégret, P.; Odnoblyudov, M.; Korobko, D. A.; Zolotovskii, I. O.; Fotiadi, A. A.

2018-06-01

A tapered optical fiber has been manufactured with an array of fiber Bragg gratings (FBG) inscribed during the drawing process. The total fiber peak reflectivity is 5% and the reflection bandwidth is ∼3.5 nm. A coherent frequency domain reflectometry has been applied for precise profiling of the fiber core diameter and grating reflectivity both distributed along the whole fiber length. These measurements are in a good agreement with the specific features of Brillouin lasing achieved in the semi-open fiber cavity configuration.

The Study on the Mechanical Properties of Multi-walled Carbon Nanotube/Polypropylene Fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Youssefi, Mostafa; Safaie, Banafsheh

2018-06-01

Polypropylene (PP) is an important semicrystalline polymer with various applications. Polypropylene fibers containing 1 wt% of multi-walled carbon nanotube was spun using a conventional melt spinning apparatus. The produced fibers were drawn with varying levels of draw ratio. The mechanical properties of the composites were studied. Tensile strength and modulus of the composite fibers were increased with the increase in draw ratio. Molecular orientation and helical content of the composite fibers were increased after drawing. To conclude, tensile properties and molecular orientation of the composite fibers were higher than those of neat polypropylene fibers with the same draw ratio.

The Study on the Mechanical Properties of Multi-walled Carbon Nanotube/Polypropylene Fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Youssefi, Mostafa; Safaie, Banafsheh

2018-01-01

Polypropylene (PP) is an important semicrystalline polymer with various applications. Polypropylene fibers containing 1 wt% of multi-walled carbon nanotube was spun using a conventional melt spinning apparatus. The produced fibers were drawn with varying levels of draw ratio. The mechanical properties of the composites were studied. Tensile strength and modulus of the composite fibers were increased with the increase in draw ratio. Molecular orientation and helical content of the composite fibers were increased after drawing. To conclude, tensile properties and molecular orientation of the composite fibers were higher than those of neat polypropylene fibers with the same draw ratio.

Resin impregnation process for producing a resin-fiber composite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Palmer, Raymond J. (Inventor); Moore, William E. (Inventor)

1994-01-01

Process for vacuum impregnation of a dry fiber reinforcement with a curable resin to produce a resin-fiber composite, by drawing a vacuum to permit flow of curable liquid resin into and through a fiber reinforcement to impregnate same and curing the resin-impregnated fiber reinforcement at a sufficient temperature and pressure to effect final curing. Both vacuum and positive pressure, e.g. autoclave pressure, are applied to the dry fiber reinforcement prior to application of heat and prior to any resin flow to compact the dry fiber reinforcement, and produce a resin-fiber composite of reduced weight, thickness and resin content, and improved mechanical properties. Preferably both a vacuum and positive pressure, e.g. autoclave pressure, are also applied during final curing.

Differentiation of molecular chain entanglement structure through laser Raman spectrum measurement of High strength PET fibers under stress

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Go, D.; Takarada, W.; Kikutani, T.

2017-10-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism for the improvement of mechanical properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fibers based on the concept of controlling the state of molecular entanglement. For this purpose, five different PET fibers were prepared through either the conventional melt spinning and drawing/annealing process or the high-speed melt spinning process. In both cases, the melt spinning process was designed so as to realize different Deborah number conditions. The prepared fibers were subjected to the laser Raman spectroscopy measurement and the characteristics of the scattering peak at around 1616 cm-1, which corresponds to the C-C/C=C stretching mode of the aromatic ring in the main chain, were investigated in detail. It was revealed that the fibers drawn and annealed after the melt spinning process of lower Deborah number showed higher tensile strength as well as lower value of full width at half maximum (FWHM) in the laser Raman spectrum. Narrow FWHM was considered to represent the homogeneous state of entanglement structure, which may lead to the higher strength and toughness of fibers because individual molecular chains tend to bare similar level of tensile stress when the fiber is stretched. In case of high-speed spun fibers prepared with a high Deborah number condition, the FWHM was narrow presumably because much lower tensile stress in comparison with the drawing/annealing process was applied when the fiber structure was developed, however the value increased significantly upon applying tensile load to the fibers during the laser Raman spectrum measurement. From these results, it was concluded that the Laser Raman spectroscopy could differentiate molecular chain entanglement structure of various fiber samples, in that low FWHM, which corresponds to either homogeneous state of molecular entanglement or lower level of mean residual stress, and small increase of FWTH upon applying tensile stress are considered to be the key factors for the improvement of the mechanical properties of PET fibers.

Utility of an optically-based, micromechanical system for printing collagen fibers

PubMed Central

Paten, Jeffrey A.; Tilburey, Graham E.; Molloy, Eileen A.; Zareian, Ramin; Trainor, Christopher V.

2013-01-01

Collagen's success as the principal structural element in load-bearing, connective tissue has motivated the development of numerous engineering approaches designed to recapitulate native fibril morphology and strength. It has been shown recently that collagen fibers can be drawn from monomeric solution through a fiber forming buffer (FFB), followed by numerous additional treatments in a complex serial process. However, internal fibril alignment, packing and resultant mechanical behavior of the fibers have not been optimized and remain inferior to native tissue. Further, no system has been developed which permits simultaneous application of molecular crowding, measurement of applied load, and direct observation of polymerization dynamics during fiber printing. The ability to perform well-controlled investigations early in the process of fiber formation, which vary single input parameters (i.e. collagen concentration, crowding agent concentration, draw rate, flow rate, temperature, pH, etc.) should substantially improve fiber morphology and strength. We have thus designed, built, and tested a versatile, in situ, optically-based, micromechanical assay and fiber printing system which permits the correlation of parameter changes with mechanical properties of fibers immediately after deposition into an FFB. We demonstrate the sensitivity of the assay by detecting changes in the fiber mechanics in response to draw rate, collagen type, small changes in the molecular crowding agent concentration and to variations in pH. In addition we found the ability to observe fiber polymerization dynamics leads to intriguing new insights into collagen assembly behavior. PMID:23352045

Fabrication and evaluation of low fiber content alumina fiber/aluminum composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hack, J. E.; Strempek, G. C.

1980-01-01

The mechanical fabrication of low volume percent fiber, polycrystalline alumina fiber reinforced aluminum composites was accomplished. Wire preform material was prepared by liquid-metal infiltration of alumina fiber bundles. The wires were subsequently encapsulated with aluminum foil and fabricated into bulk composite material by hot-drawing. Extensive mechanical, thermal and chemical testing was conducted on preform and bulk material to develop a process and material data base. In addition, a preliminary investigation of mechanical forming of bulk alumina fiber reinforced aluminum composite material was conducted.

Large-scale fabrication of bioinspired fibers for directional water collection.

PubMed

Bai, Hao; Sun, Ruize; Ju, Jie; Yao, Xi; Zheng, Yongmei; Jiang, Lei

2011-12-16

Spider-silk inspired functional fibers with periodic spindle-knots and the ability to collect water in a directional manner are fabricated on a large scale using a fluid coating method. The fabrication process is investigated in detail, considering factors like the fiber-drawing velocity, solution viscosity, and surface tension. These bioinspired fibers are inexpensive and durable, which makes it possible to collect water from fog in a similar manner to a spider's web. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Metal-Coated Optical Fibers for High Temperature Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zeakes, Jason; Murphy, Kent; Claus, Richard; Greene, Jonathan; Tran, Tuan

1996-01-01

A DC magnetron sputtering system has been used to actively coat optical fibers with hermetic metal coatings during the fiber draw process. Thin films of Inconel 625 have been deposited on optical fibers and annealed in air at 2000 F. Scanning electron microscopy and Auger electron microscopy have been used to investigate the morphology and composition of the films prior to and following thermal cycling. Issues to be addressed include film adhesion, other coating materials, and a discussion of additional applications for this novel technology.

Optimization Of Fluoride Glass Fiber Drawing With Respect To Mechanical Strength

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schneider, H. W.; Schoberth, A.; Staudt, A.; Gerndt, Ch.

1987-08-01

Heavy metal fluoride fibers have attracted considerable attention recently as lightguides for infrared optical devices. Besides the optical loss mechanical performance of the fiber is of major interest. At present fiber strength suffers from surface crystallization prior to or during fiber drawing. We developed an etching method for the preparation of preforms with clean surface. Drawing these preforms under optimized conditions in a dry atmosphere results in fibers with improved strength. So far, mean value of 400 N/mm2 tensile strength have been achieved. Maximum values of 800 N/mm2 measured on etched fibers indicate an even higher strength potential for the material itself.

Tellurite microstructure fibers with small hexagonal core for supercontinuum generation.

PubMed

Liao, Meisong; Chaudhari, Chitrarekha; Qin, Guanshi; Yan, Xin; Suzuki, Takenobu; Ohishi, Yasutake

2009-07-06

Tellurite glass microstructure fibers with a 1 microm hexagonal core were fabricated successfully by accurately controlling the temperature field in the fiber-drawing process. The diameter ratio of holey region to core (DRHC) for the fiber can be adjusted freely in the range of 1-20 by pumping a positive pressure into the holes when drawing fiber, which provides much freedom in engineering the chromatic dispersion. With the increase of DRHC from 3.5 to 20, the zero dispersion wavelengths were shifted several hundred nanometers, the cutoff wavelength due to confinement loss was increased from 1600 nm to 3800 nm, and the nonlinear coefficient gamma was increased from 3.9 to 5.7 W(-1)/m. Efficient visible emissions due to third harmonic generation were found for fibers with a DRHC of 10 and 20 under the 1557 nm pump of a femtosecond fiber laser. One octave flattened supercontinuum spectrum was generated from fibers with a DRHC of 3.5, 10 and 20 by the 1064 nm pump of a picosecond fiber laser. To the best of our knowledge, we have for the first time fabricated a hexagonal core fiber by soft glass with such a small core size, and have demonstrated a large influence of the holey region on the dispersion, nonlinear coefficient and supercontinuum generation for such fiber.

Thermally Drawn Fibers as Nerve Guidance Scaffolds

PubMed Central

Koppes, Ryan A.; Park, Seongjun; Hood, Tiffany; Jia, Xiaoting; Poorheravi, Negin Abdolrahim; Achyuta, Anilkumar Harapanahalli; Fink, Yoel; Anikeeva, Polina

2016-01-01

Synthetic neural scaffolds hold promise to eventually replace nerve autografts for tissue repair following peripheral nerve injury. Despite substantial evidence for the influence of scaffold geometry and dimensions on the rate of axonal growth, systematic evaluation of these parameters remains a challenge due to limitations in materials processing. We have employed fiber drawing to engineer a wide spectrum of polymer-based neural scaffolds with varied geometries and core sizes. Using isolated whole dorsal root ganglia as an in vitro model system we have identified key features enhancing nerve growth within these fiber scaffolds. Our approach enabled straightforward integration of microscopic topography at the scale of nerve fascicles within the scaffold cores, which led to accelerated Schwann cell migration, as well as neurite growth and alignment. Our findings indicate that fiber drawing provides a scalable and versatile strategy for producing nerve guidance channels capable of controlling direction and accelerating the rate of axonal growth. PMID:26717246

Design of a family of ring-core fibers for OAM transmission studies.

PubMed

Brunet, Charles; Ung, Bora; Wang, Lixian; Messaddeq, Younès; LaRochelle, Sophie; Rusch, Leslie A

2015-04-20

We propose a family of ring-core fibers, designed for the transmission of OAM modes, that can be fabricated by drawing five different fibers from a single preform. This novel technique allows us to experimentally sweep design parameters and speed up the fiber design optimization process. Such a family of fibers could be used to examine system performance, but also facilitate understanding of parameter impact in the transition from design to fabrication. We present design parameters characterizing our fiber, and enumerate criteria to be satisfied. We determine targeted fiber dimensions and explain our strategy for examining a design family rather than a single fiber design. We simulate modal properties of the designed fibers, and compare the results with measurements performed on fabricated fibers.

Regenerated collagen fibers with grooved surface texture: Physicochemical characterization and cytocompatibility.

PubMed

Wang, Xiang; Wu, Tong; Wang, Wei; Huang, Chen; Jin, Xiangyu

2016-01-01

A novel type of protein fibers, regenerated collagen fibers (RC) from cattle skin, was prepared through wet-spinning. Due to the combined effect of solvent exchange and subsequent drawing process, the fibers were found to have a grooved surface texture. The grooves provided not only ordered topographical cues, but also increased surface area. Protein content of the RC fibers was confirmed by Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and ninhydrin color reaction. The fibers could be readily fabricated into nonwovens or other textiles, owning to their comparable physical properties to other commercialized fibers. Cell growth behavior on RC nonwovens suggested both early adhesion and prompt proliferation. The high moisture regain, good processability, along with the excellent cytocompatibility indicated that the RC fibers and nonwovens developed in this study might offer a good candidate for biomedical and healthcare applications. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A new approach for high performance fiber manufacturing via simultaneous fiber spinning and UV initiated polymerization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ellison, Chris

Synthetic fibers have been manufactured for decades using solvents or heat to reduce the viscosity of pre-formed polymers and promote drawing. However, nature has engineered spiders and silkworms with benign ways of making silk fibers with high strength and toughness. Conceptually, their approach of chemically linking small functional units (i.e., proteins) into long chain molecules and solid fibrillar structures ``on-demand'' is fundamentally different from current synthetic fiber manufacturing methods. Drawing inspiration from nature, a method will be described that uses light to trigger a thiol-ene photopolymerization to rapidly transform reactive liquid mixtures into solid thread-like structures as they are forced out of a capillary at high speeds. Besides being manufactured without using solvents/volatile components or heat, these fibers are mechanically robust and have excellent chemical and thermal stability due to their crosslinked nature. During processing, the balance between curing kinetics, fiber flight time, and monomer mixture viscoelasticity is essential for the formation of defect free fibers. This work focuses on developing a universal operating diagram to show how the intricate interplay of gel time, flight time, and fluid relaxation time leads to the formation of uniform fibers and other undesirable fiber morphologies such as beads-on-string, fused fibers, non-uniform fibers, and droplets. This predictive capability enables adaptation of this spinning concept to all existing fiber spinning platforms, and customization of monomer formulations to target desired properties.

Combined influence of inertia, gravity, and surface tension on the linear stability of Newtonian fiber spinning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bechert, M.; Scheid, B.

2017-11-01

The draw resonance effect appears in fiber spinning processes if the ratio of take-up to inlet velocity, the so-called draw ratio, exceeds a critical value and manifests itself in steady oscillations of flow velocity and fiber diameter. We study the effect of surface tension on the draw resonance behavior of Newtonian fiber spinning in the presence of inertia and gravity. Utilizing an alternative scaling makes it possible to visualize the results in stability maps of highly practical relevance. The interplay of the destabilizing effect of surface tension and the stabilizing effects of inertia and gravity lead to nonmonotonic stability behavior and local stability maxima with respect to the dimensionless fluidity and the dimensionless inlet velocity. A region of unconditional instability caused by the influence of surface tension is found in addition to the region of unconditional stability caused by inertia, which was described in previous works [M. Bechert, D. W. Schubert, and B. Scheid, Eur. J. Mech B 52, 68 (2015), 10.1016/j.euromechflu.2015.02.005; Phys. Fluids 28, 024109 (2016), 10.1063/1.4941762]. Due to its importance for a particular group of fiber spinning applications, a viscous-gravity-surface-tension regime, i.e., negligible effect of inertia, is analyzed separately. The mechanism underlying the destabilizing effect of surface tension is discussed and established stability criteria are tested for validity in the presence of surface tension.

Additive Manufacturing of Patient-Customizable Scaffolds for Tubular Tissues Using the Melt-Drawing Method.

PubMed

Tan, Yu Jun; Tan, Xipeng; Yeong, Wai Yee; Tor, Shu Beng

2016-11-03

Polymeric fibrous scaffolds for guiding cell growth are designed to be potentially used for the tissue engineering (TE) of tubular organs including esophagi, blood vessels, tracheas, etc. Tubular scaffolds were fabricated via melt-drawing of highly elastic poly(l-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLC) fibers layer-by-layer on a cylindrical mandrel. The diameter and length of the scaffolds are customizable via 3D printing of the mandrel. Thickness of the scaffolds was varied by changing the number of layers of the melt-drawing process. The morphology and tensile properties of the PLC fibers were investigated. The fibers were highly aligned with a uniform diameter. Their diameters and tensile properties were tunable by varying the melt-drawing speeds. These tailorable topographies and tensile properties show that the additive-based scaffold fabrication technique is customizable at the micro- and macro-scale for different tubular tissues. The merits of these scaffolds in TE were further shown by the finding that myoblast and fibroblast cells seeded onto the scaffolds in vitro showed appropriate cell proliferation and distribution. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) differentiated to smooth muscle lineage on the microfibrous scaffolds in the absence of soluble induction factors, showing cellular shape modulation and scaffold elasticity may encourage the myogenic differentiation of stem cells.

Optical fiber science and technology: Novel fibers and fiber sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morse, T. F.

1988-02-01

This equipment grant has permitted the purchase of a complete optical fiber draw facility and auxilliary equipment for our fiber characterization laboratory. The draw tower has been erected in a specially prepared laboratory. It is a 7.8 m automated tower with a 20 kw carbon induction furnace, and sufficient room for two UV coating stages, or a UV coating stage, and a thermal curing stage. The tower installation took perhaps somewhat more time than initially anticipated, largely due to difficulties in the site preparation. The tower itself has been installed on a reinforced concrete pad, with appropriate vibration isolation. For about six months, we have been gaining experience in the use of the tower, and have been drawing kilometer lengths of fiber that range in diameter from 50 microns to 250 microns with a tolerance of the order of a few microns. In anticipation of expanding the coating capabilities of our draw tower, a vacuum system was purchased for use with radio frequency sputtering on-line on the tower. This will be particularly useful for ceramic coated fibers in the study of the behavior of fiber strengthened composite materials.

Materials processing apparatus development for fluoride glass

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Guy A.; Kosten, Sue; Workman, Gary L.

1994-01-01

Fluoride glasses have great potential for optical fiber communications due to the high transmittance when no microcrystallites occur during drawing operations. This work has developed apparatus to test the occurrence of microcrystallites during recrystallization in reduced gravity on the KC-135. The apparatus allows fluoride glass fiber, such as ZBLAN, to be melted and recrystallized during both the low and high g portions the parabolic flight.

Scalable Manufacturing of Metal Micro/Nanowires and Applications by Thermal Fiber Drawing Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hwang, Injoo

The objective of this study is to better understand the fundamental principal of the thermal fiber drawing process with metal-core preforms. This would enable us to overcome the fundamental limits of current thermal drawing techniques by tuning material properties of core metals and interactions between core and cladding materials using nanoparticles. Metal micro/nanowires with controlled size, aspect ratio and spatial configurations of core and cladding materials exhibit extraordinary mechanical, thermal, electrical and optical properties. These metal micro/nanowires can be utilized for widespread applications such as: thermoelectric, conductive electrode and plasmonic photonic crystal fibers. Thermal fiber drawing method has emerged as an advanced scalable manufacturing technique for micro/nanowires production due to its unique characteristics that allow mass production of continuous and arbitrary designed wires. It is of tremendous scientific and technical interests to conduct a fundamental study on thermal fiber drawing methods and to break the current limits of the crystalline metal core thermal fiber drawing process. In this study, metal core was fabricated by cold compaction of the Zinc (Zn)-Tungsten Carbide (WC) nanopowders. Our characterizations through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) showed that WC nanoparticle are uniformly dispersed in Zn matrix. The effects of WC nanoparticles on the mechanical properties and degradation rate in Zn-WC nanocomposites were carefully analyzed by tensile, compressive, hardness, degradation and viscosity tests. Metallic stents are commonly used to expand blood vessels that have been narrowed by plaque buildup (atherosclerosis). Fabrication difficulty and other constrains of metallic stents result in high cost. Zn-WC nanocomposite microwires were controllably drawn for stent struts with a diameter of 200 ?m. Characterizations by the tensile and degradation tests of Zn-WC nanocomposite microwires validate the eligibility for stent fabrication. Single cell Zn-WC nanocomposite stents were fabricated by braiding thermally drawn Zn-WC nanocomposite microwires on a weaving stage built by 3D printing. Zn-WC nanocomposite stents with an inner diameter of 2 mm was expanded up to 10 mm without recoil by a catheter, which is thin tube inserted into human body serving in a broad range of functions. For the purpose of in vivo test, Zn-WC nanocomposite stents were deployed in a pig by percutaneous coronary intervention method (angioplasty with stent). The surgery under fluoroscopy that continuous X-ray beam is passed through the body part being examined. X-ray opaque Zn-WC nanocomposite stents were distinctly shown to be expanded by a catheter and remained without bounce back through the whole procedure. The Zn-WC nanocomposite stents were extracted from the pig a month later and studied for the degradability by SEM and EDS mapping analysis. SEM images of Zn-WC stents showed that the degradation of the stents was uniformly proceeded on the surface without fractures. While the Zn-WC nanocomposite stents stayed inside the vessel, good endothelializations between the Zn-WC stents and surrounding cell tissues as well as no acute pathological problems were discovered from this study. One of the current challenges of thermal fiber drawing process for crystalline metal nanowires is low aspect ratio (< 10,000). A molten metal nanowire in a cladding material breaks up into shorter nanowires or smaller droplets due to Plateau-Rayleigh instability. It was experimentally and theoretically shown that molten liquid tends to minimize their surface area by virtue of surface tensions. The Tomotika model introduced the relation among instability time, viscosities of core and cladding materials, the wavelength and diameter of the core fluid, and interfacial energy between core and cladding materials as specifying the Plateau-Rayleigh instability [1]. The instability time was impeded by high viscosity of the Zn-WC nanocomposite core material while the preform of Zn-WC nanocomposite was thermally drawn by the stack-and-draw method. Consequently, high aspect ratio (> 1,500,000) of Zn-WC nanocomposite nanowires that are 200 nm in diameter and up to 31 cm length were achieved. Herein, we present that WC nanoparticles decreased interfacial energy between metal and glass due to its inherent characteristic such as partly metallic bonding. As a result, the nanoparticle can play the role of anchors to prevent breakage by capillary instability in nanoscale thermal fiber drawing process. Zn-WC nanocomposite nanowires surrounded by borosilicate glass were shown through the TEM (transmission electron microscope) diffraction patterns. By the electrical resistance test, not onlythe electrical resistance and but also the continuity of the Zn-WC nanocomposite nanowires was presented. (Abstract shortened by ProQuest.).

Radiation Effects on Ytterbium-doped Optical Fibers

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-06-02

Erbium (Er3+) has long been the most prevalent RE dopant because of erbium’s ability to amplify signals at common communications wavelengths (1330 and...composition of the core and cladding along with dopants (intentional or inadvertent) (Friebele, 1992), preform production and fiber drawing process...inclusion of other elemental dopants along with the RE-ions in order to stabilize the RE-ions and prevent them from clustering, which can degrade

A Novel Bioinspired PVDF Micro/Nano Hair Receptor for a Robot Sensing System

PubMed Central

Li, Fei; Liu, Weiting; Stefanini, Cesare; Fu, Xin; Dario, Paolo

2010-01-01

This paper describes the concept and design of a novel artificial hair receptor for the sensing system of micro intelligent robots such as a cricket-like jumping mini robot. The concept is inspired from the natural hair receptor of animals, also called cilium or filiform hair by different research groups, which is usually used as a vibration receptor or a flow detector by insects, mammals and fishes. The suspended fiber model is firstly built and the influence of scaling down is analyzed theoretically. The design of this artificial hair receptor is based on aligned suspended PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) fibers, manufactures with a novel method called thermo-direct drawing technique, and aligned suspended submicron diameter fibers are thus successfully fabricated on a flexible Kapton. In the post process step, some key problems such as separated electrodes deposition along with the fiber drawing direction and poling of micro/nano fibers to impart them with good piezoeffective activity have been presented. The preliminary validation experiments show that the artificial hair receptor has a reliable response with good sensibility to external pressure variation and, medium flow as well as its prospects in the application on sensing system of mini/micro bio-robots. PMID:22315581

Fabrication of Continuous Microfibers Containing Magnetic Nanoparticles by a Facile Magneto-Mechanical Drawing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jin-Tao; Jia, Xian-Sheng; Yu, Gui-Feng; Yan, Xu; He, Xiao-Xiao; Yu, Miao; Gong, Mao-Gang; Ning, Xin; Long, Yun-Ze

2016-09-01

A facile method termed magneto-mechanical drawing is used to produce polymer composite microfibers. Compared with electrospinning and other fiber spinning methods, magneto-mechanical drawing uses magnetic force generated by a permanent magnet to draw droplets of polymer/magnetic nanoparticle suspensions, leading to fabrication of composite microfibers. In addition, because of the rotating collector, it is easy to control the fiber assembly such as fibrous array in parallel or crossed fibrous structure. The general applicability of this method has also been proved by spinning different polymers and magnetic nanoparticles. The resultant fibers exhibit good superparamagnetic behavior at room temperature and ultrahigh stretchability (~443.8 %). The results indicate that magneto-mechanical drawing is a promising technique to fabricate magnetic and stretchable microfibers and devices.

Fabrication of Continuous Microfibers Containing Magnetic Nanoparticles by a Facile Magneto-Mechanical Drawing.

PubMed

Li, Jin-Tao; Jia, Xian-Sheng; Yu, Gui-Feng; Yan, Xu; He, Xiao-Xiao; Yu, Miao; Gong, Mao-Gang; Ning, Xin; Long, Yun-Ze

2016-12-01

A facile method termed magneto-mechanical drawing is used to produce polymer composite microfibers. Compared with electrospinning and other fiber spinning methods, magneto-mechanical drawing uses magnetic force generated by a permanent magnet to draw droplets of polymer/magnetic nanoparticle suspensions, leading to fabrication of composite microfibers. In addition, because of the rotating collector, it is easy to control the fiber assembly such as fibrous array in parallel or crossed fibrous structure. The general applicability of this method has also been proved by spinning different polymers and magnetic nanoparticles. The resultant fibers exhibit good superparamagnetic behavior at room temperature and ultrahigh stretchability (~443.8 %). The results indicate that magneto-mechanical drawing is a promising technique to fabricate magnetic and stretchable microfibers and devices.

Laser diode assembly including a cylindrical lens

DOEpatents

Snyder, James J.; Reichert, Patrick

1992-01-01

The present invention provides a diffraction limited, high numerical aperture (fast) cylindrical microlens. The method for making the microlens is adaptable to produce a cylindrical lens that has almost any shape on its optical surfaces. The cylindrical lens may have a shape, such as elliptical or hyperbolic, designed to transform some particular given input light distribution into some desired output light distribution. In the method, the desired shape is first formed in a glass preform. Then, the preform is heated to the minimum drawing temperature and a fiber is drawn from it. The cross-sectional shape of the fiber bears a direct relation to the shape of the preform from which it was drawn. During the drawing process, the surfaces become optically smooth due to fire polishing.

Ultra-weak FBG and its refractive index distribution in the drawing optical fiber.

PubMed

Guo, Huiyong; Liu, Fang; Yuan, Yinquan; Yu, Haihu; Yang, Minghong

2015-02-23

For the online writing of ultra-weak fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) in the drawing optical fibers, the effects of the intensity profile, pulse fluctuation and pulse width of the excimer laser, as well as the transverse and longitudinal vibrations of the optical fiber have been investigated. Firstly, using Lorentz-Loren equation, Gladstone-Dale mixing rule and continuity equation, we have derived the refractive index (RI) fluctuation along the optical fiber and the RI distribution in the FBG, they are linear with the gradient of longitudinal vibration velocity. Then, we have prepared huge amounts of ultra-weak FBGs in the non-moving optical fiber and obtained their reflection spectra, the measured reflection spectra shows that the intensity profile and pulse fluctuation of the excimer laser, as well as the transverse vibration of the optical fiber are little responsible for the inconsistency of ultra-weak FBGs. Finally, the effect of the longitudinal vibration of the optical fiber on the inconsistency of ultra-weak FBGs has been discussed, and the vibration equations of the drawing optical fiber are given in the appendix.

Wavelength dependence of the Brillouin spectral width of boron doped germanosilicate optical fibers.

PubMed

Law, Pi-Cheng; Dragic, Peter D

2010-08-30

Boron co-doped germanosilicate fibers are investigated via the Brillouin light scattering technique using two wavelengths, 1534 nm and 1064 nm. Several fibers are investigated, including four drawn from the same preform but at different draw temperatures. The Stokes' shifts and the Brillouin spectral widths are found to increase with increasing fiber draw temperature. A frequency-squared law has adequately described the wavelength dependence of the Brillouin spectral width of conventional Ge-doped fibers. However, it is found that unlike conventional Ge-doped fibers these fibers do not follow the frequency-squared law. This is explained through a frequency-dependent dynamic viscosity that modifies this law.

Joining of aluminum sheet and glass fiber reinforced polymer using extruded pins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Conte, Romina; Buhl, Johannes; Ambrogio, Giuseppina; Bambach, Markus

2018-05-01

The present contribution proposes a new approach for joining sheet metal and fiber reinforced composites. The joining process draws upon a Friction Stir Forming (FSF) process, which is performed on the metal sheet to produce slender pins. These pins are used to pierce through the composite. Joining is complete by forming a locking head out of the part if the pin sticks out of the composite. Pins of different diameters and lengths were produced from EN AW-1050 material, which were joined to glass fiber reinforced polyamide-6. The strength of the joint has been experimentally tested in order to understand the effect of the process temperature on the pins strength and therefore on the joining. The results demonstrate the feasibility of this new technique, which uses no excess material.

Characteristics of holey fibers fabricated at different drawing speeds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seraji, Faramarz E.; Rashidi, Mahnaz; Karimi, Maryam

2007-03-01

The effects of high drawing speeds on parameters of holey fibers are presented. A holey fiber preform structure was made by using tube-in-tube method and was drawn at high speeds with an aim of mass production to meet the demand of next generation communication systems. Transmission parameters such as numerical aperture and normalized frequency of the fabricated holey fibers have been measured and compared with theoretical values based on effective index method. Although the fabricated holey fibers were not of high quality, the analyses of the parameters have shown promising outlook for fabrication of such fibers.

General Tips of What Little This Author has Learned of Cotton Processing in Traditional Textile Manufacturing

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

This article, under the following sub-headings, only lists a few very important tips that the author has experienced in his career involving processing of cotton in the traditional textile manufacturing: (1) Fiber Opening and Cleaning (2) Carding (3) Drawing (4) Combing, if necessary (5) Roving (6)...

An Automated Optical Fiber Puller for Use in Low-Earth Orbit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tucker, Dennis S.; Smith, W. Scott (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

With the slowdown in space station construction, limiting astronaut time for scientific experiments, an effort is being made to automate certain experiments. One such experiment is production of heavy metal fluoride fibers in the microgravity environment. Previous work by this author and others have shown that microgravity inhibits crystallization of ZBLAN glass. Thus an automated experiment has been designed. This experiment will consist of several elements, one which includes the use of an autonomous robot to initiate fiber pulling. The first element will be to melt the preform to eliminate crystals. The preform tip will then be heated to the viscosity necessary for fiber drawing. The robot will initiate the draw and attach the fiber end to the take-up reel. Once fiber pulling has commenced, sensors will be used to detect a fiber break, whereupon the robot can re-initiate the pulling process. The fiber will be coated with a polymer and the polymer cured with ultraviolet light. A laser micrometer will be used to monitor fiber diameter. The experiment is designed so that up to 10 preforms can be pulled into fiber during one flight. The apparatus will be mounted on a free-flying carrier which will be placed into low-earth orbit from the cargo bay of the space shuttle by the shuttle robot arm. The experiment can be started by a signal from the shuttle or from the ground via telescience. The experiment will proceed automatically using specially designed algorithms and will be monitored from the ground. The carrier will be picked up by the shuttle before return to earth.

Control of fibroin conformation: Toward the development of a biomimetic spinning process for silk fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carlson, Kimberly Ann Trabbic

1999-09-01

Nature has shown that silks are sophisticated structural materials with remarkable mechanical properties; however, they are produced using far milder conditions than high-performance synthetic polymer fibers. While recent advances in molecular biotechnology have taken great strides toward the production of proteinaceous biopolymers, little is known about the processing conditions needed to spin fibers with the correct microstructures and mechanical properties. It is the purpose of this research to gain a fundamental understanding about how processing conditions affect the molecular structure of a model protein biopolymer, Bombyx mori silkworm fibroin, the structural protein of cocoon silk. Fibers of B. mori fibroin were wet spun from 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFIP) into a methanol coagulation bath. X-ray fiber diffraction and quantitative Raman spectroscopy were used to determine that both naturally- and synthetically-spun fibers contain a high degree of beta-sheet (~50%). Fibers subjected to a post-spinning draw exhibited a preferential molecular alignment parallel to the fiber axis resulting in increased strength, stiffness, and extensibility. Fibers with microstructures and mechanical properties most similar to those of naturally-spun fibers were reproduced in synthetically-spun fibers with a draw ratio of 3.5. The transformation of helical fibroin in HFIP to beta-sheet sheet fibroin in synthetically-spun fibers was determined to be caused by the methanol coagulation bath. The kinetics beta-sheet fibroin crystallization from aqueous solution was investigated by monitoring the sigmoidal progression of gel formation using turbidity and Raman spectroscopy. Gelation kinetics were evaluated by measuring lag time, maximum gelation rate, and optical density to determine the effects of protein concentration, detergent concentration (nucleating agent), headgroup chemistry, ionic strength, pH, and temperature. An optimal molar ratio between SDS and fibroin (100:1) was found to produce gels with minimum lag times and maximum gelation rates. Fluorescence spectroscopy and a two-step denaturation and aggregation model for gelation were used to explore the mechanism of fibroin gelation. Conditions that lead to fibroin expansion (dilute fibroin, low ionic strength, highly charged fibroin, or increased temperature) result in decreased lag times. The results presented in this dissertation should aid in developing biomimetic spinning techniques for proteinaceous, biopolymers through the use of amphiphilic sheet nucleating agents.

Contributive Research and Development

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-09-25

cyclopentadiene cracks down (evolves) at about 230 C by retro- Diels Alder reaction under ambient pressure, high pressure, or vacuum environments and the...block coagulation 3) lamination of extruded film 4) microwave drawing of extruded fiber. During processing of molecular composite solutions via wet

Evaluation of visible and near-infrared spectroscopy as a tool for assessing fiber fineness during mechanical preparation of dew-retted flax.

PubMed

Sharma, H S S; Reinard, N

2004-12-01

Flax fiber must be mechanically prepared to improve fineness and homogeneity of the sliver before chemical processing and wet-spinning. The changes in fiber characteristics are monitored by an airflow method, which is labor intensive and requires 90 minutes to process one sample. This investigation was carried out to develop robust visible and near-infrared calibrations that can be used as a rapid tool for quality assessment of input fibers and changes in fineness at the doubling (blending), first, second, third, and fourth drawing frames, and at the roving stage. The partial least squares (PLS) and principal component regression (PCR) methods were employed to generate models from different segments of the spectra (400-1100, 1100-1700, 1100-2498, 1700-2498, and 400-2498 nm) and a calibration set consisting of 462 samples obtained from the six processing stages. The calibrations were successfully validated with an independent set of 97 samples, and standard errors of prediction of 2.32 and 2.62 dtex were achieved with the best PLS (400-2498 nm) and PCR (1100-2498 nm) models, respectively. An optimized PLS model of the visible-near-infrared (vis-NIR) spectra explained 97% of the variation (R(2) = 0.97) in the sample set with a standard error of calibration (SEC) of 2.45 dtex and a standard error of cross-validation (SECV) of 2.51 dtex R(2) = 0.96). The mean error of the reference airflow method was 1.56 dtex, which is more accurate than the NIR calibration. The improvement in fiber fineness of the validation set obtained from the six production lines was predicted with an error range of -6.47 to +7.19 dtex for input fibers, -1.44 to +5.77 dtex for blended fibers at the doubling, and -4.72 to +3.59 dtex at the drawing frame stages. This level of precision is adequate for wet-spinners to monitor fiber fineness of input fibers and during the preparation of fibers. The advantage of visNIR spectroscopy is the potential capability of the technique to assess fineness and other important quality characteristics of a fiber sample simultaneously in less than 30 minutes; the disadvantages are the expensive instrumentation and the expertise required for operating the instrument compared to the reference method. These factors need to be considered by the industry before installing an off-line NIR system for predicting quality parameters of input materials and changes in fiber characteristics during mechanical processing.

Photonic bandgap narrowing in conical hollow core Bragg fibers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ozturk, Fahri Emre; Yildirim, Adem; Kanik, Mehmet

2014-08-18

We report the photonic bandgap engineering of Bragg fibers by controlling the thickness profile of the fiber during the thermal drawing. Conical hollow core Bragg fibers were produced by thermal drawing under a rapidly alternating load, which was applied by introducing steep changes to the fiber drawing speed. In conventional cylindrical Bragg fibers, light is guided by omnidirectional reflections from interior dielectric mirrors with a single quarter wave stack period. In conical fibers, the diameter reduction introduced a gradient of the quarter wave stack period along the length of the fiber. Therefore, the light guided within the fiber encountered slightlymore » smaller dielectric layer thicknesses at each reflection, resulting in a progressive blueshift of the reflectance spectrum. As the reflectance spectrum shifts, longer wavelengths of the initial bandgap cease to be omnidirectionally reflected and exit through the cladding, which narrows the photonic bandgap. A narrow transmission bandwidth is particularly desirable in hollow waveguide mid-infrared sensing schemes, where broadband light is coupled to the fiber and the analyte vapor is introduced into the hollow core to measure infrared absorption. We carried out sensing simulations using the absorption spectrum of isopropyl alcohol vapor to demonstrate the importance of narrow bandgap fibers in chemical sensing applications.« less

Laser diode assembly including a cylindrical lens

DOEpatents

Snyder, J.J.; Reichert, P.

1992-01-14

The present invention provides a diffraction limited, high numerical aperture (fast) cylindrical microlens. The method for making the microlens is adaptable to produce a cylindrical lens that has almost any shape on its optical surfaces. The cylindrical lens may have a shape, such as elliptical or hyperbolic, designed to transform some particular given input light distribution into some desired output light distribution. In the method, the desired shape is first formed in a glass preform. Then, the preform is heated to the minimum drawing temperature and a fiber is drawn from it. The cross-sectional shape of the fiber bears a direct relation to the shape of the preform from which it was drawn. During the drawing process, the surfaces become optically smooth due to fire polishing. 11 figs.

Polyacrylonitrile nanocomposite fibers from acrylonitrile-grafted carbon nanofibers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hiremath, Nitilaksha; Evora, Maria Cecilia; Naskar, Amit K.

For the first time, uniform distribution of surface functionalized carbon nanofibers (CNFs) has been achieved in low molecular weight (≈120,000 g/mol) textile grade-polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based composite filaments. Furthermore, surface grafting of CNFs with acrylonitrile enhances the dispersion of nanofibers in PAN fiber matrix. XPS study reveals high atomic nitrogen content (7%) on the CNF surface due to the grafting reaction. The solution-spun filaments have been characterized for distribution of CNFs in the PAN matrix by electron microscopy. PAN composite filaments containing 3.2 wt.% CNF and processed at draw ratio of ≈6.3 exhibit enhanced tensile strength and modulus by more than threemore » folds compared to the control PAN filament. Because of chemically compatible surface modification of the nanofibers, better dispersion and improved mechanical properties were accomplished in the reinforced PAN fibers. This should then allow the production of CNF reinforced carbon fibers with improved tensile properties. An increase in CNF loading (6.4 wt.%), however, reduced performance due to inefficient alignment of CNF along the fiber axis. Nevertheless, hot stretching (at draw ratio ≈ 10) of the filaments enhanced tensile strength and elastic modulus of PAN composite filaments by 20–30% compared to the control hot stretched PAN filaments.« less

Polyacrylonitrile nanocomposite fibers from acrylonitrile-grafted carbon nanofibers

DOE PAGES

Hiremath, Nitilaksha; Evora, Maria Cecilia; Naskar, Amit K.; ...

2017-07-31

For the first time, uniform distribution of surface functionalized carbon nanofibers (CNFs) has been achieved in low molecular weight (≈120,000 g/mol) textile grade-polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based composite filaments. Furthermore, surface grafting of CNFs with acrylonitrile enhances the dispersion of nanofibers in PAN fiber matrix. XPS study reveals high atomic nitrogen content (7%) on the CNF surface due to the grafting reaction. The solution-spun filaments have been characterized for distribution of CNFs in the PAN matrix by electron microscopy. PAN composite filaments containing 3.2 wt.% CNF and processed at draw ratio of ≈6.3 exhibit enhanced tensile strength and modulus by more than threemore » folds compared to the control PAN filament. Because of chemically compatible surface modification of the nanofibers, better dispersion and improved mechanical properties were accomplished in the reinforced PAN fibers. This should then allow the production of CNF reinforced carbon fibers with improved tensile properties. An increase in CNF loading (6.4 wt.%), however, reduced performance due to inefficient alignment of CNF along the fiber axis. Nevertheless, hot stretching (at draw ratio ≈ 10) of the filaments enhanced tensile strength and elastic modulus of PAN composite filaments by 20–30% compared to the control hot stretched PAN filaments.« less

Fabrication of micro/nano optical fiber by mechano-electrospinning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Qinnan; Wu, Dezhi; Yu, Zhe; Mei, Xuecui; Fang, Ke; Sun, Daoheng

2017-10-01

We study a novel fabrication method of micro/nano optical fiber by mechano-electrospinning (MES) direct-written technology. MES process is able to precisely manipulate the position and diameter of the electro-spun micro/nano fiber by adjusting the mechanical drawing force, which through changing the speed of motion stage (substrate). By adjusting the substrate speed, the nozzle-to-substrate distance and the applied voltage, the poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) micro/nano optical fibers (MNOF) with controlled diameter are obtained and the tapered MNOF are fabricated by continuously changing the substrate speed. The transmission characteristics of PMMA micro/nano fiber is experimentally demonstrated, and a PMMA micro/nano fiber based refractive index sensor is designed. Our works shows the new fabrication method of MNOF by MES has the potential in the field of light mode conversion, optical waveguide coupling, refractive index detection and new micro/nano optical fiber components.

Broadband mid-infrared supercontinuum generation in novel As2Se3-As2Se2 S step-index fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yingying; Dai, Shixun; Han, Xin; Zhang, Peiqing; Liu, Yongxing; Wang, Xunsi; Sun, Shaochao

2018-03-01

We experimentally demonstrate the mid-infrared supercontinuum generation in a chalcogenide step-index fiber consisting of an As2Se3 core and an As2Se2 S cladding. The fiber with the core diameter of 21 μm was fabricated through the rod-in-tube technique and fiber-drawing process. The effect of pump wavelength, fiber length, and pump power on the spectral bandwidth and output power of the supercontinuum spectra generated from the fiber pumped by the ultrashort pulses of ∼ 150 fs with a repetition rate of 1000 Hz was systematically investigated. When pumping a 12-cm-long fiber at a wavelength of 6 . 5 μm with 14 mW pump laser power, a broadband supercontinuum spanning from 2 . 0 μm to 12 . 7 μm with an output power of 300 μW was obtained.

Formability of paperboard during deep-drawing with local steam application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Franke, Wilken; Stein, Philipp; Dörsam, Sven; Groche, Peter

2018-05-01

The use of paperboard can significantly improve the environmental compatibility of everyday products such as packages. Nevertheless, most packages are currently made of plastics, since the three-dimensional shaping of paperboard is possible only to a limited extent. In order to increase the forming possibilities, deep drawing of cardboard has been intensively investigated for more than a decade. An improvement with regard to increased forming limits has been achieved by heating of the tool parts, which leads to a softening of paperboard constituents such as lignin. A further approach is the moistening of the samples, whereby the hydrogen bonds between the fibers are weakened and as a result an increase of the formability. It is expected that a combination of both parameter approaches will result in a significant increase in the forming capacity and in the shape accuracy. For this reason, a new tool concept is introduced within the scope of this work which makes it possible to moisten samples during the deep drawing process by means of steam supply. The conducted investigations show that spring-back in the preferred fiber direction can be reduced by 38 %. Orthogonal to the preferred fiber direction a reduction of spring back of up to 79 % is determined, which corresponds to a perfect shape. Moreover, it was determined that the steam duration and the initial moisture content have an influence on the final shape. In addition to the increased dimensional accuracy, an optimized wrinkle compression compared to conventional deep drawing is found. According to the results, it can be summarized that a steam application in the deep drawing of paperboard significantly improves the part quality.

Study of high resistance inorganic coatings on graphite fibers. [for graphite-epoxy composite materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Galasso, F. S.; Veltri, R. D.; Scola, D. A.

1979-01-01

Coatings made of boron, silicon carbide, silica, and silica-like materials were studied to determine their ability to increase resistance of graphite fibers. The most promising results were attained by chemical vapor depositing silicon carbide on graphite fiber followed by oxidation, and drawing graphite fiber through ethyl silicate followed by appropriate heat treatments. In the silicon carbide coating studies, no degradation of the graphite fibers was observed and resistance values as high as three orders of magnitude higher than that of the uncoated fiber was attained. The strength of a composite fabricated from the coated fiber had a strength which compared favorably with those of composites prepared from uncoated fiber. For the silica-like coated fiber prepared by drawing the graphite fiber through an ethyl silicate solution followed by heating, coated fiber resistances about an order of magnitude greater than that of the uncoated fiber were attained. Composites prepared using these fibers had flexural strengths comparable with those prepared using uncoated fibers, but the shear strengths were lower.

Production of fibers by a floating zone fiber drawing technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Haggerty, J. S.

1972-01-01

A CO2 laser heated, floating zone fiber growth process was developed. The resulting Al2O3 fibers exhibited the high room temperature strengths for large diameter fibers as well as high specific creep rupture strengths observed at 1093 C and 1316 C (2000 F and 2400 F). Single crystal fibers of TiC and Y2O3 were also grown. An optical system was developed to focus four CO2 laser beams onto the surface of a feed rod permitting the formation of highly controllable molten zones. The optical system permitted energy densities and angle of incidence of the beams to be adjusted over wide ranges. This optical system was incorporated into a controlled atmosphere, fiber growth furnace. The two principal advantages of a CO2 laser heat source are that ambient atmospheres may be freely selected to optimize fiber properties and the laser has no inherent temperature limit, so extremely high melting point materials can be melted. Both advantages were demonstrated.

Gamma and x-ray irradiation effects on different Ge and Ge/F doped optical fibers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Alessi, A., E-mail: antonino.alessi@univ-st-etienne.fr; Girard, S.; Di Francesca, D.

2015-08-28

We performed electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements on γ and X ray irradiated Ge doped and Ge/F co-doped optical fibers. We considered three different drawing conditions (speed and tension), and for each type of drawing, we studied Ge and Ge/F doped samples having Ge doping level above 4% by weight. The EPR data recorded for the γ ray irradiated fibers confirm that all the samples exhibit a very close radiation response regardless of the drawing conditions corresponding to values used for the production of specialty fibers. Furthermore, as for the X irradiated materials, in the γ ray irradiated F co-dopedmore » fibers, we observed that the Ge(1) and the Ge(2) defects generation is unchanged, whereas it was enhanced for the E'Ge. In the various fibers, the comparison of the γ and X-ray induced concentrations of these kinds of Ge related defects indicates that the two irradiations induce similar effects regardless of the different employed dose rates and sources. Confocal microscopy luminescence results show that the starting content of the Germanium Lone Pair Center (GLPC) is neither strongly affected by the Ge content nor by the drawing conditions, and we consider the similarity of the GLPC content as key factor in determining many of the above reported similarities.« less

Measurement of refractive index profile of non-symmetric, complex silica preforms with high refractive index differences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Probostova, Jana; Slanicka, Jiri; Mrazek, Jan; Podrazky, Ondrej; Benda, Adam; Peterka, Pavel

2016-04-01

Refractive index profile measurement is a key instrument for characterization of optical properties of preforms, which are used for drawing of high-quality optical fibers. Common industrial optical preform analyzers have been designed for measurement of simple symmetric structures such as step-index or graded-index preforms with refractive index close to the silica (n=1.457 at 633 nm). However, these conditions are usually far from more complex structures used in fiber lasers or in fiber sensor area. Preforms for the drawing of advanced optical fibers, such as Bragg, microstructure or photonic crystal fibers, are usually constituted from stacks with non-symmetric internal structure or composed of alternating layers with high refractive index contrasts. In this paper we present comparison of refractive index profile measurements of simple as well as complex structures with high refractive index differences simulating the Bragg structures. Commercial Photon Kinetics 2600 preform analyzer was used for the refractive index profile measurements. A set of concentrically arranged silica tubes was welded to form a complex preforms. Free space between the tubes was filled by immersion with varying refractive indices to simulate the Bragg structure. Up to three tubes were used for the analysis and the refractive indices of immersion were changed from 1.4 to 1.5. When refractive index of immersion was independently measured the structure of preform was defined. Profiles of these "known" structures were compared to measured data processed by originally proposed algorithm. The work provides an extension of issues of refractive index profile measurements in non-symmetric complex silica structures by a commercial preform analyzer and proposes more convenient methods of numeric data processing.

Structure and mechanics of aegagropilae fiber network.

PubMed

Verhille, Gautier; Moulinet, Sébastien; Vandenberghe, Nicolas; Adda-Bedia, Mokhtar; Le Gal, Patrice

2017-05-02

Fiber networks encompass a wide range of natural and manmade materials. The threads or filaments from which they are formed span a wide range of length scales: from nanometers, as in biological tissues and bundles of carbon nanotubes, to millimeters, as in paper and insulation materials. The mechanical and thermal behavior of these complex structures depends on both the individual response of the constituent fibers and the density and degree of entanglement of the network. A question of paramount importance is how to control the formation of a given fiber network to optimize a desired function. The study of fiber clustering of natural flocs could be useful for improving fabrication processes, such as in the paper and textile industries. Here, we use the example of aegagropilae that are the remains of a seagrass ( Posidonia oceanica ) found on Mediterranean beaches. First, we characterize different aspects of their structure and mechanical response, and second, we draw conclusions on their formation process. We show that these natural aggregates are formed in open sea by random aggregation and compaction of fibers held together by friction forces. Although formed in a natural environment, thus under relatively unconstrained conditions, the geometrical and mechanical properties of the resulting fiber aggregates are quite robust. This study opens perspectives for manufacturing complex fiber network materials.

Fiber-reinforced plastic composites. Possibilities and limitations of applications as machine-construction materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ophey, Lothar

1988-01-01

The use of fiber-reinforced composite structural materials in engineering applications is discussed in a survey of currently available technology and future prospects. The ongoing rapid growth in the use of these materials is described, and the criteria to be applied in selecting base materials, lamination schemes, fasteners, and processing methods are examined in detail and illustrated with graphs, diagrams, flow charts, and drawings. A description of a sample application (comparing the properties of steel, CFRP, SiC-reinforced Al, CFRP/steel, and CFRP/Al automobile piston rods) is included.

Effect of controlling recrystallization from the melt on the residual stress and structural properties of the Silica-clad Ge core fiber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Ziwen; Cheng, Xueli; He, Ting; Xue, Fei; Zhang, Wei; Chen, Na; Wen, Jianxiang; Zeng, Xianglong; Wang, Tingyun

2017-09-01

Effect of controlling recrystallization from the melt (1000 °C) on the residual stress and structural properties of a Ge core fiber via molten core drawing (MCD) method is investigated. Ge core fibers is investigated using Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Compared with the as-drawn Ge fiber, the Raman peak of the recrystallized Ge fiber shift from 300 cm-1 to 300.6 cm-1 and full width at half maximum (FWHM) decreased from 5.36 cm-1 to 4.48 cm-1. The Ge crystal grains which sizes are of 200-600 nm were formed during the process of recrystallization; the XRD peak of (1 1 1) plane is observed after recrystallization. These results show that controlling recrystallization allows the release of the thermal stress, and improvement of the crystal quality of Ge core.

Optimization of mechanical strength of titania fibers fabricated by direct drawing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hanschmidt, Kelli; Tätte, Tanel; Hussainova, Irina; Part, Marko; Mändar, Hugo; Roosalu, Kaspar; Chasiotis, Ioannis

2013-11-01

Nanostructured polycrystalline titania (TiO2) microfibers were produced by direct drawing from visco-elastic alkoxide precursors. The fiber crystallinity and grain size were shown to depend on post-treatment calcination temperature. Tensile tests with individual fibers showed strong sensitivity of the elastic modulus and the tensile strength to microstructural details of the fibers. The elastic modulus of as-fabricated fibers increased about 10 times after calcination at 700 ∘C, while the strain at failure remained almost the same at ˜1.4 %. The highest tensile strength of more than 800 MPa was exhibited by nanoscale grained fibers with a bimodal grain size distribution consisting of rutile grains embedded into an anatase matrix. This structure is believed to have reduced the critical defect size, and thus increased the tensile strength. The resultant fibers showed properties that were appropriate for reinforcement of different matrixes.

Coatings for Graphite Fibers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Galasso, F. S.; Scola, D. A.; Veltri, R. D.

1980-01-01

Several approaches for applying high resistance coatings continuously to graphite yarn were investigated. Two of the most promising approaches involved (1) chemically vapor depositing (CVD) SiC coatings on the surface of the fiber followed by oxidation, and (2) drawing the graphite yarn through an organo-silicone solution followed by heat treatments. In both methods, coated fibers were obtained which exhibited increased electrical resistances over untreated fibers and which were not degraded. This work was conducted in a previous program. In this program, the continuous CVD SiC coating process used on HTS fiber was extended to the coating of HMS, Celion 6000, Celion 12000 and T-300 graphite fiber. Electrical resistances three order of magnitude greater than the uncoated fiber were measured with no significant degradation of the fiber strength. Graphite fibers coated with CVD Si3N4 and BN had resistances greater than 10(exp 6) ohm/cm. Lower pyrolysis temperatures were used in preparing the silica-like coatings also resulting in resistances as high as three orders of magnitude higher than the uncoated fiber. The epoxy matrix composites prepared using these coated fibers had low shear strengths indicating that the coatings were weak.

Apparatus For Making Glass Fibers Without The Aid Of Gravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tucker, Dennis; Smith, Guy A.; Workman, Gary

1995-01-01

Report describes apparatus for making optical fibers in microgravity. Includes sting that makes initial contact with softened glass to start drawing fiber. Absence of gravity helps to suppress nucleation of crystallites, which increase scattering of light and thus reduce transmission of light along fiber.

Mid-infrared chalcogenide fiber devices for medical applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chenard, Francois; Alvarez, Oseas; Buff, Andrew

2018-02-01

High-purity chalcogenide glasses and fiber draw processes enable the production of state-of-the-art mid-infrared fibers for 1.5 to 10 micron transmission. Multimode and single-mode mid-infrared fibers are produced with low-loss (<0.2 dB/m), high tensile strength (>25 kpsi), and high power laser handling capability (>11.8 MW/cm2). Chalcogenide fibers support the development of cutting-edge devices for mid-infrared medical applications. Connectorized cables transmit laser power to a sample or mid-infrared radiation to a detector. Broadband antireflection microstructures are thermally stamped on the chalcogenide fiber tip to reduce the surface reflection from 17% to <5%. Also custom fiber-optic probe bundles are made with multiple fiber legs (source, sample, signal) for reflection and backscatter spectroscopy measurement. For example, a 7 x 1 fiber probe bundle is presented. Additionally imaging fiber bundle is made to perform remote thermal and spectral imaging. Square preforms are drawn, stacked, squared and fused multiple times to produce a 64 x 64 imaging fiber bundle with fiber pixel size of 34 microns and the numerical aperture of 0.3. The 2- meter long imaging fiber bundle is small (2.2 mm x 2.2 mm), flexible (bend radius >10 mm) and transmits over the spectral range of 1.5 to 6.5 micron.

Multi-material optoelectronic fiber devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sorin, F.; Yan, Wei; Volpi, Marco; Page, Alexis G.; Nguyen Dang, Tung; Qu, Y.

2017-05-01

The recent ability to integrate materials with different optical and optoelectronic properties in prescribed architectures within flexible fibers is enabling novel opportunities for advanced optical probes, functional surfaces and smart textiles. In particular, the thermal drawing process has known a series of breakthroughs in recent years that have expanded the range of materials and architectures that can be engineered within uniform fibers. Of particular interest in this presentation will be optoelectronic fibers that integrate semiconductors electrically addressed by conducting materials. These long, thin and flexible fibers can intercept optical radiation, localize and inform on a beam direction, detect its wavelength and even harness its energy. They hence constitute ideal candidates for applications such as remote and distributed sensing, large-area optical-detection arrays, energy harvesting and storage, innovative health care solutions, and functional fabrics. To improve performance and device complexity, tremendous progresses have been made in terms of the integrated semiconductor architectures, evolving from large fiber solid-core, to sub-hundred nanometer thin-films, nano-filaments and even nanospheres. To bridge the gap between the optoelectronic fiber concept and practical applications however, we still need to improve device performance and integration. In this presentation we will describe the materials and processing approaches to realize optoelectronic fibers, as well as give a few examples of demonstrated systems for imaging as well as light and chemical sensing. We will then discuss paths towards practical applications focusing on two main points: fiber connectivity, and improving the semiconductor microstructure by developing scalable approaches to make fiber-integrated single-crystal nanowire based devices.

Optical fiber sensors: Systems and applications. Volume 2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Culshaw, Brian; Dakin, John

State-of-the-art fiber-optic (FO) sensors and their applications are described in chapters contributed by leading experts. Consideration is given to interferometers, FO gyros, intensity- and wavelength-based sensors and optical actuators, Si in FO sensors, point-sensor multiplexing principles, and distributed FO sensor systems. Also examined are chemical, biochemical, and medical sensors; physical and chemical sensors for process control; FO-sensor applications in the marine and aerospace industries; FO-sensor monitoring systems for security and safety, structural integrity, NDE, and the electric-power industry; and the market situation for FO-sensor technology. Diagrams, drawings, graphs, and photographs are provided.

Spider Silk Fibers Spun from Soluble Recombinant Silk Produced in Mammalian Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lazaris, Anthoula; Arcidiacono, Steven; Huang, Yue; Zhou, Jiang-Feng; Duguay, François; Chretien, Nathalie; Welsh, Elizabeth A.; Soares, Jason W.; Karatzas, Costas N.

2002-01-01

Spider silks are protein-based ``biopolymer'' filaments or threads secreted by specialized epithelial cells as concentrated soluble precursors of highly repetitive primary sequences. Spider dragline silk is a flexible, lightweight fiber of extraordinary strength and toughness comparable to that of synthetic high-performance fibers. We sought to ``biomimic'' the process of spider silk production by expressing in mammalian cells the dragline silk genes (ADF-3/MaSpII and MaSpI) of two spider species. We produced soluble recombinant (rc)-dragline silk proteins with molecular masses of 60 to 140 kilodaltons. We demonstrated the wet spinning of silk monofilaments spun from a concentrated aqueous solution of soluble rc-spider silk protein (ADF-3; 60 kilodaltons) under modest shear and coagulation conditions. The spun fibers were water insoluble with a fine diameter (10 to 40 micrometers) and exhibited toughness and modulus values comparable to those of native dragline silks but with lower tenacity. Dope solutions with rc-silk protein concentrations >20% and postspinning draw were necessary to achieve improved mechanical properties of the spun fibers. Fiber properties correlated with finer fiber diameter and increased birefringence.

Enhanced chemiluminescent detection scheme for trace vapor sensing in pneumatically-tuned hollow core photonic bandgap fibers.

PubMed

Stolyarov, Alexander M; Gumennik, Alexander; McDaniel, William; Shapira, Ofer; Schell, Brent; Sorin, Fabien; Kuriki, Ken; Benoit, Gilles; Rose, Aimee; Joannopoulos, John D; Fink, Yoel

2012-05-21

We demonstrate an in-fiber gas phase chemical detection architecture in which a chemiluminescent (CL) reaction is spatially and spectrally matched to the core modes of hollow photonic bandgap (PBG) fibers in order to enhance detection efficiency. A peroxide-sensitive CL material is annularly shaped and centered within the fiber's hollow core, thereby increasing the overlap between the emission intensity and the intensity distribution of the low-loss fiber modes. This configuration improves the sensitivity by 0.9 dB/cm compared to coating the material directly on the inner fiber surface, where coupling to both higher loss core modes and cladding modes is enhanced. By integrating the former configuration with a custom-built optofluidic system designed for concomitant controlled vapor delivery and emission measurement, we achieve a limit-of-detection of 100 parts per billion (ppb) for hydrogen peroxide vapor. The PBG fibers are produced by a new fabrication method whereby external gas pressure is used as a control knob to actively tune the transmission bandgaps through the entire visible range during the thermal drawing process.

Curved channel MCP improvement program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Laprade, Bruce N.; Corbett, Michael B.

1987-01-01

Blowholes and blemishes were determined to start at two stages of manufacturing. Sperical blowholes resulted from trapped gas between the high melting temperature bond glass and the MCP wafer. During thermal processing, the trapped gas expanded and displaced the softened channel glass to form a spherical inclusion. This defect was eliminated by grinding the prefritted bond wafer and channel plate wafer to a flatness which ensured intimate contact prior to fusion. Elliptical blowholes or blemishes were introduced during the fiber draw stage. Contaminants trapped between the core bar and clad tubing volatized providing large quantities of expanding gas. These pockets of gas became elongated to an ellipsoidal shape during fiber draw. Special cleanliness procedures were developed for the grinding, polishing, and acid etching of core bars. Improvements in channel curvature fabrication were implemented. The design of the shearing fixture was evaluated. A new design was developed which eliminated an off-axis moment. The shearing furnace design was evaluated. Steady state thermal conditions instead of thermal transient conditions were determined to reduce curvature nonuniformity.

Optical Fiber Protection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1999-01-01

F&S Inc. developed and commercialized fiber optic and microelectromechanical systems- (MEMS) based instrumentation for harsh environments encountered in the aerospace industry. The NASA SBIR programs have provided F&S the funds and the technology to develop ruggedized coatings and coating techniques that are applied during the optical fiber draw process. The F&S optical fiber fabrication facility and developed coating methods enable F&S to manufacture specialty optical fiber with custom designed refractive index profiles and protective or active coatings. F&S has demonstrated sputtered coatings using metals and ceramics and combinations of each, and has also developed techniques to apply thin coatings of specialized polyimides formulated at NASA Langley Research Center. With these capabilities, F&S has produced cost-effective, reliable instrumentation and sensors capable of withstanding temperatures up to 800? C and continues building commercial sales with corporate partners and private funding. More recently, F&S has adapted the same sensing platforms to provide the rapid detection and identification of chemical and biological agents

Nonlinear polarization dynamics in a weakly birefringent all-normal dispersion photonic crystal fiber: toward a practical coherent fiber supercontinuum laser

PubMed Central

Tu, Haohua; Liu, Yuan; Liu, Xiaomin; Turchinovich, Dmitry; Lægsgaard, Jesper; Boppart, Stephen A.

2012-01-01

Dispersion-flattened dispersion-decreased all-normal dispersion (DFDD-ANDi) photonic crystal fibers have been identified as promising candidates for high-spectral-power coherent supercontinuum (SC) generation. However, the effects of the unintentional birefringence of the fibers on the SC generation have been ignored. This birefringence is widely present in nonlinear non-polarization maintaining fibers with a typical core size of 2 µm, presumably due to the structural symmetry breaks introduced in the fiber drawing process. We find that an intrinsic form-birefringence on the order of 10−5 profoundly affects the SC generation in a DFDD-ANDi photonic crystal fiber. Conventional simulations based on the scalar generalized nonlinear Schrödinger equation (GNLSE) fail to reproduce the prominent observed features of the SC generation in a short piece (9-cm) of this fiber. However, these features can be qualitatively or semi-quantitatively understood by the coupled GNLSE that takes into account the form-birefringence. The nonlinear polarization effects induced by the birefringence significantly distort the otherwise simple spectrotemporal field of the SC pulses. We therefore propose the fabrication of polarization-maintaining DFDD-ANDi fibers to avoid these adverse effects in pursuing a practical coherent fiber SC laser. PMID:22274457

Carbon nanotube fiber spun from wetted ribbon

DOEpatents

Zhu, Yuntian T; Arendt, Paul; Zhang, Xiefei; Li, Qingwen; Fu, Lei; Zheng, Lianxi

2014-04-29

A fiber of carbon nanotubes was prepared by a wet-spinning method involving drawing carbon nanotubes away from a substantially aligned, supported array of carbon nanotubes to form a ribbon, wetting the ribbon with a liquid, and spinning a fiber from the wetted ribbon. The liquid can be a polymer solution and after forming the fiber, the polymer can be cured. The resulting fiber has a higher tensile strength and higher conductivity compared to dry-spun fibers and to wet-spun fibers prepared by other methods.

Superlattice Microstructured Optical Fiber

PubMed Central

Tse, Ming-Leung Vincent; Liu, Zhengyong; Cho, Lok-Hin; Lu, Chao; Wai, Ping-Kong Alex; Tam, Hwa-Yaw

2014-01-01

A generic three-stage stack-and-draw method is demonstrated for the fabrication of complex-microstructured optical fibers. We report the fabrication and characterization of a silica superlattice microstructured fiber with more than 800 rhomboidally arranged air-holes. A polarization-maintaining fiber with a birefringence of 8.5 × 10−4 is demonstrated. The birefringent property of the fiber is found to be highly insensitive to external environmental effects, such as pressure. PMID:28788693

PHOSPHITE STABILIZATION EFFECTS ON TWO-STEP MELT-SPUN FIBERS OF POLYLACTIDE. (R826733)

EPA Science Inventory

The effects of molecular weight stabilization on mechanical properties of polylactide (PLA) fibers are investigated. The textile-grade PLA contains a 98:02 ratio of L:D stereocenters and fibers are produced by the two step method, involving a primary quench and cold drawing. M...

Fabrication and characterization of disordered polymer optical fibers for transverse Anderson localization of light.

PubMed

Karbasi, Salman; Frazier, Ryan J; Mirr, Craig R; Koch, Karl W; Mafi, Arash

2013-07-29

We develop and characterize a disordered polymer optical fiber that uses transverse Anderson localization as a novel waveguiding mechanism. The developed polymer optical fiber is composed of 80,000 strands of poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and polystyrene (PS) that are randomly mixed and drawn into a square cross section optical fiber with a side width of 250 μm. Initially, each strand is 200 μm in diameter and 8-inches long. During the mixing process of the original fiber strands, the fibers cross over each other; however, a large draw ratio guarantees that the refractive index profile is invariant along the length of the fiber for several tens of centimeters. The large refractive index difference of 0.1 between the disordered sites results in a small localized beam radius that is comparable to the beam radius of conventional optical fibers. The input light is launched from a standard single mode optical fiber using the butt-coupling method and the near-field output beam from the disordered fiber is imaged using a 40X objective and a CCD camera. The output beam diameter agrees well with the expected results from the numerical simulations. The disordered optical fiber presented in this work is the first device-level implementation of 2D Anderson localization, and can potentially be used for image transport and short-haul optical communication systems.

Fabrication and Characterization of Disordered Polymer Optical Fibers for Transverse Anderson Localization of Light

PubMed Central

Karbasi, Salman; Frazier, Ryan J.; Mirr, Craig R.; Koch, Karl W.; Mafi, Arash

2013-01-01

We develop and characterize a disordered polymer optical fiber that uses transverse Anderson localization as a novel waveguiding mechanism. The developed polymer optical fiber is composed of 80,000 strands of poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and polystyrene (PS) that are randomly mixed and drawn into a square cross section optical fiber with a side width of 250 μm. Initially, each strand is 200 μm in diameter and 8-inches long. During the mixing process of the original fiber strands, the fibers cross over each other; however, a large draw ratio guarantees that the refractive index profile is invariant along the length of the fiber for several tens of centimeters. The large refractive index difference of 0.1 between the disordered sites results in a small localized beam radius that is comparable to the beam radius of conventional optical fibers. The input light is launched from a standard single mode optical fiber using the butt-coupling method and the near-field output beam from the disordered fiber is imaged using a 40X objective and a CCD camera. The output beam diameter agrees well with the expected results from the numerical simulations. The disordered optical fiber presented in this work is the first device-level implementation of 2D Anderson localization, and can potentially be used for image transport and short-haul optical communication systems. PMID:23929276

Tapered fiber optical tweezers for microscopic particle trapping: fabrication and application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Zhihai; Guo, Chengkai; Yang, Jun; Yuan, Libo

2006-12-01

A novel single tapered fiber optical tweezers is proposed and fabricated by heating and drawing technology. The microscopic particle tapping performance of this special designed tapered fiber probe is demonstrated and investigated. The distribution of the optical field emerging from the tapered fiber tip is numerically calculated based on the beam propagation method. The trapping force FDTD analysis results, both axial and transverse, are also given.

Short cellulose nanofribrils as reinforcement in polyvinyl alcohol fiber

Treesearch

Jun Peng; Thomas Ellingham; Ron Sabo; Lih-Sheng Turng; Craig M. Clemons

2014-01-01

Short cellulose nanofibrils (SCNF) were investigated as reinforcement for polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers. SCNF were mechanically isolated from hard wood pulp after enzymatic pretreatment. Various levels of SCNF were added to an aqueous PVA solution, which was gel-spun into continuous fibers. The molecular orientation of PVA was affected by a combination of wet drawing...

Super-Strong, Super-Stiff Macrofibers with Aligned, Long Bacterial Cellulose Nanofibers.

PubMed

Wang, Sha; Jiang, Feng; Xu, Xu; Kuang, Yudi; Fu, Kun; Hitz, Emily; Hu, Liangbing

2017-09-01

With their impressive properties such as remarkable unit tensile strength, modulus, and resistance to heat, flame, and chemical agents that normally degrade conventional macrofibers, high-performance macrofibers are now widely used in various fields including aerospace, biomedical, civil engineering, construction, protective apparel, geotextile, and electronic areas. Those macrofibers with a diameter of tens to hundreds of micrometers are typically derived from polymers, gel spun fibers, modified carbon fibers, carbon-nanotube fibers, ceramic fibers, and synthetic vitreous fibers. Cellulose nanofibers are promising building blocks for future high-performance biomaterials and textiles due to their high ultimate strength and stiffness resulting from a highly ordered orientation along the fiber axis. For the first time, an effective fabrication method is successfully applied for high-performance macrofibers involving a wet-drawing and wet-twisting process of ultralong bacterial cellulose nanofibers. The resulting bacterial cellulose macrofibers yield record high tensile strength (826 MPa) and Young's modulus (65.7 GPa) owing to the large length and the alignment of nanofibers along fiber axis. When normalized by weight, the specific tensile strength of the macrofiber is as high as 598 MPa g -1 cm 3 , which is even substantially stronger than the novel lightweight steel (227 MPa g -1 cm 3 ). © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Study of Effects of Gravity on Crystallization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Guy A.; Workman, Gary L.; OBrian, Susan

1996-01-01

The effect of gravity on the crystallization behavior of fluoride fibers is being investigated by performing fiber annealing experiments on NASA's KC-135 using commercial grade fibers donated by industrial partners. The successful observations of reduced formation of microcrystallites in reduced gravity of the parabolic flights will be repeated to confirm earlier results. The design and implementation of an automated sting assembly for use in space fiber drawing experiments will also be emphasized in this study.

Structural and stereological analysis of elastic fibers in the glans penis of young men.

PubMed

Andrade, F; Cardoso, G P; Bastos, Ana Luiza; Costa, W; Chagas, M; Babinski, M

2012-01-01

The extracellular matrix is an important element in penile function and pathology, although little is known about its components in human glans. This study evaluates the morphological organization and volumetric density of elastic fibers in the glans penis of young men without any evidence of urogenital disease at autopsy or medical history. Penile glans were obtained from five young men who died of causes not related to the urogenital tract, ranging in age from 18 to 30 years (mean 24 years). Samples were fixed in formalin, embedded in paraffin, and histologically processed. Tissue was analyzed by light microscopy using Weigert's resorcin-fuchsin, after previous oxidation with oxone. The point-counting method was used for morphometrical evaluation. Quantities were expressed as volumetric densities (Vv) and were determined on 25 random fields for each individual. Elastic system fibers were easily identified. These fibers had tortuous profile and surrounded sinusoids in the glans penis. An irregular elastic fibers network was identified in the mucosa, while in the corpus spongiosum the elastic fibers were longitudinally distributed. Volumetric density of elastic fibers in the glans penis is 29.4% ± 3.1. These data could provide valuable information in order to draw parallels regarding patients with erectile dysfunction. Further studies regarding extracellular matrix of the penis are necessary to better elucidate the relation between elastic fibers and erectile dysfunction.

Mechanical properties and aesthetics of FRP orthodontic wire fabricated by hot drawing.

PubMed

Imai, T; Watari, F; Yamagata, S; Kobayashi, M; Nagayama, K; Toyoizumi, Y; Nakamura, S

1998-12-01

The FRP wires 0.5 mm in diameter with a multiple fiber structure were fabricated by drawing the fiber polymer complex at 250 degrees C for an esthetic, transparent orthodontic wire. Biocompatible CaO-P2O5-SiO2-Al2O3 (CPSA) glass fibers of 8-20 microm in diameter were oriented unidirectionally in the longitudinal direction in PMMA matrix. The mechanical properties were investigated by 3-point flexural test. The FRP wire showed sufficient strength and a very good elastic recovery after deformation. Young's modulus and the flexural load at deflection 1 mm were nearly independent of the fiber diameter and linearly increased with the fiber fraction. The dependence on fiber fraction obeys well the rule of mixture. This FRP wire could cover the range of strength corresponding to the conventional metal orthodontic wires from Ni-Ti used in the initial stage of orthodontic treatments to Co-Cr used in the final stage by changing the volume ratio of glass fibers with the same external diameter. The estheticity in external appearance was excellent. Thus the new FRP wire can satisfy both mechanical properties necessary for an orthodontic wire and enough estheticity, which was not possible for the conventional metal wire.

Nanomechanical Optical Fiber with Embedded Electrodes Actuated by Joule Heating.

PubMed

Lian, Zhenggang; Segura, Martha; Podoliak, Nina; Feng, Xian; White, Nicholas; Horak, Peter

2014-07-31

Nanomechanical optical fibers with metal electrodes embedded in the jacket were fabricated by a multi-material co-draw technique. At the center of the fibers, two glass cores suspended by thin membranes and surrounded by air form a directional coupler that is highly temperature-dependent. We demonstrate optical switching between the two fiber cores by Joule heating of the electrodes with as little as 0.4 W electrical power, thereby demonstrating an electrically actuated all-fiber microelectromechanical system (MEMS). Simulations show that the main mechanism for optical switching is the transverse thermal expansion of the fiber structure.

Refractive index sensor based on the leaky radiation of a microfiber.

PubMed

Gao, F; Liu, H; Sheng, C; Zhu, C; Zhu, S N

2014-05-19

In this work we present a refractive index sensor based on the leaky radiation of a microfiber. The 5.3um diameter microfiber is fabricated by drawing a commercial optical fiber. When the microfiber is immersed into a liquid with larger refractive index than the effective index of fiber mode, the light will leak out through the leaky radiation process. The variation of refractive index of liquid can be monitored by measuring radiation angle of light. The refractive index sensitivity can be over 400 degree/RIU in theory. In the experiment, the variation value 0.001 of refractive index of liquid around this microfiber can be detected through this technique. This work provides a simple and sensitive method for refractive index sensing application.

Diffractive optics development using a modified stack-and-draw technique.

PubMed

Pniewski, Jacek; Kasztelanic, Rafal; Nowosielski, Jedrzej M; Filipkowski, Adam; Piechal, Bernard; Waddie, Andrew J; Pysz, Dariusz; Kujawa, Ireneusz; Stepien, Ryszard; Taghizadeh, Mohammad R; Buczynski, Ryszard

2016-06-20

We present a novel method for the development of diffractive optical elements (DOEs). Unlike standard surface relief DOEs, the phase shift is introduced through a refractive index variation achieved by using different types of glass. For the fabrication of DOEs we use a modified stack-and-draw technique, originally developed for the fabrication of photonic crystal fibers, resulting in a completely flat element that is easy to integrate with other optical components. A proof-of-concept demonstration of the method is presented-a two-dimensional binary optical phase grating in the form of a square chessboard with a pixel size of 5 μm. Two types of glass are used: low refractive index silicate glass NC21 and high refractive index lead-silicate glass F2. The measured diffraction characteristics of the fabricated component are presented and it is shown numerically and experimentally that such a DOE can be used as a fiber interconnector that couples light from a small-core fiber into the several cores of a multicore fiber.

Method for fabrication of cylindrical microlenses of selected shape

DOEpatents

Snyder, J.J.; Baer, T.M.

1992-01-14

The present invention provides a diffraction limited, high numerical aperture (fast) cylindrical microlens. The method for making the microlens is adaptable to produce a cylindrical lens that has almost any shape on its optical surfaces. The cylindrical lens may have a shape, such as elliptical or hyperbolic, designed to transform some particular given input light distribution into some desired output light distribution. In the method, the desired shape is first formed in a glass preform. Then, the preform is heated to the minimum drawing temperature and a fiber is drawn from it. The cross-sectional shape of the fiber bears a direct relation to the shape of the preform from which it was drawn. During the drawing process, the surfaces become optically smooth due to fire polishing. The present invention has many applications, such as integrated optics, optical detectors and laser diodes. The lens, when connected to a laser diode bar, can provide a high intensity source of laser radiation for pumping a high average power solid state laser. In integrated optics, a lens can be used to couple light into and out of apertures such as waveguides. The lens can also be used to collect light, and focus it on a detector. 11 figs.

Method for fabrication of cylindrical microlenses of selected shape

DOEpatents

Snyder, James J.; Baer, Thomas M.

1992-01-01

The present invention provides a diffraction limited, high numerical aperture (fast) cylindrical microlens. The method for making the microlens is adaptable to produce a cylindrical lens that has almost any shape on its optical surfaces. The cylindrical lens may have a shape, such as elliptical or hyperbolic, designed to transform some particular given input light distribution into some desired output light distribution. In the method, the desired shape is first formed in a glass preform. Then, the preform is heated to the minimum drawing temperature and a fiber is drawn from it. The cross-sectional shape of the fiber bears a direct relation to the shape of the preform from which it was drawn. During the drawing process, the surfaces become optically smooth due to fire polishing. The present invention has many applications, such as integrated optics, optical detectors and laser diodes. The lens, when connected to a laser diode bar, can provide a high intensity source of laser radiation for pumping a high average power solid state laser. In integrated optics, a lens can be used to couple light into and out of apertures such as waveguides. The lens can also be used to collect light, and focus it on a detector.

75 FR 59933 - Specifications and Drawings for Construction of Direct Buried Plant

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-29

... for Construction of Direct Buried Plant AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA. ACTION: Final rule..., Specifications and Drawings for Construction of Direct Buried Plant (Form 515a). The revised specifications will include new construction units for Fiber-to-the-Home, remove redundant or outdated requirements, and...

Lithography Assisted Fiber-Drawing Nanomanufacturing

PubMed Central

Gholipour, Behrad; Bastock, Paul; Cui, Long; Craig, Christopher; Khan, Khouler; Hewak, Daniel W.; Soci, Cesare

2016-01-01

We present a high-throughput and scalable technique for the production of metal nanowires embedded in glass fibres by taking advantage of thin film properties and patterning techniques commonly used in planar microfabrication. This hybrid process enables the fabrication of single nanowires and nanowire arrays encased in a preform material within a single fibre draw, providing an alternative to costly and time-consuming iterative fibre drawing. This method allows the combination of materials with different thermal properties to create functional optoelectronic nanostructures. As a proof of principle of the potential of this technique, centimetre long gold nanowires (bulk Tm = 1064 °C) embedded in silicate glass fibres (Tg = 567 °C) were drawn in a single step with high aspect ratios (>104); such nanowires can be released from the glass matrix and show relatively high electrical conductivity. Overall, this fabrication method could enable mass manufacturing of metallic nanowires for plasmonics and nonlinear optics applications, as well as the integration of functional multimaterial structures for completely fiberised optoelectronic devices. PMID:27739543

Lithography Assisted Fiber-Drawing Nanomanufacturing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gholipour, Behrad; Bastock, Paul; Cui, Long; Craig, Christopher; Khan, Khouler; Hewak, Daniel W.; Soci, Cesare

2016-10-01

We present a high-throughput and scalable technique for the production of metal nanowires embedded in glass fibres by taking advantage of thin film properties and patterning techniques commonly used in planar microfabrication. This hybrid process enables the fabrication of single nanowires and nanowire arrays encased in a preform material within a single fibre draw, providing an alternative to costly and time-consuming iterative fibre drawing. This method allows the combination of materials with different thermal properties to create functional optoelectronic nanostructures. As a proof of principle of the potential of this technique, centimetre long gold nanowires (bulk Tm = 1064 °C) embedded in silicate glass fibres (Tg = 567 °C) were drawn in a single step with high aspect ratios (>104) such nanowires can be released from the glass matrix and show relatively high electrical conductivity. Overall, this fabrication method could enable mass manufacturing of metallic nanowires for plasmonics and nonlinear optics applications, as well as the integration of functional multimaterial structures for completely fiberised optoelectronic devices.

Electrospinning of single wall carbon nanotube reinforced aligned fibrils and yarns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lam, Hoa Le

Commercial carbon fibers produced from a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precursor have reached their performance limit. The approach in this study involves the use of single carbon nanotubes (SWNT) with an ultra-high elastic modulus of approximately ˜1 TPa and tensile strength of ˜37 GPa at a breaking strain of ˜6% to reinforce PAN. In order to translate these extraordinary properties to a higher order structure, the need for a media to carry and assemble the SWNT into continuous fibers or yarns is necessary. Effective translation of properties can only be achieved through uniform distribution of SWNT and their alignment in the fiber axis. This has been one of the major challenges since SWNTs tend to agglomerate due to high van der Waals attraction between tubes. It is the goal of this study to develop dispersion technique(s) for the SWNT and process them into aligned fibers utilizing the electrospinning process. The electrospun nanofibers were then characterized by various techniques such as ESEM, Raman microspectroscopy, HRTEM, and tensile testing. Composite nanofibers containing various contents of SWNT up to 10 wt. % with diameter ranging from 40--300 nm were successfully electrospun through varying the polymer concentration and spinning parameters. The inclusion of SWNTs and their alignment in the fiber axis were confirmed by Raman microspectroscopy, polarized Raman and HRETEM. The failure mechanism of the nanofibers was investigated by HRTEM through fiber surface fracture. A two stage rupture mechanism was observed where crazing initiates at a surface defect followed by SWNTs pulling out of the PAN matrix. Such mechanisms consume energy therefore strengthening and toughening the fibers. Mechanical drawing of the fiber prior to heat treatment induced molecular orientation resulting in oriented graphite layers in the carbonized fibers. This study has established a processing base and characterization techniques to support the design and development of SWNT reinforced PAN-derived carbon nanofibers. The encouraging results from this study suggest a promising pathway to produce the next generation of high performance CNT reinforced carbon nanofibers. This would help in translating of the remarkable properties of SWNT to macroscopic applications, thus filling the dimensional and properties gap between nanoscopic and macroscopic structures.

Fuel cell and system for supplying electrolyte thereto with wick feed

DOEpatents

Cohn, J. Gunther; Feigenbaum, Haim; Kaufman, Arthur

1984-01-01

An electrolyte distribution and supply system for use with a fuel cell having a means for drawing electrolyte therein is formed by a set of containers of electrolyte joined to respective fuel cells in a stack of such cells. The electrolyte is separately stored so as to provide for electrical isolation between electrolytes of the individual cells of the stack. Individual storage compartments are coupled by tubes containing wicking fibers, the ends of the respective tubes terminating on the means for drawing electrolyte in each of the respective fuel cells. Each tube is heat shrunk to tightly bind the fibers therein.

Nd3+-doped soft glass double-clad fibers with a hexagonal inner cladding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Longfei; He, Dongbing; Hu, Lili; Chen, Danping

2015-04-01

The stack-and-draw technique was used to fabricate Nd3+-doped silicate and phosphate glass double-clad step-index fibers with a non-circular inner cladding. For the silicate fiber, a maximum output power of 7.7 W was obtained from a 94 cm fiber. An output power of 1.25 W was also realized with a short length fiber of 8 cm, confirming the application potential of this fiber in single frequency lasers and pulsed amplifiers where an efficient rare-earth-doped fiber with short length is desirable. For the phosphate fiber, a maximum output power of 2.78 W was obtained from a single-mode fiber with a core diameter of up to 35 μm.

Conserved C-Terminal Domain of Spider Tubuliform Spidroin 1 Contributes to Extensibility in Synthetic Fibers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gnesa, Eric; Hsia, Yang; Yarger, Jeffery L.

2012-05-24

Spider silk is renowned for its extraordinary mechanical properties, having a balance of high tensile strength and extensibility. To date, the majority of studies have focused on the production of dragline silks from synthetic spider silk gene products. Here we report the first mechanical analysis of synthetic egg case silk fibers spun from the Latrodectus hesperus tubuliform silk proteins, TuSp1 and ECP-2. We provide evidence that recombinant ECP-2 proteins can be spun into fibers that display mechanical properties similar to other synthetic spider silks. We also demonstrate that silks spun from recombinant thioredoxin-TuSp1 fusion proteins that contain the conserved C-terminalmore » domain exhibit increased extensibility and toughness when compared to the identical fibers spun from fusion proteins lacking the C-terminus. Mechanical analyses reveal that the properties of synthetic tubuliform silks can be modulated by altering the postspin draw ratios of the fibers. Fibers subject to increased draw ratios showed elevated tensile strength and decreased extensibility but maintained constant toughness. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction studies indicate that postdrawn fibers containing the C-terminal domain of TuSp1 have more amorphous content when compared to fibers lacking the C-terminus. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that recombinant tubuliform spidroins that contain the conserved C-terminal domain with embedded protein tags can be effectively spun into fibers, resulting in similar tensile strength but increased extensibility relative to nontagged recombinant dragline silk proteins spun from equivalently sized proteins.« less

An introductory biology lab that uses enzyme histochemistry to teach students about skeletal muscle fiber types.

PubMed

Sweeney, Lauren J; Brodfuehrer, Peter D; Raughley, Beth L

2004-12-01

One important goal of introductory biology laboratory experiences is to engage students directly in all steps in the process of scientific discovery. Even when laboratory experiences are built on principles discussed in the classroom, students often do not adequately apply this background to interpretation of results they obtain in lab. This disconnect has been described at the level of medical education (4), so it should not be surprising that educators have struggled with this same phenomenon at the undergraduate level. We describe a new introductory biology lab that challenges students to make these connections. The lab utilizes enzyme histochemistry and morphological observations to draw conclusions about the composition of functionally different types of muscle fibers present in skeletal muscle. We report that students were not only successful at making these observations on a specific skeletal muscle, the gastrocnemius of the frog Rana pipiens, but that they were able to connect their results to the principles of fiber type differences that exist in skeletal muscles in all vertebrates.

Morphology Evolution of Polypropylene in Immiscible Polymer Blends for Fabrication of Nanofibers

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Immiscible blends of cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) and isotactic polypropylenes (iPPs) with different melting index were extruded through a two-strand rod die. The extrudates were hot-drawn at the die exit at different draw ratios by controlling the drawing speed. The morphologies of iPP fibers e...

Combining flagelliform and dragline spider silk motifs to produce tunable synthetic biopolymer fibers.

PubMed

Teulé, Florence; Addison, Bennett; Cooper, Alyssa R; Ayon, Joel; Henning, Robert W; Benmore, Chris J; Holland, Gregory P; Yarger, Jeffery L; Lewis, Randolph V

2012-06-01

The two Flag/MaSp 2 silk proteins produced recombinantly were based on the basic consensus repeat of the dragline silk spidroin 2 protein (MaSp 2) from the Nephila clavipes orb weaving spider. However, the proline-containing pentapeptides juxtaposed to the polyalanine segments resembled those found in the flagelliform silk protein (Flag) composing the web spiral: (GPGGX(1) GPGGX(2))(2) with X(1) /X(2) = A/A or Y/S. Fibers were formed from protein films in aqueous solutions or extruded from resolubilized protein dopes in organic conditions when the Flag motif was (GPGGX(1) GPGGX(2))(2) with X(1) /X(2) = Y/S or A/A, respectively. Post-fiber processing involved similar drawing ratios (2-2.5×) before or after water-treatment. Structural (ssNMR and XRD) and morphological (SEM) changes in the fibers were compared to the mechanical properties of the fibers at each step. Nuclear magnetic resonance indicated that the fraction of β-sheet nanocrystals in the polyalanine regions formed upon extrusion, increased during stretching, and was maximized after water-treatment. X-ray diffraction showed that nanocrystallite orientation parallel to the fiber axis increased the ultimate strength and initial stiffness of the fibers. Water furthered nanocrystal orientation and three-dimensional growth while plasticizing the amorphous regions, thus producing tougher fibers due to increased extensibility. These fibers were highly hygroscopic and had similar internal network organization, thus similar range of mechanical properties that depended on their diameters. The overall structure of the consensus repeat of the silk-like protein dictated the mechanical properties of the fibers while protein molecular weight limited these same properties. Subtle structural motif re-design impacted protein self-assembly mechanisms and requirements for fiber formation. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Combining flagelliform and dragline spider silk motifs to produce tunable synthetic biopolymer fibers

PubMed Central

Teulé, Florence; Addison, Bennett; Cooper, Alyssa R.; Ayon, Joel; Henning, Robert W.; Benmore, Chris J.; Holland, Gregory P.; Yarger, Jeffery L.; Lewis, Randolph V.

2012-01-01

The two Flag/MaSp 2 silk proteins produced recombinantly were based on the basic consensus repeat of the dragline silk spidroin 2 protein (MaSp 2) from the Nephila clavipes orb weaving spider. However, the proline-containing pentaptides juxtaposed to the polyalanine segments resembled those found in the flagelliform silk protein (Flag) composing the web spiral: (GPGGX1 GPGGX2)2 with X1/X2=A/A or Y/S. Fibers were formed from protein films in aqueous solutions or extruded from resolubilized protein dopes in organic conditions when the Flag motif was (GPGGX1 GPGGX2)2 with X1/X2 = Y/S or A/A, respectively. Post fiber processing involved similar drawing ratios (2–2.5×) before or after water-treatment. Structural (ssNMR and XRD) and morphological (SEM) changes in the fibers were compared to the mechanical properties of the fibers at each step. NMR indicated that the fraction of β-sheet nanocrystals in the polyalanine regions formed upon extrusion, increased during stretching, and was maximized after water-treatment. XRD showed that nanocrystallite orientation parallel to the fiber axis increased the ultimate strength and initial stiffness of the fibers. Water furthered nanocrystal orientation and three-dimensional growth while plasticizing the amorphous regions, thus producing tougher fibers due to increased extensibility. These fibers were highly hygroscopic and had similar internal network organization, thus similar range of mechanical properties that depended on their diameters. The overall structure of the consensus repeat of the silk-like protein dictated the mechanical properties of the fibers while protein molecular weight limited these same properties. Subtle structural motif redesign impacted protein self-assembly mechanisms and requirements for fiber formation. PMID:22012252

Wavelength-independent all-fiber mode converters.

PubMed

Lai, K; Leon-Saval, S G; Witkowska, A; Wadsworth, W J; Birks, T A

2007-02-15

We have used two different photonic crystal fiber (PCF) techniques to make all-fiber mode converters. An LP(01) to LP(11) mode converter was made by the ferrule technique on a drawing tower, and an LP(01) to LP(02) mode converter was made by controlled hole inflation of an existing PCF on a tapering rig. Both devices rely on adiabatic propagation rather than resonant coupling; so high extinction was achieved across a wide wavelength range.

Tapered enlarged ends in multimode optical fibers.

PubMed

Brenci, M; Falciai, R; Scheggi, A M

1982-01-15

Radiation characteristics of multimode fibers with enlarged tapers were investigated on a number of samples obtained by varying the fiber drawing speed with a given law corresponding to a prefixed taper profile. The characterization of the fibers was made by near- and far-field intensity pattern measurements as well as by measuring the losses introduced by the taper. With a suitable choice of parameters the taper constitutes a reasonable low-loss component useful, for example, for either efficient coupling to large-spot high-power density sources or connecting fibers of different sizes. Conversely at the exit of the fiber the taper can be used for beam shaping which is of interest for mechanical or surgical applications.

Effect of orientation on the morphology and mechanical properties of PLA/starch composite filaments

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

PLA/starch fibers were produced by twin screw extrusion of PLA with granular or gelatinized starch/glycerol followed by drawing through a set of winders with an intermediate oven. At 30% starch, fibers drawn 2-5x were highly flexible (elongation 20-100%) while undrawn filaments were brittle (elonga...

A silica optical fiber doped with yttrium aluminosilicate nanoparticles for supercontinuum generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Tonglei; Liao, Meisong; Xue, Xiaojie; Li, Jiang; Gao, Weiqing; Li, Xia; Chen, Danping; Zheng, Shupei; Pan, Yubai; Suzuki, Takenobu; Ohishi, Yasutake

2016-03-01

We design and fabricate a silica optical fiber doped with yttrium aluminosilicate (YAS, Y2O3-Al2O3-SiO2) nanoparticles in the core. The optical fiber is drawn directly from a silica tube with YAG (Y3Al5O12) ceramics and silica powders (the molar ratio 1:18) in the core at the temperature of ∼1950 °C. The YAS nanoparticles are formed during the optical fiber drawing process. Supercontinuum (SC) generation in the optical fiber is investigated at different pump wavelength. At the pump wavelength of ∼1750 nm which is in the deep anomalous dispersion region, SC spectrum evolution is mainly due to multiple solitons and dispersive waves (DWs), and three pairs of multiple optical solitons and DWs are observed. When the pump wavelength shifts to ∼1500 nm which is close to the zero-dispersion wavelength (ZDW), flattened SC spectrum with ±7 dB uniformity is obtained at the wavelength region of ∼990-1980 nm, and only one obvious soliton and DW are observed. At the pump wavelength of ∼1100 nm, a narrow SC spectrum from ∼1020 to 1180 nm is obtained in the normal dispersion region due to self-phase modulation (SPM) effect.

Distributed dual-parameter optical fiber sensor based on cascaded microfiber Fabry-Pérot interferometers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiang, Yang; Luo, Yiyang; Zhang, Wei; Liu, Deming; Sun, Qizhen

2017-04-01

We propose and demonstrate a distributed fiber sensor based on cascaded microfiber Fabry-Perot interferometers (MFPI) for simultaneous refractive index (SRI) and temperature measurement. By employing MFPI which is fabricated by taper-drawing the center of a uniform fiber Bragg grating (FBG) on standard fiber into a section of microfiber, dual parameters including SRI and temperature can be detected through demodulating the reflection spectrum of the MFPI. Further, wavelength-division-multiplexing (WDM) is applied to realize distributed dual-parameter fiber sensor by using cascaded MFPIs with different Bragg wavelengths. A prototype sensor system with 5 cascaded MFPIs is constructed to experimentally demonstrate the sensing performance.

Low-NA single-mode LMA photonic crystal rod fiber amplifier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alkeskjold, Thomas Tanggaard; Laurila, Marko; Scolari, Lara; Broeng, Jes

2011-02-01

Enabling Single-Mode (SM) operation in Large-Mode-Area (LMA) fiber amplifiers and lasers is critical, since a SM output ensures high beam quality and excellent pointing stability. In this paper, we demonstrate and test a new design approach for achieving ultra-low NA SM rod fibers by using a spatially Distributed Mode Filter (DMF). This approach achieves SM performance in a short and straight rod fiber and allows preform tolerances to be compensated during draw. A low-NA SM rod fiber amplifier having a mode field diameter of ~60μm at 1064nm and a pump absorption of 27dB/m at 976nm is demonstrated.

Multimaterial Acoustic Fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chocat, Noemie

The emergence of multimaterial fibers that combine a multiplicity of solid materials with disparate electrical, optical, and mechanical properties into a single fiber presents new opportunities for extending fiber applications well beyond optical transmission. Fiber reflectors, thermal detectors, photodetectors, chemical sensors, surface-emitting fiber lasers, fiber diodes, and other functional fiber devices have been demonstrated with this approach. Yet, throughout this development and indeed the development of fibers in general, a key premise has remained unchanged : that fibers are essentially static devices incapable of controllably changing their properties at high frequencies. Unique opportunities would arise if a rapid, electrically-driven mechanism for changing fiber properties existed. A wide spectrum of hitherto passive fiber devices could at once become active with applications spanning electronics, mechanics, acoustics, and optics, with the benefits of large surface-area, structural robustness, and mechanical flexibility. This thesis addresses the challenges and opportunities associated with the realization of electromechanical transduction in fibers through the integration of internal piezoelectric and electrostrictive domains. The fundamental challenges related to the fabrication of piezoelectric devices in fiber form are analyzed from a materials perspective, and candidate materials and geometries are selected that are compatible with the thermal drawing process. The first realization of a thermally drawn piezoelectric fiber device is reported and its piezoelectric response is established over a wide range of frequencies. The acoustic properties of piezoelectric fiber devices are characterized and related to their mechanical and geometric properties. Collective effects in multi-fiber constructs are discussed and demonstrated by the realization of a linear phased array of piezoelectric fibers capable of acoustic beam steering. High strain actuation capabilities in a fiber are demonstrated based on the integration of a highly electrostrictive relaxor ferroelectric polymer. The potential of this approach to realize integrated microelectromechanical systems in fibers is illustrated by the fabrication of a hybrid fiber comprising an electrostrictive device and an adjacent Fabry-Perot optical filter. Amplitude modulation of the light reflected from the Fabry-Perot cavity is demonstrated through electric field induced tuning of the cavity resonance. (Copies available exclusively from MIT Libraries, libraries.mit.edu/docs - docs@mit.edu)

Novel polyelectrolyte complex based carbon nanotube composite architectures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Razdan, Sandeep

This study focuses on creating novel architectures of carbon nanotubes using polyelectrolytes. Polyelectrolytes are unique polymers possessing resident charges on the macromolecular chains. This property, along with their biocompatibility (true for most polymers used in this study) makes them ideal candidates for a variety of applications such as membranes, drug delivery systems, scaffold materials etc. Carbon nanotubes are also unique one-dimensional nanoscale materials that possess excellent electrical, mechanical and thermal properties owing to their small size, high aspect ratio, graphitic structure and strength arising from purely covalent bonds in the molecular structure. The present study tries to investigate the synthesis processes and material properties of carbon nanotube composites comprising of polyelectrolyte complexes. Carbon nanotubes are dispersed in a polyelectrolyte and are induced into taking part in a complexation process with two oppositely charged polyelectrolytes. The resulting stoichiometric precipitate is then drawn into fiber form and dried as such. The material properties of the carbon nanotube fibers were characterized and related to synthesis parameters and material interactions. Also, an effort was made to understand and predict fiber morphology resulting from the complexation and drawing process. The study helps to delineate the synthesis and properties of the said polyelectrolyte complex-carbon nanotube architectures and highlights useful properties, such as electrical conductivity and mechanical strength, which could make these structures promising candidates for a variety of applications.

Experimental and Numerical Studies on Fiber Deformation and Formability in Thermoforming Process Using a Fast-Cure Carbon Prepreg: Effect of Stacking Sequence and Mold Geometry.

PubMed

Bae, Daeryeong; Kim, Shino; Lee, Wonoh; Yi, Jin Woo; Um, Moon Kwang; Seong, Dong Gi

2018-05-21

A fast-cure carbon fiber/epoxy prepreg was thermoformed against a replicated automotive roof panel mold (square-cup) to investigate the effect of the stacking sequence of prepreg layers with unidirectional and plane woven fabrics and mold geometry with different drawing angles and depths on the fiber deformation and formability of the prepreg. The optimum forming condition was determined via analysis of the material properties of epoxy resin. The non-linear mechanical properties of prepreg at the deformation modes of inter- and intra-ply shear, tensile and bending were measured to be used as input data for the commercial virtual forming simulation software. The prepreg with a stacking sequence containing the plain-woven carbon prepreg on the outer layer of the laminate was successfully thermoformed against a mold with a depth of 20 mm and a tilting angle of 110°. Experimental results for the shear deformations at each corner of the thermoformed square-cup product were compared with the simulation and a similarity in the overall tendency of the shear angle in the path at each corner was observed. The results are expected to contribute to the optimization of parameters on materials, mold design and processing in the thermoforming mass-production process for manufacturing high quality automotive parts with a square-cup geometry.

Experimental and Numerical Studies on Fiber Deformation and Formability in Thermoforming Process Using a Fast-Cure Carbon Prepreg: Effect of Stacking Sequence and Mold Geometry

PubMed Central

Bae, Daeryeong; Kim, Shino; Lee, Wonoh; Yi, Jin Woo; Um, Moon Kwang; Seong, Dong Gi

2018-01-01

A fast-cure carbon fiber/epoxy prepreg was thermoformed against a replicated automotive roof panel mold (square-cup) to investigate the effect of the stacking sequence of prepreg layers with unidirectional and plane woven fabrics and mold geometry with different drawing angles and depths on the fiber deformation and formability of the prepreg. The optimum forming condition was determined via analysis of the material properties of epoxy resin. The non-linear mechanical properties of prepreg at the deformation modes of inter- and intra-ply shear, tensile and bending were measured to be used as input data for the commercial virtual forming simulation software. The prepreg with a stacking sequence containing the plain-woven carbon prepreg on the outer layer of the laminate was successfully thermoformed against a mold with a depth of 20 mm and a tilting angle of 110°. Experimental results for the shear deformations at each corner of the thermoformed square-cup product were compared with the simulation and a similarity in the overall tendency of the shear angle in the path at each corner was observed. The results are expected to contribute to the optimization of parameters on materials, mold design and processing in the thermoforming mass-production process for manufacturing high quality automotive parts with a square-cup geometry. PMID:29883413

Production of fiberglass/metal composite material suitable for building habitat and manufacturing facilities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1987-01-01

The production of a fiberglass/metal composite material suitable for building habitats and manufacturing facilities was the project for Clemson. The concept and development of the knowledge necessary to produce glass fibers originated in the spring semester. During the summer, while at Johnson Space Center, fiberglass from a rock composition similar to ones found at the Apollo 16 site on the moon was successfully produced. The project this year was a continuation of last year's studies. We addressed the following problems which emerged as the work progressed: (1) Methods for coating the fibers with a metal were explored. We manufactured composites in two stages: Glass fibers without any coating on them; and fibers coated with metals as they were made. This proved to be a difficult process. Future activities include using a chemical vapor deposition process on fibers which have been made. (2) A glass furnace was developed which relies primarily on solar energy for melting the glass. The temperature of the melted glass is maintained by electrical means. The design is for 250 kg of glass per day. An electrical engineering student developed a scheme for controlling the melting and manufacturing process from the earth. This was done to minimize the human risk. Graphite refractories are relied on to contain the melt. (3) The glass composition chosen for the project is a relatively pure anorthite which is available in the highland regions of the lunar surface. A major problems with this material is that it melts at a comparatively high temperature. This problem will be solved by using graphite refractory materials for the furnace. The advantage of this glass composition is that it is very stable and does not tend to crystallize. (4) We have also refined the experimental furnace and fiber making machinery which we will be using at Johnson Space Center this summer. We believe that we will be able to draw and coat glass fibers in a vacuum for use in composites. We intend to make and test the mechanical properties of these composites.

Composition-Property Correlation in B2O3-SiO2 Preform Rods Produced Using Modified Chemical Vapor Deposition Technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Islam, Mohammad; Saleem, Muhammad Rizwan

2012-02-01

Due to unique optical properties of high birefringent (Hi-Bi) fibers for sensing and coherent optical communications, there is a strong interest in process optimization at preform fabrication and fiber drawing stages. Boron-doped silica cladding acts as stress-applying part resulting in polarization properties of Hi-Bi fibers that are strongly dependent on chemical composition. Using modified chemical vapor deposition (MCVD) technique, B2O3-doped silica preform rods were synthesized under different precursor gas flow conditions. Qualitative information about B2O3-SiO2 system composition was derived from etching behavior in nonbuffered HF solution and subsequent microstructural examination using scanning electron microscope. Significant degree of B2O3 incorporation was seen in case of high BCl3:SiCl4 ratio and mild oxygen-deficient processing conditions. Increasing the B2O3 content to ~26 mol% led to a corresponding increase in coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) to a maximum value of 2.35 ppm/K. The value of refractive index (RI), on the other hand, was found to decrease with increased B2O3 incorporation. A qualitative correlation between B2O3 and SiO2 system composition and physical properties such as CTE and RI was established.

Melt spinning of poly(lactic acid) and hydroxyapatite composite fibers: influence of the filler content on the fiber properties.

PubMed

Persson, Maria; Lorite, Gabriela S; Cho, Sung-Woo; Tuukkanen, Juha; Skrifvars, Mikael

2013-08-14

Composite fibers from poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and hydroxyapatite (HA) particles were prepared using melt spinning. Different loading concentrations of HA particles (i.e., 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt %) in the PLA fibers and solid-state draw ratios (SSDRs) were evaluated in order to investigate their influence on the fibers' morphology and thermal and mechanical properties. A scanning electron microscopy investigation indicated that the HA particles were homogeneously distributed in the PLA fibers. It was also revealed by atomic force microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy that HA particles were located on the fiber surface, which is of importance for their intended application in biomedical textiles. Our results also suggest that the mechanical properties were independent of the loading concentration of the HA particles and that the SSDR played an important role in improving the mechanical properties of the composite fibers.

Mechanisms for the Crystallization of Zblan

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ethridge, Edwin C.; Tucker, Dennis S.

2001-01-01

The heavy metal fluoride glasses represent a class of reasonably good glass forming compositions with very unique infrared optical properties that have been of interest to researchers for 20 years. The most extensively studied glass with the most potential for practical applications is ZBLAN which contains the fluorides of zirconium, barium, lanthanum, aluminum, and sodium. It has a broad transmission range (0.3-6 um), low index of refraction (about 1.43), low dispersion, low Raleigh scattering, ultra-low thermal 2 dispersion, and potential ultra-low signal attenuation. Potential applications include fiber amplifiers, fiber optic gyroscopes, delivery systems for laser cutting, drilling and surgery, radiation resistant data links, nonlinear optical systems, and ultra-low-loss repeater-less transcontinental and transoceanic optical fiber. Potential markets for these materials are in the tens of billions of dollars per year. Optical fiber from this system possess excellent transmission characteristics in the IR, but the glass is somewhat susceptible to nucleation and crystallization. The theoretical intrinsic loss coefficient for ZBLAN at 2 microns is 0.00 1 dB/Km. Extrinsic losses, however, cause significant attenuation. The lowest loss coefficient measured is 0.7 dB/Km. This compares with the loss coefficient for fiber optic grade fused silica glass of 0.2 dB/Km. The extrinsic losses in ZBLAN have been attributed to 1) impurities which might be lowered by containerless processing and 2) to scattering from micro-crystallites that form during glass preform production or during fiber drawing.

Silicon nanoparticle-functionalized fiberglass pads for sampling

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mantey, Kevin; Nayfeh, Munir H.; Al-Hreish, Bahjat

2011-03-15

We used wet treatment to immobilize luminescent silicon nanoparticles on industrial glass fibers to impart optical and chemical functions to the fiber. Carpets or pads consisting of thousands of fibers are processed in parallel, enhancing the sensitivity of detection and the sampled volume. Treated pads exhibit strong luminescence, characteristic of the luminescence of the particles; showing no shift, broadening, or reduction of quantum efficiency. We demonstrate that drawing material by the pad due to physical adsorption can be reversed. We also demonstrate that allylamine can be covalently attached by photoinduced irradiation reactions, which results in imprinting the amine emission spectrum,more » providing spectral recognition. The imprint accompanied with a blue-shifting of the luminescence spectrum of the probe, allowing examination of the effect of termination on the nanoparticle structure. The shift is found to be consistent with an increase in the bandgap of the Si nanoparticle and is consistent with Quantum Monte Carlo calculations. In addition to sampling, the nano probe pad has the potential to enable a variety of biomedical applications through subsequent attachment.« less

Effect of extrusion rate on morphology of Kaolin/PolyEtherSulfone (PESf) membrane precursor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Misaran, M. S.; Sarbatly, R.; Bono, A.; Rahman, M. M.

2016-11-01

This study aims to investigate the influence of apparent viscosity induced by spinneret geometry and extrusion rate on morphology of Kaolin/PESf hollow fiber membranes. Different extrusion rates at two different rheology properties were introduced on a straight and conical spinneret resulting in various shear rates. The hollow fiber membrane precursors were spun using the wet spinning method to decouple the effect of shear and elongation stress due to gravity stretched drawing. The morphology of the spun hollow fiber was observed under Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and the overall porosity were measured using mercury intrusion porosimeter. Shear rate and apparent viscosity at the tip of the spinneret annulus were simulated using a computational fluid dynamics package; solidworks floworks. Simulation data shows that extrusion rate increment increases the shear rate at the spinneret wall which in turn reduce the apparent viscosity; consistent with a non Newtonian shear thinning fluid behavior. Thus, the outer finger-like region grows as the shear rate increases. Also, overall porosity of hollow fiber membrane decreases with extrusion rate increment which is caused by better molecular orientation; resulting in denser hollow fiber membrane. Thin outer finger-like region is achieved at low shear experience of 109.55 s-1 via a straight spinneret. Increasing the extrusion rate; thus shear rate will cause outer finger-like region growth which is not desirable in a separation process.

NicoLase—An open-source diode laser combiner, fiber launch, and sequencing controller for fluorescence microscopy

PubMed Central

Walsh, James; Böcking, Till; Gaus, Katharina

2017-01-01

Modern fluorescence microscopy requires software-controlled illumination sources with high power across a wide range of wavelengths. Diode lasers meet the power requirements and combining multiple units into a single fiber launch expands their capability across the required spectral range. We present the NicoLase, an open-source diode laser combiner, fiber launch, and software sequence controller for fluorescence microscopy and super-resolution microscopy applications. Two configurations are described, giving four or six output wavelengths and one or two single-mode fiber outputs, with all CAD files, machinist drawings, and controller source code openly available. PMID:28301563

New Technique for Fabrication of Scanning Single-Electron Transistor Microscopy Tips

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goodwin, Eric; Tessmer, Stuart

Fabrication of glass tips for Scanning Single-Electron Transistor Microscopy (SSETM) can be expensive, time consuming, and inconsistent. Various techniques have been tried, with varying levels of success in regards to cost and reproducibility. The main requirement for SSETM tips is to have a sharp tip ending in a micron-scale flat face to allow for deposition of a quantum dot. Drawing inspiration from methods used to create tips from optical fibers for Near-Field Scanning Optical Microscopes, our group has come up with a quick and cost effective process for creating SSETM tips. By utilizing hydrofluoric acid to etch the tips and oleic acid to guide the etch profile, optical fiber tips with appropriate shaping can be rapidly prepared. Once etched, electric leads are thermally evaporated onto each side of the tip, while an aluminum quantum dot is evaporated onto the face. Preliminary results using various metals, oxide layers, and lead thicknesses have proven promising.

Very low-loss passive fiber-to-chip coupling with tapered fibers.

PubMed

Paatzsch, T; Smaglinski, I; Abraham, M; Bauer, H D; Hempelmann, U; Neumann, G; Mrozynski, G; Kerndlmaier, W

1997-07-20

A novel passive fiber-to-chip coupling based on the use of fiber tapers embedded in a guiding structure is proposed. By beam-propagation calculations it is verified that this new coupling method exhibits a very low insertion loss. Major advantages of the proposed method compared with butt coupling are demonstrated by simulation results: first, tolerance requirements for the fibers, e.g., diameter variations and core eccentricity, and for fabrication of the alignment structure are reduced by at least 1 order of magnitude. Second, coupling to waveguides of nearly arbitrary dimensions and refractive indices seems to be possible. Experimental results on thermal drawing of fiber tapers are presented and used as input data for the simulations. A concept for fabrication of the new coupling method with the Lithographic Galvanik Abformung (LIGA) technique is presented.

Development of wire drawing processes for refractory metal fibers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

King, G. W.

1972-01-01

Fabrication schedules were developed for producing wire, 0.25 mm to 0.51 mm diameter, from the refractory metal alloys ASTAR-811C, B-88 and W-Hf-C. Tensile properties were evaluated at room temperature and up to 1204 C. Also, the stress rupture properties of the alloys at 1093 C were determined. W-Hf-C and B-88 were found to have the best mechanical properties on a strength to density basis. The fabrication schedules for producing wire from these two alloys were further improved with regards to the wire quality and material yield under the optimization of fabrication schedule.

ZBLAN Microgravity Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Workman, Gary L.; Smith, Guy A.; OBrien, Sue; Adcock, Leonard

1995-01-01

One of the greatest obstacles with the fluorozirconate ZBLAN (ZrF4-BaF2-LaF3-AIF3-NaF) is the problem of devitrification. Fluoride glasses have a narrow working range and the viscosity is a strong function of temperature. Rates of nucleation and growth of crystals in the glass depend on the viscosity, making these glasses unstable and prone to crystallization. The viscosity of ZBLAN at the drawing temperature is low, usually between two to five poise, so it is difficult to obtain fibers from their preform melts without crystallization. The preforms usually contain heterogeneous nuclei which grow into microcrystallites above the glass transition temperature, T(g). Since microcrystallites in an optical fiber cause extrinsic light scattering losses of the optical signal, fiber drawing must be completed in a short time to minimize the generation of light scattering centers. To keep these losses to a minimum and to fabricate low scattering loss fibers and other optical components, this research deals with the possibility of minimizing crystallite formation by removing the gravitational influence of solutal segregation of the ZBLAN elements. This report reviews the early work on the KC-135 aircraft, the development of the ZBLAN Rocket Experiment, preparations at the White Sands Missile Range, analysis of the flight and ground test results, lessons learned and future experimentation.

Smart textiles for tactile sensing and energy storage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gorgutsa, Stepan

During my master's I have mainly worked on two subjects in the research area of electroactive smart textiles. My first project involved building a touch sensitive textile pad using original home-made all-polymer soft capacitor fibers. The capacitor fibers featuring relatively high capacitance and resistance were fabricated using fiber drawing technique. For the ease of connectorization, a thin copper wire was integrated into the fiber core during drawing procedure. Soft-capacitor fibers have a typical capacitance per unit length of 69 nF/m, and a typical resistivity parameter of 5 kΩ·m. Our measurements and theoretical modeling show that the fiber capacitance is a very stable, geometry defined parameter independent of the fiber diameter, and fiber fabrication parameters. In contrast, fiber resistivity has a very strong positive temperature coefficient, it is highly sensitive to stretching, and it is strongly dependent on the fiber drawing parameters. Next, an individual capacitor fiber was demonstrated to act as a slide sensor that allows determining the touch position along its length by measuring the fiber AC response at a single point at the fiber surface. Electrical response of such a sensor was described by the RC ladder model, with the modelling data in excellent agreement with experimental observations. Developed capacitor fibers are soft, small diameter, lightweight and do not use liquid electrolytes, thus they are ideally suited for the integration into textile products. At the end of the chapter, we have demonstrated that by weaving a one dimensional array of capacitor fibers (in parallel to each other) a fully woven 2D touchpad sensor could be build. Performance of a touchpad sensor was then characterised and the absence of the inter-channel crosstalk was confirmed. We also note that a 2D touchpad has a partial multi-touch functionality. My second project involved assembly of flexible and stretchable Li-ion batteries, their integration into a textile, and their electric characterization in a view of smart textile applications. The chemistry for the battery was developed by my colleague Y. Liu who has combined the relatively conventional Li battery materials including LiFePO4 cathode, Li4Ti 5O12 anode and PEO solid electrolyte into a non-conventional soft electrochemical battery system. I have experimentally demonstrated that flexible batteries can be first cast as sheets, and then cut into thin strips, and finally integrated into textile using conventional weaving techniques. The electrochemical performance of the film batteries was extensively characterized and found to be poorer compared to the performance of batteries based on the powder electrodes and liquid electrolytes. At the same time, cycling performance of the solid film batteries was stable, and together with their soft leather-like feel and appearance, this makes such batteries well suitable for smart textile applications. Although operating voltage of a single flexible battery is relatively low (˜0.3V), nevertheless, when several of them are connected in series, the net voltage can be large enough for practical applications. Finally, as a demonstrator of the technology I have tested a textile battery comprising 8 flexible battery strips woven together and connectorized in series to power up a 3V LED over several hours.

Fiber optic combiner and duplicator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1979-01-01

The investigation of the possible development of two optical devices, one to take two images as inputs and to present their arithmetic sum as a single output, the other to take one image as input and present two identical images as outputs is described. Significant engineering time was invested in establishing precision fiber optics drawing capabilities, real time monitoring of the fiber size and exact measuring of fiber optics ribbons. Various assembly procedures and tooling designs were investigated and prototype models were built and evaluated that established technical assurance that the device was feasible and could be fabricated. Although the interleaver specification in its entirety was not achieved, the techniques developed in the course of the program improved the quality of images transmitted by fiber optic arrays by at least an order of magnitude. These techniques are already being applied to the manufacture of precise fiber optic components.

Fabrication and characterization of a hybrid four-hole AsSe₂-As₂S₅ microstructured optical fiber with a large refractive index difference.

PubMed

Cheng, Tonglei; Kanou, Yasuhire; Deng, Dinghuan; Xue, Xiaojie; Matsumoto, Morio; Misumi, Takashi; Suzuki, Takenobu; Ohishi, Yasutake

2014-06-02

A hybrid four-hole AsSe2-As2S5 microstructured optical fiber (MOF) with a large refractive index difference is fabricated by the rod-in-tube drawing technique. The core and the cladding are made from the AsSe2 glass and As2S5 glass, respectively. The propagation loss is ~1.8 dB/m and the nonlinear coefficient is ~2.03 × 10(4) km(-1)W(-1) at 2000 nm. Raman scattering is observed in the normal dispersion regime when the fiber is pumped by a 2 μm mode-locked picosecond fiber laser. Additionally, soliton is generated in the anomalous dispersion regime when the fiber is pumped by an optical parametric oscillator (OPO) at the pump wavelength of ~3000 nm.

Synthesis and Characterization of Solution and Melt Processible Poly(Acrylonitrile-Co-Methyl Acrylate) Statistical Copolymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pisipati, Padmapriya

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and its copolymers are used in a wide variety of applications ranging from textiles to purification membranes, packaging material and carbon fiber precursors. High performance polyacrylonitrile copolymer fiber is the most dominant precursor for carbon fibers. Synthesis of very high molecular weight poly(acrylonitrile-co-methyl acrylate) copolymers with weight average molecular weights of at least 1.7 million g/mole were synthesized on a laboratory scale using low temperature, emulsion copolymerization in a closed pressure reactor. Single filaments were spun via hybrid dry-jet gel solution spinning. These very high molecular weight copolymers produced precursor fibers with tensile strengths averaging 954 MPa with an elastic modulus of 15.9 GPa (N = 296). The small filament diameters were approximately 5 im. Results indicated that the low filament diameter that was achieved with a high draw ratio, combined with the hybrid dry-jet gel spinning process lead to an exponential enhancement of the tensile properties of these fibers. Carbon fibers for polymer matrix composites are currently derived from polyacrylonitrile copolymer fiber precursors where solution spinning accounts for ˜40 % of the total fiber production cost. To expand carbon fiber applications into the automotive industry, the cost of the carbon fiber needs to be reduced from 8 to ˜3-5. In order to develop an alternative melt processing route several benign plasticizers have been investigated. A low temperature, persulfate-metabisulfite initiated emulsion copolymerization was developed to synthesize poly(acrylonitrile-co-methyl acrylate) copolymers with acrylonitrile contents between 91-96 wt% with a molecular weight range of 100-200 kg/mol. This method was designed for a potential industrial scale up. Furthermore, water was investigated as a potential melting point depressant for these copolymers. Twenty-five wt% water lead to a decrease in the Tm of a 93/7 wt/wt % poly(acrylonitrile-co-methyl acrylate) of Mw = 200 kg/mol to 160 0C as measured via DSC. Glycerin, ethylene glycol and glycerin/water combinations were investigated as potential plasticizers for high molecular weight (˜200,000 g/mol), high acrylonitrile (93-96 mole:mole %) content poly(acrylonitrile-co-methyl acrylate) statistical copolymers. Pure glycerin (25 wt %) induced crystallization followed by a reduced "Tm" of about 213 0C via DSC. However this composition did not melt process well. A lower M W (˜35 kg/mol) copolymer did extrude with no apparent degradation. Our hypothesis is that the hydroxyl groups in glycerin (or water) disrupt the strong dipole-dipole interactions between the chains enabling the copolymer endothermic transition (Tm) to be reduced and enable melting before the onset of degradation. Additionally high molecular weight (Mw = 200-230 kg/mol) poly(acrylonitrile-co-methyl acrylate) copolymers with lower acrylonitrile content (82-85 wt %) were synthesized via emulsion copolymerization and successfully melt pressed. These materials will be further investigated for their utility in packaging applications.

The contamination of Lake Superior with amphibole gangue minerals.

PubMed

Langer, A M; Maggiore, C M; Nicholson, W J; Rohl, A N; Rubin, I B; Selikoff, I J

1979-01-01

Iron ore called taconite is mined in the Biwabik Iron Formation in the Eastern Mesabi region of the Mesabi Range, in eastern Minnesota. After mining, ore is shipped to Silver Bay, Minnnesota for processing and wet magnetic extraction. Tailings from the process are dumped, as a slurry, into a man-made containment delta constructed in Lake Superior. Submicroscopic amphibole fibers and/or cleavage fragments, a component of the gangue, apparently escape from the delta at Silver Bay, and enter Lake Superior. These particles contaiminate the potable water supplies of municipalities drawing directly from the lake. One of the gangue minerals is the amphibole grunerite, whose asbestiform variety is called amosite. Major emphasis of this study was directed at identification of submicroscopic particle pollutants, based on morphology, structure and chemical composition. Quantitative determination of fibrous amphibole phases, present in a range of water samples, was undertaken. Transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction, and an electron microprobe technique was used for identification and enumeration and this information was compared with data sets determined from standards. Grunerite fiber and/or acicular cleavage fragments, in some instances indistinguishable from asbestiform grunerite, are present in the tailings, lake water and drinking water of a number of municipalities, a result of contamination of the lake at the Silver Bay milling operation. This amphibole is found in drinking water in concentrations which range from 0.6 to 2.8 X 10(6) fiber/liter. The risk to health, associated with direct ingestion of grunerite fiber is unknown and is extrapolated from the asbestiform grunerite (amosite) data base. The biological activity of other fibrous amphiboles observed, unrelated to any asbestiform silicate variety, is presently unknown and warrants investigation.

Highly Conductive Graphene/Ag Hybrid Fibers for Flexible Fiber-Type Transistors.

PubMed

Yoon, Sang Su; Lee, Kang Eun; Cha, Hwa-Jin; Seong, Dong Gi; Um, Moon-Kwang; Byun, Joon-Hyung; Oh, Youngseok; Oh, Joon Hak; Lee, Wonoh; Lee, Jea Uk

2015-11-09

Mechanically robust, flexible, and electrically conductive textiles are highly suitable for use in wearable electronic applications. In this study, highly conductive and flexible graphene/Ag hybrid fibers were prepared and used as electrodes for planar and fiber-type transistors. The graphene/Ag hybrid fibers were fabricated by the wet-spinning/drawing of giant graphene oxide and subsequent functionalization with Ag nanoparticles. The graphene/Ag hybrid fibers exhibited record-high electrical conductivity of up to 15,800 S cm(-1). As the graphene/Ag hybrid fibers can be easily cut and placed onto flexible substrates by simply gluing or stitching, ion gel-gated planar transistors were fabricated by using the hybrid fibers as source, drain, and gate electrodes. Finally, fiber-type transistors were constructed by embedding the graphene/Ag hybrid fiber electrodes onto conventional polyurethane monofilaments, which exhibited excellent flexibility (highly bendable and rollable properties), high electrical performance (μh = 15.6 cm(2) V(-1) s(-1), Ion/Ioff > 10(4)), and outstanding device performance stability (stable after 1,000 cycles of bending tests and being exposed for 30 days to ambient conditions). We believe that our simple methods for the fabrication of graphene/Ag hybrid fiber electrodes for use in fiber-type transistors can potentially be applied to the development all-organic wearable devices.

Highly Conductive Graphene/Ag Hybrid Fibers for Flexible Fiber-Type Transistors

PubMed Central

Yoon, Sang Su; Lee, Kang Eun; Cha, Hwa-Jin; Seong, Dong Gi; Um, Moon-Kwang; Byun, Joon-Hyung; Oh, Youngseok; Oh, Joon Hak; Lee, Wonoh; Lee, Jea Uk

2015-01-01

Mechanically robust, flexible, and electrically conductive textiles are highly suitable for use in wearable electronic applications. In this study, highly conductive and flexible graphene/Ag hybrid fibers were prepared and used as electrodes for planar and fiber-type transistors. The graphene/Ag hybrid fibers were fabricated by the wet-spinning/drawing of giant graphene oxide and subsequent functionalization with Ag nanoparticles. The graphene/Ag hybrid fibers exhibited record-high electrical conductivity of up to 15,800 S cm−1. As the graphene/Ag hybrid fibers can be easily cut and placed onto flexible substrates by simply gluing or stitching, ion gel-gated planar transistors were fabricated by using the hybrid fibers as source, drain, and gate electrodes. Finally, fiber-type transistors were constructed by embedding the graphene/Ag hybrid fiber electrodes onto conventional polyurethane monofilaments, which exhibited excellent flexibility (highly bendable and rollable properties), high electrical performance (μh = 15.6 cm2 V−1 s−1, Ion/Ioff > 104), and outstanding device performance stability (stable after 1,000 cycles of bending tests and being exposed for 30 days to ambient conditions). We believe that our simple methods for the fabrication of graphene/Ag hybrid fiber electrodes for use in fiber-type transistors can potentially be applied to the development all-organic wearable devices. PMID:26549711

Refractive index and strain sensor based on twin-core fiber with a novel T-shaped taper

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Chuanbiao; Ning, Tigang; Li, Jing; Zheng, JingJing; Gao, Xuekai; Pei, Li

2018-06-01

A compact in-fiber Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) based on twin-core fiber (TCF) with a novel T-shaped taper is proposed and demonstrated. The taper was firstly fabricated by a short section of TCF, and then spliced with a section of cleaved single mode fiber (SMF). When the light transmit into the TCF, multiple modes will be excited and will propagate within the TCF. In experiment, the proposed device had a maximum interferometric extinction ratio about 17 dB. And the refractive index (RI), strain, and temperature response properties of the sensor have been investigated, which show a relatively high RI, strain sensitivity and low temperature cross sensitivity. Hence, the sensor can be a suitable candidate in the biochemical and physical sensing applications. And due to its easy and controllable fabrication, the novel drawing technology can be applied to more multicore optical fibers.

Integrated Optofluidic Multimaterial Fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stolyarov, Alexander Mark

The creation of integrated microphotonic devices requires a challenging assembly of optically and electrically disparate materials into complex geometries with nanometer-scale precision. These challenges are typically addressed by mature wafer-based fabrication methods, which while versatile, are limited to low-aspect-ratio structures and by the inherent complexity of sequential processing steps. Multimaterial preform-to-fiber drawing methods on the other hand present unique opportunities for realizing optical and optoelectronic devices of extended length. Importantly, these methods allow for monolithic integration of all the constituent device components into complex architectures. My research has focused on addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with microfluidic multimaterial fiber structures and devices. Specifically: (1) A photonic bandgap (PBG) fiber is demonstrated for single mode transmission at 1.55 microm with 4 dB/m losses. This fiber transmits laser pulses with peak powers of 13.5 MW. (Chapter 2) (2) A microfluidic fiber laser, characterized by purely radia l emission is demonstrated. The laser cavity is formed by an axially invariant, 17-period annular PBG structure with a unit cell thickness of 160nm. This laser is distinct from traditional lasers with cylindrically symmetric emission, which rely almost exclusively on whispering gallery modes, characterized by tangential wavevectors. (Chapter 4) (3) An array of independently-controlled liquid-crystal microchannels flanked by viscous conductors is integrated in the fiber cladding and encircles the PBG laser cavity in (2). The interplay between the radially-emitting laser and these liquid-crystal modulators enables controlled directional emission around a full azimuthal angular range. (Chapter 4) (4) The electric potential profile along the length of the electrodes in (3) is characterized and found to depend on frequency. This frequency dependence presents a new means to tune the transversely-directed transmission at a given location along the fiber axis. (Chapter 5) (5) A chemical sensing system is created within a fiber. By integrating a chemiluminescent peroxide-sensing material into the hollow core of a PBG fiber, a limit-of-detection of 300 ppb for peroxide vapors is achieved. (Chapter 3)

Passive Vibration Damping Materials: Piezoelectric Ceramics Composites for Vibration Damping Applications

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-02-01

CBu)4 j 80% solution In 1-butanol, titanium S mable PZT. and NuOW=a isopropoxide (Ti(OPf1 )4], niobium ethoxide (Nb(OC 2 H5) 5 i, ýand cadrrtni qa...fibers(5). We have chosen the sol-gel route to produce PZT fiber of less that 30Mm diameter by spin-drawing PZT solutions at proper viscosity. The first...dielectric constant and electromechanical coupling by controlling grain growth and grain boundary conditions. PZT precursor solutions in the form of viscous

The Work Softening Behavior of Pure Mg Wire during Cold Drawing.

PubMed

Sun, Liuxia; Bai, Jing; Xue, Feng; Chu, Chenglin; Meng, Jiao

2018-04-13

We performed multiple-pass cold drawing for pure Mg wire which showed excellent formability (~138% accumulative true strain) at room temperature. Different from the continuous work hardening occurring during cold drawing of Mg alloy wires, for pure Mg, an initially rapid increase in hardness and strength was followed by significant work softening and finally reached a steady-state level, approximately 40~45 HV. The work softening can be attributed to the dynamic recovery and recrystallization of pure Mg at room temperature. Meanwhile, an abrupt change in texture component also was detected with the transition from work hardening to softening in the strain range of 28~34%. During the whole drawing, the strongest texture component gradually transformed from as-extruded basal to <10 1 ¯ 0> fiber (~28% accumulative true strain), and then rapidly returned to the weak basal texture.

Bi-Tapered Fiber Sensor Using a Supercontinuum Light Source for a Broad Spectral Range

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garcia Mina, Diego Felipe

We describe the fabrication bi-tapered optical fiber sensors designed for shorter wavelength operation and we study their optical properties. The new sensing system designed and built for the project is a specialty optical fiber that is single-mode in the visible/near infrared wavelength region of interest. In fabricating the tapered fiber we control the taper parameters, such as the down-taper and up-taper rate, shape and length, and the fiber waist diameter and length. The sensing is mode is via the electromagnetic field, which is evanescent outside the optical fiber and is confined close to the fiber's surface (within a couple hundred nanometers). The fiber sensor system has multiple advantages as a compact, simple device with an ability to detected tiny changes in the refractive index. We developed a supercontinuum light source to provide a wide spectral wavelength range from visible to near IR. The source design was based on coupling light from a femtosecond laser in a photonic crystal fiber designed for high nonlinearity. The output light was efficiently coupled into the bi-tapered fiber sensor and good signal to noise was achieved across the wavelength region. The bi-tapered fiber starts and ends with a single mode fiber in the waist region there are many modes with different propagation constants that couple to the environment outside the fiber. The signals have a strong periodic component as the wavelength is scanned; we exploit the periodicity in the signal using a discrete Fourier transform analysis to correlate signal phase changes with the refractive index changes in the local environment. For small index changes we also measure a strong correlation with the dominant Fourier amplitude component. Our experiments show that our phase-based signal processing technique works well at shorter wavelengths and we extract a new feature, the Fourier amplitude, to measure the refractive index difference. We conducted experiments using aqueous medium with controlled refractive index, such as water-glycerol mixtures. We find sensitivity to changes in the refractive index close to 0.00002 in so-called Refractive Index Units (RIUs). That is smaller than reported in recent literature, but by no means a limiting value. The technique is not limited to aqueous solutions surrounding the fiber, but it can also be adapted to study volatile organic compounds. Future improvements in the fiber sensing system are discussed, including adding thin films to the surface for label-free detection and to draw the electromagnetic field to the fiber's surface.

Effect of textiles structural parameters on surgical healing; a case study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marwa, A. Ali

2017-10-01

Medical Textiles is one of the most rapidly expanding sectors in the technical textile market. The huge growth of medical textiles applications was over the last 12 years. “Biomedical Textiles” is a subcategory of medical textiles that narrows the field down to those applications that are intended for active tissue contact, tissue regeneration or surgical implantation. Since the mid-1960s, the current wave of usage is coming as a result of new fibers and new technologies for textile materials construction. “Biotextiles” term include structures composed of textile fibers designed for use in specific biological environments. Medical Textile field was utilizing different materials, textile techniques and structures to provide new medical products with high functionality in the markets. There are other processes that are associated with textiles in terms of the various treatments and finishing. The aim of this article is to draw attention to the medical field in each of Vitro and Vivo trend, and its relation with textile structural parameters, with regard to the fiber material, production techniques, and fabric structures. Also, it is focusing on some cases studies which were applied in our research which produced with different textile parameters. Finally; an overview is presented about modern and innovative applications of the medical textiles.

46 CFR 160.135-9 - Preapproval review.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... lay-up schedule for a Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) lifeboat; (7) Hull and canopy construction..., fiberglass, cloth, and plastic used in the lifeboat's manufacture; (10) Fabrication details for each major... water spray systems drawings and specifications, if installed; (16) Plans for critical subassemblies...

46 CFR 160.135-9 - Preapproval review.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... lay-up schedule for a Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) lifeboat; (7) Hull and canopy construction..., fiberglass, cloth, and plastic used in the lifeboat's manufacture; (10) Fabrication details for each major... water spray systems drawings and specifications, if installed; (16) Plans for critical subassemblies...

46 CFR 160.135-9 - Preapproval review.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... lay-up schedule for a Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) lifeboat; (7) Hull and canopy construction..., fiberglass, cloth, and plastic used in the lifeboat's manufacture; (10) Fabrication details for each major... water spray systems drawings and specifications, if installed; (16) Plans for critical subassemblies...

Fabrication of bundle-structured tube-leaky optical fibers for infrared thermal imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kobayashi, T.; Katagiri, T.; Matsuura, Y.

2017-02-01

Bundled glass tubular fibers were fabricated by glass drawing technique for endoscopic infrared-thermal imaging. The bundle fibers were made of borosilicate glass and have a structure like a photonic crystal fiber having multiple hollow cores. Fabricated fibers have a length of 90 cm and each pixel sizes are less than 80 μm. By setting the thickness of glass wall to a quarter-wavelength optical thickness, light is confined in the air core as a leaky mode with a low loss owing to the interference effect of the thin glass wall and this type of hollow-core fibers is known as tube leaky fibers. The transmission losses of bundled fibers were firstly measured and it was found that bundled tube-leaky fibers have reasonably low transmission losses in spite of the small pixel size. Then thermal images were delivered by the bundled fibers combining with an InSb infrared camera. Considering applications with rigid endoscopes, an imaging system composed of a 30-cm long fiber bundle and a half-ball lens with a diameter of 2 mm was fabricated. By using this imaging system, a metal wire with a thickness of 200 μm was successfully observed and another test showed that the minimum detected temperature was 32.0 °C and the temperature resolution of the system was around 0.7 °C.

Glass-ceramic optical fiber containing Ba2TiSi2O8 nanocrystals for frequency conversion of lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, Zaijin; Xiao, Xusheng; Wang, Xin; Ma, Zhijun; Lewis, Elfed; Farrell, Gerald; Wang, Pengfei; Ren, Jing; Guo, Haitao; Qiu, Jianrong

2017-03-01

A glass-ceramic optical fiber containing Ba2TiSi2O8 nanocrystals fabricated using a novel combination of the melt-in-tube method and successive heat treatment is reported for the first time. For the melt-in-tube method, fibers act as a precursor at the drawing temperature for which the cladding glass is softened while the core glass is melted. It is demonstrated experimentally that following heat treatment, Ba2TiSi2O8 nanocrystals with diameters below 10 nm are evenly distributed throughout the fiber core. Comparing to the conventional rod-in-tube method, the melt-in-tube method is superior in terms of controllability of crystallization to allow for the fabrication of low loss glass-ceramic fibers. When irradiated using a 1030 nm femtosecond laser, an enhanced green emission at a wavelength of 515 nm is observed in the glass-ceramic fiber, which demonstrates second harmonic generation of a laser action in the fabricated glass-ceramic fibers. Therefore, this new glass-ceramic fiber not only provides a highly promising development for frequency conversion of lasers in all optical fiber based networks, but the melt-in-tube fabrication method also offers excellent opportunities for fabricating a wide range of novel glass-ceramic optical fibers for multiple future applications including fiber telecommunications and lasers.

Glass-ceramic optical fiber containing Ba2TiSi2O8 nanocrystals for frequency conversion of lasers

PubMed Central

Fang, Zaijin; Xiao, Xusheng; Wang, Xin; Ma, Zhijun; Lewis, Elfed; Farrell, Gerald; Wang, Pengfei; Ren, Jing; Guo, Haitao; Qiu, Jianrong

2017-01-01

A glass-ceramic optical fiber containing Ba2TiSi2O8 nanocrystals fabricated using a novel combination of the melt-in-tube method and successive heat treatment is reported for the first time. For the melt-in-tube method, fibers act as a precursor at the drawing temperature for which the cladding glass is softened while the core glass is melted. It is demonstrated experimentally that following heat treatment, Ba2TiSi2O8 nanocrystals with diameters below 10 nm are evenly distributed throughout the fiber core. Comparing to the conventional rod-in-tube method, the melt-in-tube method is superior in terms of controllability of crystallization to allow for the fabrication of low loss glass-ceramic fibers. When irradiated using a 1030 nm femtosecond laser, an enhanced green emission at a wavelength of 515 nm is observed in the glass-ceramic fiber, which demonstrates second harmonic generation of a laser action in the fabricated glass-ceramic fibers. Therefore, this new glass-ceramic fiber not only provides a highly promising development for frequency conversion of lasers in all optical fiber based networks, but the melt-in-tube fabrication method also offers excellent opportunities for fabricating a wide range of novel glass-ceramic optical fibers for multiple future applications including fiber telecommunications and lasers. PMID:28358045

Glass-ceramic optical fiber containing Ba2TiSi2O8 nanocrystals for frequency conversion of lasers.

PubMed

Fang, Zaijin; Xiao, Xusheng; Wang, Xin; Ma, Zhijun; Lewis, Elfed; Farrell, Gerald; Wang, Pengfei; Ren, Jing; Guo, Haitao; Qiu, Jianrong

2017-03-30

A glass-ceramic optical fiber containing Ba 2 TiSi 2 O 8 nanocrystals fabricated using a novel combination of the melt-in-tube method and successive heat treatment is reported for the first time. For the melt-in-tube method, fibers act as a precursor at the drawing temperature for which the cladding glass is softened while the core glass is melted. It is demonstrated experimentally that following heat treatment, Ba 2 TiSi 2 O 8 nanocrystals with diameters below 10 nm are evenly distributed throughout the fiber core. Comparing to the conventional rod-in-tube method, the melt-in-tube method is superior in terms of controllability of crystallization to allow for the fabrication of low loss glass-ceramic fibers. When irradiated using a 1030 nm femtosecond laser, an enhanced green emission at a wavelength of 515 nm is observed in the glass-ceramic fiber, which demonstrates second harmonic generation of a laser action in the fabricated glass-ceramic fibers. Therefore, this new glass-ceramic fiber not only provides a highly promising development for frequency conversion of lasers in all optical fiber based networks, but the melt-in-tube fabrication method also offers excellent opportunities for fabricating a wide range of novel glass-ceramic optical fibers for multiple future applications including fiber telecommunications and lasers.

Application and the key technology on high power fiber-optic laser in laser weapon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qu, Zhou; Li, Qiushi; Meng, Haihong; Sui, Xin; Zhang, Hongtao; Zhai, Xuhua

2014-12-01

The soft-killing laser weapon plays an important role in photoelectric defense technology. It can be used for photoelectric detection, search, blinding of photoelectric sensor and other devices on fire control and guidance devices, therefore it draws more and more attentions by many scholars. High power fiber-optic laser has many virtues such as small volume, simple structure, nimble handling, high efficiency, qualified light beam, easy thermal management, leading to blinding. Consequently, it may be used as the key device of soft-killing laser weapon. The present study introduced the development of high power fiber-optic laser and its main features. Meanwhile the key technology of large mode area (LMA) optical fiber design, the beam combination technology, double-clad fiber technology and pumping optical coupling technology was stated. The present study is aimed to design high doping LMA fiber, ensure single mode output by increasing core diameter and decrease NA. By means of reducing the spontaneous emission particle absorbed by fiber core and Increasing the power density in the optical fiber, the threshold power of nonlinear effect can increase, and the power of single fiber will be improved. Meantime, high power will be obtained by the beam combination technology. Application prospect of high power fiber laser in photoelectric defense technology was also set forth. Lastly, the present study explored the advantages of high power fiber laser in photoelectric defense technology.

Review of animal/in vitro data on biological effects of man-made fibers.

PubMed

Ellouk, S A; Jaurand, M C

1994-06-01

This paper reviews the investigations with man-made fibers (MMF). Insulation woods: glasswool (GW), rockwool (RW), slagwool (SW), glass microfibers (GMF), glass filaments (GFiI), and refractory ceramic fibers (RCF) have been used in experimental animals and in in vitro cell systems. A large heterogeneous number of fibers, methods of fiber preparation, size selection, aerosolization, fiber size, and fiber burden measurement were noted, rendering difficult a comparison between results. By inhalation, RCF and asbestos used as positive controls produced a significant tumor increase. In some studies, a low tumor yield was found after inhalation of insulation wools; when all inhalation data were gathered, a significant tumor increase was found with GW. However, it is difficult to draw definitive conclusions on the potential of other fiber types because, in addition to the different compositions of the fibers, differences in fiber number and sizes existed, especially in comparison with asbestos. Moreover, experiments using inoculation, especially by the intraperitoneal route revealed a carcinogenic potential of all fibers types but GFiI and SW. In these two groups a small number of animals has been investigated and the fiber characteristics were sometimes irrelevant. So far, a relationship between the carcinogenic potency and fiber dimensions has been established. Other fiber parameters may be of importance (surface chemistry, biopersistence, fiber structure, for example) but further investigations are necessary to determine the correlations between these parameters and tumor incidence. In vitro experiments have emphasized the fiber characteristics identified in vivo as playing a role in the carcinogenic potency and should be developed as a better approach of the mechanistic effects of MMF.

Recent Progress In Infrared Chalcogenide Glass Fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bornstein, A.; Croitoru, N.; Marom, E.

1984-10-01

Chalcogenide glasses containing elements like As, Ge, Sb and Se have been prepared. A new technique of preparing the raw material and subsequently drawing fibers has been devel-oped in order to avoid the forming of oxygen compounds. The fibers have been drawn by cru-cible and rod method from oxygen free raw material inside an Ar atmosphere glove box. The fibers drawn to date with air and glass cladding have a diameter of 50-500 pm and length of several meterd. Preliminary attenuation measurements indicate that the attentuation is better than 0.1 dB/cm and it is not affected even when the fiber is bent to 2 cm circular radius. The fibes were testes a CO laser beam and were not damaged at power densities below 10 kW/2cm2 CW &100 kw/cm using short pulses 75 n sec. The transmitted power density was 0.8 kW/cm2 which is an appropriate value to the needed for cutting and ablation of human tissues.

Mechanical characterization of a short fiber-reinforced polymer at room temperature: experimental setups evaluated by an optical measurement system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Röhrig, C.; Scheffer, T.; Diebels, S.

2017-09-01

Composite materials are of great interest for industrial applications because of their outstanding properties. Each composite material has its own characteristics due to the large number of possible combinations of matrix and filler. As a result of their compounding, composites usually show a complex material behavior. This work is focused on the experimental testing of a short fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite at room temperature. The characteristic behavior of this material class is often based on a superposition of typical material effects. The predicted characteristic material properties such as elasto-plasticity, damage and anisotropy of the investigated material are obtained from results of cyclic uniaxial tensile tests at constant strain rate. Concerning the manufacturing process as well as industrial applications, the experimental investigations are extended to multiaxial loading situations. Therefore, the composite material is examined with a setup close to a deep-drawing process, the Nakajima test (Nakazima et al. in Study on the formability of steel sheets. Yawate Technical Report No. 264, pp 8517-8530, 1968). The evaluation of the experimental investigations is provided by an optical analysis system using a digital image correlation software. Finally, based on the results of the uniaxial tensile tests, a one-dimensional macroscopic model is introduced and first results of the simulation are provided.

Piezoelectric Micro- and Nanostructured Fibers Fabricated from Thermoplastic Nanocomposites Using a Fiber Drawing Technique: Comparative Study and Potential Applications.

PubMed

Lu, Xin; Qu, Hang; Skorobogatiy, Maksim

2017-02-28

We report an all-polymer flexible piezoelectric fiber that uses both judiciously chosen geometry and advanced materials in order to enhance fiber piezoelectric response. The microstructured/nanostructured fiber features a soft hollow polycarbonate core surrounded by a spiral multilayer cladding consisting of alternating layers of piezoelectric nanocomposites (polyvinylidene enhanced with BaTiO 3 , PZT, or CNT) and conductive polymer (carbon-filled polyethylene). The conductive polymer layers serve as two electrodes, and they also form two spatially offset electric connectors on the fiber surface designed for the ease of connectorization. Kilometer-long piezoelectric fibers of sub-millimeter diameters are thermally drawn from a macroscopic preform. The fibers exhibit high output voltage of up to 6 V under moderate bending, and they show excellent mechanical and electrical durability in a cyclic bend-release test. The micron/nanosize multilayer structure enhances in-fiber poling efficiency due to the small distance between the conducting electrodes sandwiching the piezoelectric composite layers. Additionally, the spiral structure greatly increases the active area of the piezoelectric composite, thus promoting higher voltage generation and resulting in 10-100 higher power generation efficiency over the existing piezoelectric cables. Finally, we weave the fabricated piezoelectric fibers into technical textiles and demonstrate their potential applications in power generation when used as a sound detector, smart car seat upholstery, or wearable materials.

Radiological results for samples collected on paired glass- and cellulose-fiber filters at the Sandia complex, Tonopah Test Range, Nevada

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mizell, Steve A.; Shadel, Craig A.

Airborne particulates are collected at U.S. Department of Energy sites that exhibit radiological contamination on the soil surface to help assess the potential for wind to transport radionuclides from the contamination sites. Collecting these samples was originally accomplished by drawing air through a cellulose-fiber filter. These filters were replaced with glass-fiber filters in March 2011. Airborne particulates were collected side by side on the two filter materials between May 2013 and May 2014. Comparisons of the sample mass and the radioactivity determinations for the side-by-side samples were undertaken to determine if the change in the filter medium produced significant results.more » The differences in the results obtained using the two filter types were assessed visually by evaluating the time series and correlation plots and statistically by conducting a nonparametric matched-pair sign test. Generally, the glass-fiber filters collect larger samples of particulates and produce higher radioactivity values for the gross alpha, gross beta, and gamma spectroscopy analyses. However, the correlation between the radioanalytical results for the glass-fiber filters and the cellulose-fiber filters was not strong enough to generate a linear regression function to estimate the glass-fiber filter sample results from the cellulose-fiber filter sample results.« less

Review of animal/in vitro data on biological effects of man-made fibers.

PubMed Central

Ellouk, S A; Jaurand, M C

1994-01-01

This paper reviews the investigations with man-made fibers (MMF). Insulation woods: glasswool (GW), rockwool (RW), slagwool (SW), glass microfibers (GMF), glass filaments (GFiI), and refractory ceramic fibers (RCF) have been used in experimental animals and in in vitro cell systems. A large heterogeneous number of fibers, methods of fiber preparation, size selection, aerosolization, fiber size, and fiber burden measurement were noted, rendering difficult a comparison between results. By inhalation, RCF and asbestos used as positive controls produced a significant tumor increase. In some studies, a low tumor yield was found after inhalation of insulation wools; when all inhalation data were gathered, a significant tumor increase was found with GW. However, it is difficult to draw definitive conclusions on the potential of other fiber types because, in addition to the different compositions of the fibers, differences in fiber number and sizes existed, especially in comparison with asbestos. Moreover, experiments using inoculation, especially by the intraperitoneal route revealed a carcinogenic potential of all fibers types but GFiI and SW. In these two groups a small number of animals has been investigated and the fiber characteristics were sometimes irrelevant. So far, a relationship between the carcinogenic potency and fiber dimensions has been established. Other fiber parameters may be of importance (surface chemistry, biopersistence, fiber structure, for example) but further investigations are necessary to determine the correlations between these parameters and tumor incidence. In vitro experiments have emphasized the fiber characteristics identified in vivo as playing a role in the carcinogenic potency and should be developed as a better approach of the mechanistic effects of MMF. PMID:7925187

Crack-closing of cement mortar beams using NiTi cold-drawn SMA short fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Eunsoo; Kim, Dong Joo; Chung, Young-Soo; Kim, Hee Sun; Jung, Chungsung

2015-01-01

In this study, crack-closing tests of mortar beams reinforced by shape memory alloy (SMA) short fibers were performed. For this purpose, NiTi SMA fibers with a diameter of 0.965 mm and a length of 30 mm were made from SMA wires of 1.0 mm diameter by cold drawing. Four types of SMA fibers were prepared, namely, straight and dog-bone-shaped fiber and the two types of fibers with paper wrapping in the middle of the fibers. The paper provides an unbonded length of 15 mm. For bending tests, six types of mortar beams with the dimensions of 40 mm × 40 mm × 160 mm (B×H×L) were prepared. The SMA fibers were placed at the bottom center of the beams along with an artificial crack of 10 mm depth and 1 mm thickness. This study investigated the influence of SMA fibers on the flexural strength of the beams from the measured force- deflection curves. After cracking, the beams were heated at the bottom by fire to activate the SMA fibers. Then, the beams recovered the deflection, and the cracks were closed. This study evaluated crack-closing capacity using the degree of crack recovery and deflection-recovery factor. The first factor is estimated from the crack-width before and after crack-closing, and the second one is obtained from the downward deflection due to loading and the upward deflection due to the closing force of the SMA fibers.

Multimode-Optical-Fiber Imaging Probe

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jackson, Deborah

2000-01-01

Currently, endoscopic surgery uses single-mode fiber-bundles to obtain in vivo image information inside orifices of the body. This limits their use to the larger natural bodily orifices and to surgical procedures where there is plenty of room for manipulation. The knee joint, for example can be easily viewed with a fiber optic viewer, but joints in the finger cannot. However, there are a host of smaller orifices where fiber endoscopy would play an important role if a cost effective fiber probe were developed with small enough dimensions (< 250 microns). Examples of beneficiaries of micro-endoscopes are the treatment of the Eustatian tube of the middle ear, the breast ducts, tear ducts, coronary arteries, fallopian tubes, as well as the treatment of salivary duct parotid disease, and the neuro endoscopy of the ventricles and spinal canal. To solve this problem, this work describes an approach for recovering images from. tightly confined spaces using multimode fibers and analytically demonstrates that the concept is sound. The proof of concept draws upon earlier works that concentrated on image recovery after two-way transmission through a multimode fiber as well as work that demonstrated the recovery of images after one-way transmission through a multimode fiber. Both relied on generating a phase conjugated wavefront which was predistorted with the characteristics of the fiber. The described approach also relies on generating a phase conjugated wavefront, but utilizes two fibers to capture the image at some intermediate point (accessible by the fibers, but which is otherwise visually unaccessible).

Stimulated Raman scattering in AsSe2-As2S5 microstructured optical fiber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Weiqing; Ni, Chenquan; Xu, Qiang; Li, Xue; Chen, Xiangcai; Chen, Li; Wen, Zhenqiang; Cheng, Tonglei; Xue, Xiaojie; Suzuki, Takenobu; Ohishi, Yasutake

2017-02-01

We demonstrate the effects of stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) in the all-solid-core chalcogenide microstructured optical fibers (MOFs) with AsSe2 core and As2S5 cladding, which are fabricated by the rod-in-tube drawing technique. The core diameters of the MOFs are 6.3 (Fiber I), 3.0 (Fiber II), 2.6 (Fiber III) and 2.2 (Fiber IV) μm, respectively. The chromatic dispersion of the fundamental mode in Fibers I-IV is simulated by the full-vectorial mode solver technique. The first-order Stokes wave is investigated in the fibers with different core diameters pumped by the picosecond pulses at 1958 nm. In Fiber I, no obvious Raman peak is observed with the pump power increasing, because the effective nonlinearity is not high. In Fiber II, a Raman Stokes peak at 2065 nm begins to emerge at the pump power of 110 mW. The conversion efficiency is as weak as -36.6 dB at 150 mW pumping. In Fiber III, the first-order Raman peak at 2060 nm begins to emerge at 40 mW pumping. The conversion efficiency is -15.0 dB, which is 21.6 dB higher than that in Fiber II. In Fiber IV, the Stokes peak at 2070 nm begins to appear at 56 mW pumping. The maximum conversion efficiency of the first-order Stokes wave is obtained in the MOF with the core diameter of 2.6 μm. The evolution of the first-order Stokes wave with pump power and fiber length is investigated. This is the first demonstration of Raman effects in the AsSe2-As2S5 MOF, to the best of our knowledge.

Multimode-Optical-Fiber Imaging Probe

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jackson, Deborah

1999-01-01

Currently, endoscopic surgery uses single-mode fiber-bundles to obtain in vivo image information inside the orifices of the body. This limits their use to the larger natural orifices and to surgical procedures where there is plenty of room for manipulation. The knee joint, for example, can be easily viewed with a fiber optic viewer, but joints in the finger cannot. However, there are a host of smaller orifices where fiber endoscopy would play an important role if a cost effective fiber probe were developed with small enough dimensions (less than or equal to 250 microns). Examples of beneficiaries of micro-endoscopes are the treatment of the Eustatian tube of the middle ear, the breast ducts, tear ducts, coronary arteries, fallopian tubes, as well as the treatment of salivary duct parotid disease, and the neuro endoscopy of the ventricles and spinal canal. This work describes an approach for recovering images from tightly confined spaces using multimode. The concept draws upon earlier works that concentrated on image recovery after two-way transmission through a multimode fiber as well as work that demonstrated the recovery of images after one-way transmission through a multimode fiber. Both relied on generating a phase conjugated wavefront, which was predistorted with the characteristics of the fiber. The approach described here also relies on generating a phase conjugated wavefront, but utilizes two fibers to capture the image at some intermediate point (accessible by the fibers, but which is otherwise visually inaccessible).

Highly robust thin-film composite pressure retarded osmosis (PRO) hollow fiber membranes with high power densities for renewable salinity-gradient energy generation.

PubMed

Han, Gang; Wang, Peng; Chung, Tai-Shung

2013-07-16

The practical application of pressure retarded osmosis (PRO) technology for renewable blue energy (i.e., osmotic power generation) from salinity gradient is being hindered by the absence of effective membranes. Compared to flat-sheet membranes, membranes with a hollow fiber configuration are of great interest due to their high packing density and spacer-free module fabrication. However, the development of PRO hollow fiber membranes is still in its infancy. This study aims to open up new perspectives and design strategies to molecularly construct highly robust thin film composite (TFC) PRO hollow fiber membranes with high power densities. The newly developed TFC PRO membranes consist of a selective polyamide skin formed on the lumen side of well-constructed Matrimid hollow fiber supports via interfacial polymerization. For the first time, laboratory PRO power generation tests demonstrate that the newly developed PRO hollow fiber membranes can withstand trans-membrane pressures up to 16 bar and exhibit a peak power density as high as 14 W/m(2) using seawater brine (1.0 M NaCl) as the draw solution and deionized water as the feed. We believe that the developed TFC PRO hollow fiber membranes have great potential for osmotic power harvesting.

Using soils and land potential as a basis for land use decisions and conservation planning: A resilience-based strategy

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Land use decisions are becoming increasingly complex and contentious as demands for food, fiber, energy and infrastructure expand. Recent definitions of “planetary boundaries” and arbitrary land use limits circumscribing the “Safe Operating Space” for humans are helpful in drawing attention to globa...

Mid-IR fused fiber couplers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stevens, G.; Woodbridge, T.

2016-03-01

We present results from our recent efforts on developing single-mode fused couplers in ZBLAN fibre. We have developed a custom fusion workstation for working with lower melting temperature fibres, such as ZBLAN and chalcogenide fibres. Our workstation uses a precisely controlled electrical heater designed to operate at temperatures between 100 - 250°C as our heat source. The heated region of the fibers was also placed in an inert atmosphere to avoid the formation of microcrystal inclusions during fusion. We firstly developed a process for pulling adiabatic tapers in 6/125 μm ZBLAN fibre. The tapers were measured actively during manufacture using a 2000 nm source. The process was automated so that the heater temperature and motor speed automatically adjusted to pull the taper at constant tension. This process was then further developed so that we could fuse and draw two parallel 6/125 μm ZBLAN fibres, forming a single-mode coupler. Low ratio couplers (1-10%) that could be used as power monitors were manufactured that had an excess loss of 0.76 dB. We have also manufactured 50/50 splitters and wavelength division multiplexers (WDMs). However, the excess loss of these devices was typically 2 - 3 dB. The increased losses were due to localised necking and surface defects forming as the tapers were pulled further to achieve a greater coupling ratio. Initial experiments with chalcogenide fibre have shown that our process can be readily adapted for chalcogenide fibres. A 5% coupler with 1.5 dB insertion loss was manufactured using commercial of the shelf (COTS) fibres.

Polyester Textiles as a Source of Microplastics from Households: A Mechanistic Study to Understand Microfiber Release During Washing.

PubMed

Hernandez, Edgar; Nowack, Bernd; Mitrano, Denise M

2017-06-20

Microplastic fibers make up a large proportion of microplastics found in the environment, especially in urban areas. There is good reason to consider synthetic textiles a major source of microplastic fibers, and it will not diminish since the use of synthetic fabrics, especially polyester, continues to increase. In this study we provide quantitative data regarding the size and mass of microplastic fibers released from synthetic (polyester) textiles during simulated home washing under controlled laboratory conditions. Consideration of fabric structure and washing conditions (use of detergents, temperature, wash duration, and sequential washings) allowed us to study the propensity of fiber shedding in a mechanistic way. Thousands of individual fibers were measured (number, length) from each wash solution to provide a robust data set on which to draw conclusions. Among all the variables tested, the use of detergent appeared to affect the total mass of fibers released the most, yet the detergent composition (liquid or powder) or overdosing of detergent did not significantly influence microplastic release. Despite different release quantities due to the addition of a surfactant (approximately 0.025 and 0.1 mg fibers/g textile washed, without and with detergent, respectively), the overall microplastic fiber length profile remained similar regardless of wash condition or fabric structure, with the vast majority of fibers ranging between 100 and 800 μm in length irrespective of wash cycle number. This indicates that the fiber staple length and/or debris encapsulated inside the fabric from the yarn spinning could be directly responsible for releasing stray fibers. This study serves as a first look toward understanding the physical properties of the textile itself to better understand the mechanisms of fiber shedding in the context of microplastic fiber release into laundry wash water.

The Gross Morphology and Histochemistry of Respiratory Muscles in Bottlenose Dolphins, Tursiops truncatus

PubMed Central

Cotten, Pamela B.; Piscitelli, Marina A.; McLellan, William A.; Rommel, Sentiel A.; Dearolf, Jennifer L.; Pabst, D. Ann

2011-01-01

Most mammals possess stamina because their locomotor and respiratory (i.e., ventilatory) systems are mechanically coupled. These systems are decoupled, however, in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) as they swim on a breath-hold. Locomotion and ventilation are coupled only during their brief surfacing event, when they respire explosively (up to 90% of total lung volume in approximately 0.3s) (Ridgway et al., 1969). The predominantly slow-twitch fiber profile of their diaphragm (Dearolf, 2003) suggests that this muscle does not likely power their rapid ventilatory event. Based upon Bramble's (1989) biomechanical model of locomotor-respiratory coupling in galloping mammals, it was hypothesized that locomotor muscles function to power ventilation in bottlenose dolphins. It was further hypothesized that these muscles would be composed predominantly of fast-twitch fibers to facilitate the bottlenose dolphin's rapid ventilation. The gross morphology of cranio-cervical (scalenus, sternocephalicus, sternohyoid), thoracic (intercostals, transverse thoracis), and lumbo-pelvic (hypaxialis, rectus abdominis, abdominal obliques) muscles (n=7) and the fiber-type profiles (n=6) of selected muscles (scalenus, sternocephalicus, sternohyoid, rectus abdominis) of bottlenose dolphins were investigated. Physical manipulations of excised thoracic units were carried out to investigate potential actions of these muscles. Results suggest that the cranio-cervical muscles act to draw the sternum and associated ribs cranio-dorsally, which flares the ribs laterally, and increases the thoracic cavity volume required for inspiration. The lumbo-pelvic muscles act to draw the sternum and caudal ribs caudally, which decreases the volumes of the thoracic and abdominal cavities required for expiration. All muscles investigated were composed predominantly of fast-twitch fibers (range 61-88% by area) and appear histochemically poised for rapid contraction. These combined results suggest that dolphins utilize muscles, similar to those used by galloping mammals, to power their explosive ventilation. PMID:18777569

Study of Natural Fiber Breakage during Composite Processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quijano-Solis, Carlos Jafet

Biofiber-thermoplastic composites have gained considerable importance in the last century. To provide mechanical reinforcement to the polymer, fibers must be larger than a critical aspect ratio (length-to-width ratio). However, biofibers undergo breakage in length or width during processing, affecting their final aspect ratio in the composites. In this study, influence on biofiber breakage by factors related to processing conditions, fiber morphology and the flow type was investigated through: a) experiments using an internal mixer, a twin-screw extruder (TSE) or a capillary rheometer; and b) a Monte Carlo computer simulation. Composites of thermomechanical fibers of aspen or wheat straw mixed with polypropylene were studied. Internal mixer experiments analyzed wheat straw and two batches of aspen fibers, named AL and AS. AL fibers had longer average length. Processing variables included the temperature, rotors speed and fiber concentration. TSE experiments studied AL and AS fiber composites under various screws speeds, temperatures and feeding rates of the polymer and fibers. Capillary rheometers experiments determined AL fiber breakage in shear and elongational flows for composites processed at different concentrations, temperatures, and strain rates. Finally, the internal mixer experimental results where compared to Monte Carlo simulation predictions. The simulation focused on fiber length breakage due to fiber-polymer interactions. Internal mixer results showed that final fiber average length depended almost solely on processing conditions while final fiber average width depended on both processing conditions and initial fiber morphology. In the TSE, processing conditions as well as initial fiber length influenced final average length. TSE results showed that the fiber concentration regime seems to influence the effect of processing variables on fiber breakage. Capillary rheometer experiments demonstrated that biofiber breakage happens in both elongational and shear flows. In some cases, percentage of biofiber breakage in elongational flow is higher. In general, simulation predictions of final average lengths were in good agreement with experiments, indicating the importance of fiber-polymer interactions on fiber breakage. The largest discrepancies were obtained at higher fiber concentration composites; these differences might be resolved, in future simulations, by including the effect of fiber-fiber interactions.

Study on the Microstructure, Mechanical Properties and Corrosion Behavior of Mg-Zn-Ca Alloy Wire for Biomaterial Application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Maobo; Xu, Guangquan; Liu, Debao; Zhao, Yue; Ning, Baoqun; Chen, Minfang

2018-03-01

Due to their excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability, magnesium alloy wires have attracted much attention for biomaterial applications including orthopedic K-wires and sutures in wound closure. In this study, Mg-3Zn-0.2Ca alloy wires were prepared by cold drawing combined with proper intermediate annealing process. Microstructures, texture, mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of Mg-3Zn-0.2Ca alloy wire in a simulated body fluid were investigated. The results showed that the secondary phase and average grain size of the Mg-3Zn-0.2Ca alloy were refined in comparison with the as-extruded alloy and a strong (0002)<10-10>//DD basal fiber texture system was formed after multi-pass cold drawing. After the annealing, most of the basal planes were tilted to the drawing direction (DD) by about 35°, presenting the characteristics of random texture, and the texture intensity decreased. The as-annealed wire shows good mechanical properties with the ultimate tensile strength (UTS), yield strength (YS) and elongation of 253 ± 8.5 MPa, 212 ± 11.3 MPa and 9.2 ± 0.9%, respectively. Electrochemical and hydrogen evolution measurements showed that the corrosion resistance of the Mg-3Zn-0.2Ca alloy wire was improved after the annealing. The immersion test indicated that the Mg-3Zn-0.2Ca wire exhibited uniform corrosion behavior during the initial period of immersion, but then exhibited local corrosion behavior.

Electro-optic architecture for servicing sensors and actuators in advanced aircraft propulsion systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Poppel, G. L.; Glasheen, W. M.

1989-01-01

A detailed design of a fiber optic propulsion control system, integrating favored sensors and electro-optics architecture is presented. Layouts, schematics, and sensor lists describe an advanced fighter engine system model. Components and attributes of candidate fiber optic sensors are identified, and evaluation criteria are used in a trade study resulting in favored sensors for each measurand. System architectural ground rules were applied to accomplish an electro-optics architecture for the favored sensors. A key result was a considerable reduction in signal conductors. Drawings, schematics, specifications, and printed circuit board layouts describe the detailed system design, including application of a planar optical waveguide interface.

On-demand drawing of high aspect-ratio, microsphere-tipped elastomeric micropillars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Qiang; Kim, Jaeyoun

2017-08-01

High aspect-ratio elastomeric micropillars are widely used in a plethora of applications, such as functional surfaces, actuators, and sensors. Their fabrication at arbitrary positions on non-planar substrates, however, has rarely been reported. Here we demonstrate a new technique for facile fabrication of high aspect-ratio, microsphere-tipped elastomeric micropillars on structures with uncommon geometries. As a proof-of-concept exemplary application, a fiber optic contact sensor is realized by integrating a micropillar onto the end facet of an optical fiber. Overall, both the fabrication technique and the resulting outcomes of this work will add new tools to the toolbox of soft-MEMS and softrobotics.

Controlled rolling process for dual phase steels and application to rod, wire, sheet and other shapes

DOEpatents

Thomas, G.; Ahn, J.H.; Kim, N.J.

1986-10-28

An improved, energy efficient, hot rolling method for direct production of cold formable dual-phase steel is provided. The steel is heated to completely austenitize it and then continuously hot rolled and cooled down into the ferrite-austenite two phase region to a temperature which is just below the effective Ar[sub 3] temperature. The hot rolled steel is then rapidly quenched to provide an alloy containing strong, tough lath martensite (fibers) in a ductile soft ferrite matrix. The method is particularly useful for providing rods in which form the alloy is capable of being drawn into high strength wire or the like in a cold drawing operation without any intermediate annealing or patenting, and has excellent strength, ductility and fatigue characteristics. 3 figs.

Controlled rolling process for dual phase steels and application to rod, wire, sheet and other shapes

DOEpatents

Thomas, Gareth; Ahn, Jae-Hwan; Kim, Nack-Joon

1986-01-01

An improved, energy efficient, hot rolling method for direct production of cold formable dual-phase steel is provided. The steel is heated to completely austenitize it and then continuously hot rolled and cooled down into the ferrite-austenite two phase region to a temperature which is just below the effective Ar.sub.3 temperature. The hot rolled steel is then rapidly quenched to provide an alloy containing strong, tough lath martensite (fibers) in a ductile soft ferrite matrix. The method is particularly useful for providing rods in which form the alloy is capable of being drawn into high strength wire or the like in a cold drawing operation without any intermediate annealing or patenting, and has excellent strength, ductility and fatigue characteristics.

1,4-Bis(2-methylstyryl)benzene doped PMMA fibre for blue range fluorescent applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miluski, Piotr; Kochanowicz, Marcin; Zmojda, Jacek; Dorosz, Dominik

2018-03-01

The fluorescent dyes allow new optical applications in polymer-based optical fibre technology. The article presents highly fluorescent 1,4-Bis(2-methylstyryl)benzene doped poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) fibre. The multi-peak (422, 450, 488 nm) fluorescence spectrum of the bulk specimen under 355 nm excitation is presented. The polymerization and fibre drawing process is also shown. The fluorescent properties vs. fibre length at excitation 405 nm are investigated. Significant spectrum shape changes and red shift phenomena of individual peaks are presented using one end excitation and fibre cutting method measurements for fibre length 2-90 cm. Obtained attenuation level 0.69 dB/m limits useful fibre length but obtained results can be useful in new polymeric fibers applications (e.g. sensors, light sources).

Panel Discussion: The Future In Infrared Fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1982-12-01

DeShazer: During this meeting, IR fibers have been viewed from two aspects - materials and applications. We have had an interesting mix of chemists and physicists, engineers and opticians attending the meeting because of the varied expertise needed to address these questions. While silica glasses are exclusively used for current fiber systems operating at wavelengths less than 2 μm, the material choice has not yet been made for IR fibers at the longer wavelengths. Papers were presented at this meeting on the possible choices, which can be grouped into four general headings, as we have done in the table: hollow waveguides, glasses, polycrystals, and crystals. For the 2 to 5 μm spectrum, the choice appears to be fluoride glass, although the exact glass composition needs to be determined for good fiber drawing properties. For wavelengths longer than 5 μm, however, there is no unanimous choice. Polycrystalline KRS-5 fiber has been the current selection for CO2 laser fiber systems at 10.6 μm, but it exhibits many drawbacks such as large scattering loss, short shelf-life and possible photosensitivity. Chalcogenide glasses, such as arsenic triselenide, have high absorption losses at 10.6 μm, in spite of much past effort to improve the material. Is there hope in producing a highly transparent glass at 10.6 μm? If not chalcogenide glasses, maybe chloride glasses will succeed for fibers at 10 μm. Single-crystal fibers promise low loss, but is it realistic to talk about making a single crystal fiber 10 km long?

Process of Making Boron-Fiber Reinforced Composite Tape

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Belvin, Harry L. (Inventor); Cano, Roberto J. (Inventor); Johnston, Norman J. (Inventor); Marchello, Joseph M. (Inventor)

2002-01-01

The invention is an apparatus and method for producing a hybrid boron reinforced polymer matrix composition from powder pre-impregnated fiber tow bundles and a linear array of boron fibers. The boron fibers are applied onto the powder pre-impregnated fiber tow bundles and then are processed within a processing component having an impregnation bar assembly. After passing through variable-dimension forming nip-rollers, the powder pre-impregnated fiber tow bundles with the boron fibers become a hybrid boron reinforced polymer matrix composite tape. A driving mechanism pulls the powder pre-impregnated fiber tow bundles with boron fibers through the processing line of the apparatus and a take-up spool collects the formed hybrid boron-fiber reinforced polymer matrix composite tape.

The Art of African Senufo Cloth

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dalton, Jane

2009-01-01

The Senufo people create paintings on hand-woven fabric using natural fibers, natural dyes made from leaves, and mud dug from the roots of trees. The fabric of the Senufo is woven in strips approximately six-to-eight inches wide, and sewn together to make a larger fabric for painting. The stylized drawings painted on the cloth are of masked…

Controlled and high throughput fabrication of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) nanofibers via melt extrusion of immiscible blends

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Immiscible blends of cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) and poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) were melt extruded through a two strand rod die. The extrudates were hot-drawn at the die exit at different draw ratios. PTT fibers were obtained by removal of the CAB matrix from the drawn extrudates, a...

Controlled and high throughput fabrication of poly(trimethylene terphthalate) nanofibers via melt extrusion of immiscible blends

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Immiscible blends of cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) and poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) were melt extruded through a two strand rod die. The extrudates were hot-drawn at the die exit at different draw ratios. PTT fibers were obtained by removal of the CAB matrix from the drawn extrudates, a...

Highly sensitive selectively coated photonic crystal fiber-based plasmonic sensor.

PubMed

Rifat, Ahmmed A; Haider, Firoz; Ahmed, Rajib; Mahdiraji, Ghafour Amouzad; Mahamd Adikan, F R; Miroshnichenko, Andrey E

2018-02-15

Highly sensitive and miniaturized sensors are highly desirable for real-time analyte/sample detection. In this Letter, we propose a highly sensitive plasmonic sensing scheme with the miniaturized photonic crystal fiber (PCF) attributes. A large cavity is introduced in the first ring of the PCFs for the efficient field excitation of the surface plasmon polariton mode and proficient infiltration of the sensing elements. Due to the irregular air-hole diameter in the first ring, the cavity exhibits the birefringence behavior which enhances the sensing performance. The novel plasmonic material gold has been used considering the chemical stability in an aqueous environment. The guiding properties and the effects of the sensing performance with different parameters have been investigated by the finite element method, and the proposed PCFs have been fabricated using the stack-and-draw fiber drawing method. The proposed sensor performance was investigated based on the wavelength and amplitude sensing techniques and shows the maximum sensitivities of 11,000 nm/RIU and 1,420  RIU -1 , respectively. It also shows the maximum sensor resolutions of 9.1×10 -6 and 7×10 -6   RIU for the wavelength and amplitude sensing schemes, respectively, and the maximum figure of merits of 407. Furthermore, the proposed sensor is able to detect the analyte refractive indices in the range of 1.33-1.42; as a result, it will find the possible applications in the medical diagnostics, biomolecules, organic chemical, and chemical analyte detection.

Fiberprint: A subject fingerprint based on sparse code pooling for white matter fiber analysis.

PubMed

Kumar, Kuldeep; Desrosiers, Christian; Siddiqi, Kaleem; Colliot, Olivier; Toews, Matthew

2017-09-01

White matter characterization studies use the information provided by diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) to draw cross-population inferences. However, the structure, function, and white matter geometry vary across individuals. Here, we propose a subject fingerprint, called Fiberprint, to quantify the individual uniqueness in white matter geometry using fiber trajectories. We learn a sparse coding representation for fiber trajectories by mapping them to a common space defined by a dictionary. A subject fingerprint is then generated by applying a pooling function for each bundle, thus providing a vector of bundle-wise features describing a particular subject's white matter geometry. These features encode unique properties of fiber trajectories, such as their density along prominent bundles. An analysis of data from 861 Human Connectome Project subjects reveals that a fingerprint based on approximately 3000 fiber trajectories can uniquely identify exemplars from the same individual. We also use fingerprints for twin/sibling identification, our observations consistent with the twin data studies of white matter integrity. Our results demonstrate that the proposed Fiberprint can effectively capture the variability in white matter fiber geometry across individuals, using a compact feature vector (dimension of 50), making this framework particularly attractive for handling large datasets. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Drawing links between the autism cognitive profile and imagination: Executive function and processing bias in imaginative drawings by children with and without autism.

PubMed

Ten Eycke, Kayla D; Müller, Ulrich

2018-02-01

Little is known about the relation between cognitive processes and imagination and whether this relation differs between neurotypically developing children and children with autism. To address this issue, we administered a cognitive task battery and Karmiloff-Smith's drawing task, which requires children to draw imaginative people and houses. For children with autism, executive function significantly predicted imaginative drawing. In neurotypically developing controls, executive function and cognitive-perceptual processing style predicted imaginative drawing, but these associations were moderated by mental age. In younger (neurotypically developing) children, better executive function and a local processing bias were associated with imagination; in older children, only a global bias was associated with imagination. These findings suggest that (a) with development there are changes in the type of cognitive processes involved in imagination and (b) children with autism employ a unique cognitive strategy in imaginative drawing.

Ho3+-doped AlF3-TeO2-based glass fibers for 2.1 µm laser applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, S. B.; Jia, Z. X.; Yao, C. F.; Ohishi, Y.; Qin, G. S.; Qin, W. P.

2017-05-01

Ho3+-doped AlF3-TeO2-based glass fibers based on AlF3-BaF2-CaF2-YF3-SrF2-MgF2-TeO2 glasses are fabricated by using a rod-in-tube method. The glass rod including a core and a thick cladding layer is prepared by using a suction method, where the thick cladding layer is used to protect the core from the effect of surface crystallization during the fiber drawing. By inserting the glass rod into a glass tube, the glass fibers with relatively low loss (~2.3 dB m-1 @ 1560 nm) are prepared. By using a 38 cm long Ho3+-doped AlF3-TeO2-based glass fiber as the gain medium and a 1965 nm fiber laser as the pump source, 2065 nm lasing is obtained for a threshold pump power of ~220 mW. With further increasing the pump power to ~325 mW, the unsaturated output power of the 2065 nm laser is about 82 mW and the corresponding slope efficiency is up to 68.8%. The effects of the gain fiber length on the lasing threshold, the slope efficiency, and the operating wavelength are also investigated. Our experimental results show that Ho3+-doped AlF3-TeO2-based glass fibers are promising gain media for 2.1 µm laser applications.

Imitation, Inspiration, and Creation: Cognitive Process of Creative Drawing by Copying Others' Artworks

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Okada, Takeshi; Ishibashi, Kentaro

2017-01-01

To investigate the cognitive processes underlying creative inspiration, we tested the extent to which viewing or copying prior examples impacted creative output in art. In Experiment 1, undergraduates made drawings under three conditions: (a) copying an artist's drawing, then producing an original drawing; (b) producing an original drawing without…

A novel liquid-filled microstructured polymer optical fiber as bio-sensing platform for Raman spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azkune, Mikel; Arrospide, Eneko; Berganza, Amaia; Bikandi, Iñaki; Aldabaldetreku, Gotzon; Durana, Gaizka; Zubia, Joseba

2018-02-01

One approach to overcome the poor efficiency of the Raman scattering as a sensing platform is to use microstructured optical fibers. In this type of fibers with a longitudinal holey structure, light interacts with the target sample, which is confined in the core, giving rise to a light intensity increase of the obtained Raman spectra due to the large interaction distances and the guidance of the scattered light. In this work, we present an ad-hoc fabricated liquid-core microstructured polymer optical fiber (LC-mPOF) as a bio-sensing platform for Raman Spectroscopy. Arising from an initial simulation stage, we create the desired preform using the drilling technique and afterwards the LC-mPOF is drawn in our fiber drawing tower. The guiding mechanism of the light through the solution has a major importance, being a key factor to obtain appreciable enhancements in Raman scattering. In this case, in order to optimize the Raman scattering signal of dissolved glucose (target molecule), we have filled the core with an aqueous solution of the target molecule, enabling in this way the modified total internal reflection mechanism. Experimental Raman measurements are performed and results are discussed.

The common use of improper control diets in diet-induced metabolic disease research confounds data interpretation: the fiber factor.

PubMed

Pellizzon, Michael A; Ricci, Matthew R

2018-01-01

Diets used to induce metabolic disease are generally high in fat and refined carbohydrates and importantly, are usually made with refined, purified ingredients. However, researchers will often use a low fat grain-based (GB) diet containing unrefined ingredients as the control diet. Such a comparison between two completely different diet types makes it impossible to draw conclusions regarding the phenotypic differences driven by diet. While many compositional differences can account for this, one major difference that could have the greatest impact between GB and purified diets is the fiber content, both in terms of the level and composition. We will review recent data showing how fiber differences between GB diets and purified diets can significantly influence gut health and microbiota, which itself can affect metabolic disease development. Researchers need to consider the control diet carefully in order to make the best use of precious experimental resources.

Human Lymphatic Mesenteric Vessels: Morphology and Possible Function of Aminergic and NPY-ergic Nerve Fibers.

PubMed

D'Andrea, Vito; Panarese, Alessandra; Taurone, Samanta; Coppola, Luigi; Cavallotti, Carlo; Artico, Marco

2015-09-01

The lymphatic vessels have been studied in different organs from a morphological to a clinical point of view. Nevertheless, the knowledge of the catecholaminergic control of the lymphatic circulation is still incomplete. The aim of this work is to study the presence and distribution of the catecholaminergic and NPY-ergic nerve fibers in the whole wall of the human mesenteric lymphatic vessels in order to obtain knowledge about their morphology and functional significance. The following experimental procedures were performed: 1) drawing of tissue containing lymphatic vessels; 2) cutting of tissue; 3) staining of tissue; 4) staining of nerve fibers; 5) histofluorescence microscopy for the staining of catecholaminergic nerve fibers; 6) staining of neuropeptide Y like-immune reactivity; 7) biochemical assay of proteins; 8) measurement of noradrenaline; 9) quantitative analysis of images; 10) statistical analysis of data. Numerous nerve fibers run in the wall of lymphatic vessels. Many of them are catecholaminergic in nature. Some nerve fibers are NPY-positive. The biochemical results on noradrenaline amounts are in agreement with morphological results on catecholaminergic nerve fibers. Moreover, the morphometric results, obtained by the quantitative analysis of images and the subsequent statistical analysis of data, confirm all our morphological and biochemical data. The knowledge of the physiological or pathological mechanism regulating the functions of the lymphatic system is incomplete. Nevertheless the catecholaminergic nerve fibers of the human mesenteric lymphatic vessels come from the adrenergic periarterial plexuses of the mesenterial arterial bed. NPY-ergic nerve fibers may modulate the microcirculatory mesenterial bed in different pathological conditions.

Femtosecond laser direct-write of optofluidics in polymer-coated optical fiber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joseph, Kevin A. J.; Haque, Moez; Ho, Stephen; Aitchison, J. Stewart; Herman, Peter R.

2017-03-01

Multifunctional lab in fiber technology seeks to translate the accomplishments of optofluidic, lab on chip devices into silica fibers. a robust, flexible, and ubiquitous optical communication platform that can underpin the `Internet of Things' with distributed sensors, or enable lab on chip functions deep inside our bodies. Femtosecond lasers have driven significant advances in three-dimensional processing, enabling optical circuits, microfluidics, and micro-mechanical structures to be formed around the core of the fiber. However, such processing typically requires the stripping and recoating of the polymer buffer or jacket, increasing processing time and mechanically weakening the device. This paper reports on a comprehensive assessment of laser damage in urethane-acrylate-coated fiber. The results show a sufficient processing window is available for femtosecond laser processing of the fiber without damaging the polymer jacket. The fiber core, cladding, and buffer could be simultaneously processed without removal of the buffer jacket. Three-dimensional lab in fiber devices were successfully fabricated by distortion-free immersionlens focusing, presenting fiber-cladding optical circuits and progress towards chemically-etched channels, microfluidic cavities, and MEMS structure inside buffer-coated fiber.

Inverse Analysis to Formability Design in a Deep Drawing Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buranathiti, Thaweepat; Cao, Jian

Deep drawing process is an important process adding values to flat sheet metals in many industries. An important concern in the design of a deep drawing process generally is formability. This paper aims to present the connection between formability and inverse analysis (IA), which is a systematical means for determining an optimal blank configuration for a deep drawing process. In this paper, IA is presented and explored by using a commercial finite element software package. A number of numerical studies on the effect of blank configurations to the quality of a part produced by a deep drawing process were conducted and analyzed. The quality of the drawing processes is numerically analyzed by using an explicit incremental nonlinear finite element code. The minimum distance between elemental principal strains and the strain-based forming limit curve (FLC) is defined as tearing margin to be the key performance index (KPI) implying the quality of the part. The initial blank configuration has shown that it plays a highly important role in the quality of the product via the deep drawing process. In addition, it is observed that if a blank configuration is not greatly deviated from the one obtained from IA, the blank can still result a good product. The strain history around the bottom fillet of the part is also observed. The paper concludes that IA is an important part of the design methodology for deep drawing processes.

A Novel Multi-Charged Draw Solute That Removes Organic Arsenicals from Water in a Hybrid Membrane Process.

PubMed

Ge, Qingchun; Lau, Cher Hon; Liu, Minghua

2018-03-20

The potential of forward osmosis for water treatment can only be maximized with suitable draw solutes. Here a three-dimensional, multicharge draw solute of decasodium phytate (Na 10 -phytate) is designed and synthesized for removing organic arsenicals from water using a hybrid forward osmosis (FO) - membrane distillation (MD) process. Efficient water recovery is achieved using Na 10 -phytate as a draw solute with a water flux of 20.0 LMH and negligible reverse solute diffusion when 1000 ppm organic arsenicals as the feed and operated under ambient conditions with FO mode. At 50 °C, the novel draw solute increases water flux by more than 30% with water fluxes higher than 26.0 LMH on the FO side, drastically enhancing water recovery efficiency. By combining the FO and MD processes into a single hybrid process, a 100% recovery of Na 10 -phytate draw solute was achieved. Crucially, organic arsenicals or Na 10 -phytate draw solutes are both rejected 100% and not detected in the permeate of the hybrid process. The complete rejection of both organic arsenicals and draw solutes using hybrid membrane processes is unprecedented; creating a new application for membrane separations.

Characterization, mechanical behavior and in vitro evaluation of a melt-drawn scaffold for esophageal tissue engineering.

PubMed

Tan, Yu Jun; Yeong, Wai Yee; Tan, Xipeng; An, Jia; Chian, Kerm Sin; Leong, Kah Fai

2016-04-01

Tubular esophageal scaffolds with fiber diameter ranging from 13.9±1.7μm to 65.7±6.2μm were fabricated from the highly elastic poly(l-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLC) via a melt-drawing method. The morphology, crystallinity, thermal and mechanical properties of the PLC fibers were investigated. They were highly aligned and have a uniform diameter. PLC is found to be semicrystalline consisting of α- and β- lactide (LA) crystals. The crystallinity increases up to 16.8% with increasing melt-drawing speeds due to strain-induced crystallization. Modulus and strength increases while ductility decreases with an increase in crystallinity of the PLC samples. Moisture will not degrade the overall tensile properties but affect its tangent modulus at the low strain. L929 cells are able to attach and proliferate on the scaffolds very well. The cells seeded on the scaffolds show normal morphology with >90% cell viability after 6 days of culture. These results demonstrate that the PLC fibrous scaffold has good potential for use in esophageal tissue engineering application. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Coating Carbon Fibers With Platinum

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Effinger, Michael R.; Duncan, Peter; Coupland, Duncan; Rigali, Mark J.

2007-01-01

A process for coating carbon fibers with platinum has been developed. The process may also be adaptable to coating carbon fibers with other noble and refractory metals, including rhenium and iridium. The coated carbon fibers would be used as ingredients of matrix/fiber composite materials that would resist oxidation at high temperatures. The metal coats would contribute to oxidation resistance by keeping atmospheric oxygen away from fibers when cracks form in the matrices. Other processes that have been used to coat carbon fibers with metals have significant disadvantages: Metal-vapor deposition processes yield coats that are nonuniform along both the lengths and the circumferences of the fibers. The electrical resistivities of carbon fibers are too high to be compatible with electrolytic processes. Metal/organic vapor deposition entails the use of expensive starting materials, it may be necessary to use a furnace, and the starting materials and/or materials generated in the process may be hazardous. The present process does not have these disadvantages. It yields uniform, nonporous coats and is relatively inexpensive. The process can be summarized as one of pretreatment followed by electroless deposition. The process consists of the following steps: The surfaces of the fiber are activated by deposition of palladium crystallites from a solution. The surface-activated fibers are immersed in a solution that contains platinum. A reducing agent is used to supply electrons to effect a chemical reduction in situ. The chemical reduction displaces the platinum from the solution. The displaced platinum becomes deposited on the fibers. Each platinum atom that has been deposited acts as a catalytic site for the deposition of another platinum atom. Hence, the deposition process can also be characterized as autocatalytic. The thickness of the deposited metal can be tailored via the duration of immersion and the chemical activity of the solution.

A Modeling Approach to Fiber Fracture in Melt Impregnation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Feng; Zhang, Cong; Yu, Yang; Xin, Chunling; Tang, Ke; He, Yadong

2017-02-01

The effect of process variables such as roving pulling speed, melt temperature and number of pins on the fiber fracture during the processing of thermoplastic based composites was investigated in this study. The melt impregnation was used in this process of continuous glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites. Previous investigators have suggested a variety of models for melt impregnation, while comparatively little effort has been spent on modeling the fiber fracture caused by the viscous resin. Herein, a mathematical model was developed for impregnation process to predict the fiber fracture rate and describe the experimental results with the Weibull intensity distribution function. The optimal parameters of this process were obtained by orthogonal experiment. The results suggest that the fiber fracture is caused by viscous shear stress on fiber bundle in melt impregnation mold when pulling the fiber bundle.

Thermoplastic coating of carbon fibers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Edie, D. D.; Lickfield, G. C.; Drews, M. J.; Ellison, M. S.; Gantt, B. W.

1989-01-01

A process is being developed which evenly coats individual carbon fibers with thermoplastic polymers. In this novel, continuous coating process, the fiber tow bundle is first spread cover a series of convex rollers and then evenly coated with a fine powder of thermoplastic matrix polymer. Next, the fiber is heated internally by passing direct current through the powder coated fiber. The direct current is controlled to allow the carbon fiber temperature to slightly exceed the flow temperature of the matrix polymer. Analysis of the thermoplastic coated carbon fiber tows produced using this continuous process indicates that 30 to 70 vol pct fiber prepregs can be obtained.

Numerical, micro-mechanical prediction of crack growth resistance in a fibre-reinforced/brittle matrix composite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jenkins, Michael G.; Ghosh, Asish; Salem, Jonathan A.

1990-01-01

Micromechanics fracture models are incorporated into three distinct fracture process zones which contribute to the crack growth resistance of fibrous composites. The frontal process zone includes microcracking, fiber debonding, and some fiber failure. The elastic process zone is related only to the linear elastic creation of new matrix and fiber fracture surfaces. The wake process zone includes fiber bridging, fiber pullout, and fiber breakage. The R-curve predictions of the model compare well with empirical results for a unidirectional, continuous fiber C/C composite. Separating the contributions of each process zone reveals the wake region to contain the dominant crack growth resistance mechanisms. Fractography showed the effects of the micromechanisms on the macroscopic fracture behavior.

Characterization of Tubing from Advanced ODS alloy (FCRD-NFA1)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Maloy, Stuart Andrew; Aydogan, Eda; Anderoglu, Osman

2016-09-20

Fabrication methods are being developed and tested for producing fuel clad tubing of the advanced ODS 14YWT and FCRD-NFA1 ferritic alloys. Three fabrication methods were based on plastically deforming a machined thick-wall tube sample of the ODS alloys by pilgering, hydrostatic extrusion or drawing to decrease the outer diameter and wall thickness and increase the length of the final tube. The fourth fabrication method consisted of the additive manufacturing approach involving solid-state spray deposition (SSSD) of ball milled and annealed powder of 14YWT for producing thin-wall tubes. Of the four fabrication methods, two methods were successful at producing tubing formore » further characterization: production of tubing by high-velocity oxy-fuel spray forming and production of tubing using high-temperature hydrostatic extrusion. The characterization described shows through neutron diffraction the texture produced during extrusion while maintaining the beneficial oxide dispersion. In this research, the parameters for innovative thermal spray deposition and hot extrusion processing methods have been developed to produce the final nanostructured ferritic alloy (NFA) tubes having approximately 0.5 mm wall thickness. Effect of different processing routes on texture and grain boundary characteristics has been investigated. It was found that hydrostatic extrusion results in combination of plane strain and shear deformations which generate rolling textures of α- and γ-fibers on {001}<110> and {111}<110> together with a shear texture of ζ-fiber on {011}<211> and {011}<011>. On the other hand, multi-step plane strain deformation in cross directions leads to a strong rolling textures of θ- and ε-fiber on {001}<110> together with weak γ-fiber on {111}<112>. Even though the amount of the equivalent strain is similar, shear deformation leads to much lower texture indexes compared to the plane strain deformations. Moreover, while 50% of hot rolling brings about a large number of high-angle grain boundaries (HAB), 44% of shear deformation results in large amount of low-angle boundaries (LAB) showing the incomplete recrystallization.« less

Effect of reduction of area on microstructure and mechanical properties of twinning-induced plasticity steel during wire drawing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hwang, Joong-Ki; Son, Il-Heon; Yoo, Jang-Yong; Zargaran, A.; Kim, Nack J.

2015-09-01

The effect of reduction of area (RA), 10%, 20%, and 30%, during wire drawing on the inhomogeneities in microstructure and mechanical properties along the radial direction of Fe-Mn-Al-C twinning-induced plasticity steel has been investigated. After wire drawing, the deformation texture developed into the major <111> and minor <100> duplex fiber texture. However, the <111> texture became more pronounced in both center and surface areas as the RA per pass increased. It also shows that a larger RA per pass resulted in a higher yield strength and smaller elongation than a smaller RA per pass at all strain levels. Although inhomogeneities in microstructure and mechanical properties along the radial direction decreased with increasing RA per pass, there existed an optimum RA per pass for maximum drawing limit. Insufficient penetration of strain from surface to center at small RA per pass (e.g., 10%) and high friction and unsound metal flow at large RA per pass (e.g., 30%) all resulted in heterogeneous microstructure and mechanical properties along the radial direction of drawn wire. On the other hand, 20% RA per pass improved the drawing limit by about 30% as compared to the 10% and 30% RAs per pass.

Production process of a new cellulosic fiber with antimicrobial properties.

PubMed

Zikeli, Stefan

2006-01-01

The Lyocell process (system: cellulose-water-N-methylmorpholine oxide) of Zimmer AG offers special advantages for the production of cellulose fibers. The process excels by dissolving the most diverse cellulose types as these are optimally adjusted to the process by applying different pretreatment methods. Based on this stable process, Zimmer AG's objective is to impart to the Lyocell fiber additional value to improve quality of life and thus to tap new markets for the product. Thanks to the specific incorporation of seaweed, the process allows to produce cellulose Lyocell fibers with additional and new features. They are activated in a further step - by specific charging with metal ions - in order to obtain antibacterial properties. The favorable textile properties of fibers produced by the Lyocell process are not adversely affected by the incorporation of seaweed material or by activation to obtain an antibacterial fiber so that current textile products can be made from the fibers thus produced. The antibacterial effect is achieved by metal ion activation of the Lyocell fibers with incorporated seaweed, which contrasts with the antibacterial fibers known so far. Antibacterial fibers produced by conventional methods are in part only surface finished with antibacterially active chemicals or else they are produced by incorporating organic substances with antibacterial and fungicidal effects. Being made from cellulose, the antibacterial Lyocell fiber Sea Cell Active as the basis for quality textiles exhibits a special wear comfort compared to synthetic fibers with antibacterial properties and effects. This justifies the conclusion that the Zimmer Lyocell process provides genuine value added and that it is a springboard for further applications.

Extending fiber resources : fiber loading recycled fiber and mechanical pulps for lightweight, high opacity paper

Treesearch

Marguerite Sykes; John Klungness; Freya Tan; Mathew Stroika; Said Abubakr

1999-01-01

Production of a lightweight, high opacity printing paper is a common goal of papermakers using virgin or recycled fibers. Fiber loading is an innovative, commercially viable process that can substantially upgrade and extend most types of wood fibers. Fiber loading, a process carried out at high consistency and high alkalinity, precipitates calcium carbonate (PCC) in...

Measuring the wetting angle and perimeter of single wood pulp fibers : a modified method

Treesearch

John H. Klungness

1981-01-01

In pulp processing development it is often necessary to measure the effect of a process variable on individual pulp fiber wettability. Such processes would include drying of market pulps, recycling of secondary fibers, and surface modification of fibers as in sizing. However, if wettability is measured on a fiber sheet surface, the results are confounded by...

High numerical aperture large-core photonic crystal fiber for a broadband infrared transmission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pniewski, J.; Stepniewski, G.; Kasztelanic, R.; Siwicki, B.; Pierscinska, D.; Pierscinski, K.; Pysz, D.; Borzycki, K.; Stepien, R.; Bugajski, M.; Buczynski, R.

2016-11-01

In this paper we present a large mode area photonic crystal fiber made of the heavy metal oxide glass CS-740, dedicated for a broadband light guidance in the visible, near- and mid-infrared regions of wavelengths from 0.4 to 4.7 μm. The fiber is effectively multi-mode in the considered wavelength range. It is composed of a ring of air-holes surrounding the core, with a high linear filling factor of 0.97. The fiber was made using a standard stack-and-draw technique. Each hole has a size of approx. 2.5 × 3.0 μm and diameter of core is 80 μm. Fiber attenuation is below 3 dB/m in the 0.9-1.7 μm wavelength range, while at 4.4 μm (mid-IR) it is approx. 5 dB/cm. Bending loss at the 1.55 μm wavelength is 0.45 dB per loop of 8 mm radius. Fiber numerical aperture is 0.53 at 1.55 μm. The effective mode area of the fundamental mode is approx. 2400 μm2 in the wavelength range of 0.8-1.7 μm. We present a proof-of-concept demonstration that our large core photonic crystal fiber is able to efficiently collect light directly from a mid-IR quantum cascade laser without use of additional optics and can be used for pigtailing mid-IR sources and detectors.

Ethanol extraction of phytosterols from corn fiber

DOEpatents

Abbas, Charles; Beery, Kyle E.; Binder, Thomas P.; Rammelsberg, Anne M.

2010-11-16

The present invention provides a process for extracting sterols from a high solids, thermochemically hydrolyzed corn fiber using ethanol as the extractant. The process includes obtaining a corn fiber slurry having a moisture content from about 20 weight percent to about 50 weight percent solids (high solids content), thermochemically processing the corn fiber slurry having high solids content of 20 to 50% to produce a hydrolyzed corn fiber slurry, dewatering the hydrolyzed corn fiber slurry to achieve a residual corn fiber having a moisture content from about 30 to 80 weight percent solids, washing the residual corn fiber, dewatering the washed, hydrolyzed corn fiber slurry to achieve a residual corn fiber having a moisture content from about 30 to 80 weight percent solids, and extracting the residual corn fiber with ethanol and separating at least one sterol.

Microscopic anthropogenic litter in terrestrial birds from Shanghai, China: Not only plastics but also natural fibers.

PubMed

Zhao, Shiye; Zhu, Lixin; Li, Daoji

2016-04-15

The level of contamination by microscopic anthropogenic litter (0.5-5mm) in terrestrial ecosystems is not well understood. After chemical digestion in 10% KOH, microscopic anthropogenic litter from the gastrointestinal tracts of 17 terrestrial birds was identified and categorized under a stereomicroscope based on its physical properties and melting tests. In total, 364 items from 16 birds were identified as microscopic anthropogenic litter, ranging in size from 0.5 to 8.5mm. No relationship between plastic load and body condition was found. Natural fibers, plastic fibers and fragmented plastics represented, respectively, 37.4% (136 items), 54.9% (200 items) and 7.7% (28 items) of total litter items. Small sample sizes limited our ability to draw strong conclusions about the metabolism of natural fibers, but the decline in the proportion of natural fibers from the esophagus to stomach to intestine suggested that they may be digestible. Particles smaller than 5mm represented more than 90% of the total number of pollutant items. Particles with colors in the mid-tones and fibrous shapes were overwhelmingly common particles. The results reflect pollution by microscopic anthropogenic litter in the terrestrial ecosystem of the study area. Microscopic natural fibers, which may disperse and adsorb chemical pollutants differently from microplastic and may pose an even greater risk, are in urgent need of further research. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

10. Photograph of a line drawing. 'PROCESS FLOW SCHEMATIC, GAS ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

10. Photograph of a line drawing. 'PROCESS FLOW SCHEMATIC, GAS PRODUCER PROCESS, BUILDING 10A.' Holston Army Ammunition Plant, Holston Defense Corporation. August 29, 1974. Delineator: G. A. Horne. Drawing # SK-1942. - Holston Army Ammunition Plant, Producer Gas Plant, Kingsport, Sullivan County, TN

The DAB model of drawing processes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hochhaus, Larry W.

1989-01-01

The problem of automatic drawing was investigated in two ways. First, a DAB model of drawing processes was introduced. DAB stands for three types of knowledge hypothesized to support drawing abilities, namely, Drawing Knowledge, Assimilated Knowledge, and Base Knowledge. Speculation concerning the content and character of each of these subsystems of the drawing process is introduced and the overall adequacy of the model is evaluated. Second, eight experts were each asked to understand six engineering drawings and to think aloud while doing so. It is anticipated that a concurrent protocol analysis of these interviews can be carried out in the future. Meanwhile, a general description of the videotape database is provided. In conclusion, the DAB model was praised as a worthwhile first step toward solution of a difficult problem, but was considered by and large inadequate to the challenge of automatic drawing. Suggestions for improvements on the model were made.

The gross morphology and histochemistry of respiratory muscles in bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus.

PubMed

Cotten, Pamela B; Piscitelli, Marina A; McLellan, William A; Rommel, Sentiel A; Dearolf, Jennifer L; Pabst, D Ann

2008-12-01

Most mammals possess stamina because their locomotor and respiratory (i.e., ventilatory) systems are mechanically coupled. These systems are decoupled, however, in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) as they swim on a breath hold. Locomotion and ventilation are coupled only during their brief surfacing event, when they respire explosively (up to 90% of total lung volume in approximately 0.3 s) (Ridgway et al. 1969 Science 166:1651-1654). The predominantly slow-twitch fiber profile of their diaphragm (Dearolf 2003 J Morphol 256:79-88) suggests that this muscle does not likely power their rapid ventilatory event. Based on Bramble's (1989 Amer Zool 29:171-186) biomechanical model of locomotor-respiratory coupling in galloping mammals, it was hypothesized that locomotor muscles function to power ventilation in bottlenose dolphins. It was further hypothesized that these muscles would be composed predominantly of fast-twitch fibers to facilitate the bottlenose dolphin's rapid ventilation. The gross morphology of craniocervical (scalenus, sternocephalicus, sternohyoid), thoracic (intercostals, transverse thoracis), and lumbopelvic (hypaxialis, rectus abdominis, abdominal obliques) muscles (n = 7) and the fiber-type profiles (n = 6) of selected muscles (scalenus, sternocephalicus, sternohyoid, rectus abdominis) of bottlenose dolphins were investigated. Physical manipulations of excised thoracic units were carried out to investigate potential actions of these muscles. Results suggest that the craniocervical muscles act to draw the sternum and associated ribs craniodorsally, which flares the ribs laterally, and increases the thoracic cavity volume required for inspiration. The lumbopelvic muscles act to draw the sternum and caudal ribs caudally, which decreases the volumes of the thoracic and abdominal cavities required for expiration. All muscles investigated were composed predominantly of fast-twitch fibers (range 61-88% by area) and appear histochemically poised for rapid contraction. These combined results suggest that dolphins utilize muscles, similar to those used by galloping mammals, to power their explosive ventilation. (c) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Field test investigation of high sensitivity fiber optic seismic geophone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Meng; Min, Li; Zhang, Xiaolei; Zhang, Faxiang; Sun, Zhihui; Li, Shujuan; Wang, Chang; Zhao, Zhong; Hao, Guanghu

2017-10-01

Seismic reflection, whose measured signal is the artificial seismic waves ,is the most effective method and widely used in the geophysical prospecting. And this method can be used for exploration of oil, gas and coal. When a seismic wave travelling through the Earth encounters an interface between two materials with different acoustic impedances, some of the wave energy will reflect off the interface and some will refract through the interface. At its most basic, the seismic reflection technique consists of generating seismic waves and measuring the time taken for the waves to travel from the source, reflect off an interface and be detected by an array of geophones at the surface. Compared to traditional geophones such as electric, magnetic, mechanical and gas geophone, optical fiber geophones have many advantages. Optical fiber geophones can achieve sensing and signal transmission simultaneously. With the development of fiber grating sensor technology, fiber bragg grating (FBG) is being applied in seismic exploration and draws more and more attention to its advantage of anti-electromagnetic interference, high sensitivity and insensitivity to meteorological conditions. In this paper, we designed a high sensitivity geophone and tested its sensitivity, based on the theory of FBG sensing. The frequency response range is from 10 Hz to 100 Hz and the acceleration of the fiber optic seismic geophone is over 1000pm/g. sixteen-element fiber optic seismic geophone array system is presented and the field test is performed in Shengli oilfield of China. The field test shows that: (1) the fiber optic seismic geophone has a higher sensitivity than the traditional geophone between 1-100 Hz;(2) The low frequency reflection wave continuity of fiber Bragg grating geophone is better.

Development of a biotechnological process for the production of high quality linen fibers.

PubMed

Valladares Juárez, Ana Gabriela; Rost, Gernot; Heitmann, Uwe; Heger, Egon; Müller, Rudolf

2011-10-01

A novel biotechnological process for the production of high-quality flax fibers was developed. In this process, decorticated fibers from green flax were washed with 0.5% soda solution and treated with the pectinolytic strain Geobacillus thermoglucosidasius PB94A. Before drying the fibers, they were treated with the textile softener Adulcinol BUN. If the fibers contained contaminant shives, a bleaching step with hydrogen peroxide was performed before the softener treatment. In experiments where fibers were treated by the new process, and in which the bacterial solutions were reused seven times, the fiber quality was similar in all batches. The resolution of the treated fibers was 2.7 ± 0.4 and the fineness was 11.1 ± 1.1 dtex, while the starting material had a resolution of 7.3 and a fineness of 37 dtex. The new biotechnological treatment eliminates the weather-associated risks of the traditional fiber retting completely and produces consistently high-quality fibers that can be used to produce fine linen yarns.

Recycled fiber quality from a laboratory-scale blade separator/blend

Treesearch

Bei-Hong Liang; Stephen M. Shaler; Laurence Mott; Leslie Groom

1994-01-01

A simple and inexpensive fiber separator/blender was developed to generate useful secondary fibers from hydropulped waste paper. Processing wet hydropulped fiber resulted in a furnish with no change in average fiber length in three out of four types of recycled fibers tested. In all cases, the Canadian Standard freeness increased after processing compared to...

Recycled fiber quality from a laboratory-scale blade separator/blender

Treesearch

Bei-Hong Liang; Stephen M. Shaler; Laurence Mott; Leslie Groom

1994-01-01

A simple and inexpensive fiber separator/blender was developed to generate useful secondary fibers from hydropulped waste paper. Processing wet hydropulped fiber resulted in a furnish with no change in average fiber length in three out of four types of recycled fibers tested. In all cases, the canadian standard freeness increased after processing compared to...

The role of rapid solidification processing in the fabrication of fiber reinforced metal matrix composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Locci, Ivan E.; Noebe, Ronald D.

1989-01-01

Advanced composite processing techniques for fiber reinforced metal matrix composites require the flexibility to meet several widespread objectives. The development of uniquely desired matrix microstructures and uniformly arrayed fiber spacing with sufficient bonding between fiber and matrix to transmit load between them without degradation to the fiber or matrix are the minimum requirements necessary of any fabrication process. For most applications these criteria can be met by fabricating composite monotapes which are then consolidated into composite panels or more complicated components such as fiber reinforced turbine blades. Regardless of the end component, composite monotapes are the building blocks from which near net shape composite structures can be formed. The most common methods for forming composite monotapes are the powder cloth, foil/fiber, plasma spray, and arc spray processes. These practices, however, employ rapid solidification techniques in processing of the composite matrix phase. Consequently, rapid solidification processes play a vital and yet generally overlooked role in composite fabrication. The future potential of rapid solidification processing is discussed.

Sol-gel processing to form doped sol-gel monoliths inside hollow core optical fiber and sol-gel core fiber devices made thereby

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shaw, Harry C. (Inventor); Ott, Melanie N. (Inventor); Manuel, Michele V. (Inventor)

2002-01-01

A process of fabricating a fiber device includes providing a hollow core fiber, and forming a sol-gel material inside the hollow core fiber. The hollow core fiber is preferably an optical fiber, and the sol-gel material is doped with a dopant. Devices made in this manner includes a wide variety of sensors.

Analytical and regression models of glass rod drawing process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alekseeva, L. B.

2018-03-01

The process of drawing glass rods (light guides) is being studied. The parameters of the process affecting the quality of the light guide have been determined. To solve the problem, mathematical models based on general equations of continuum mechanics are used. The conditions for the stable flow of the drawing process have been found, which are determined by the stability of the motion of the glass mass in the formation zone to small uncontrolled perturbations. The sensitivity of the formation zone to perturbations of the drawing speed and viscosity is estimated. Experimental models of the drawing process, based on the regression analysis methods, have been obtained. These models make it possible to customize a specific production process to obtain light guides of the required quality. They allow one to find the optimum combination of process parameters in the chosen area and to determine the required accuracy of maintaining them at a specified level.

Applying a punch with microridges in multistage deep drawing processes.

PubMed

Lin, Bor-Tsuen; Yang, Cheng-Yu

2016-01-01

The developers of high aspect ratio components aim to minimize the processing stages in deep drawing processes. This study elucidates the application of microridge punches in multistage deep drawing processes. A microridge punch improves drawing performance, thereby reducing the number of stages required in deep forming processes. As an example, the original eight-stage deep forming process for a copper cylindrical cup with a high aspect ratio was analyzed by finite element simulation. Microridge punch designs were introduced in Stages 4 and 7 to replace the original punches. In addition, Stages 3 and 6 were eliminated. Finally, these changes were verified through experiments. The results showed that the microridge punches reduced the number of deep drawing stages yielding similar thickness difference percentages. Further, the numerical and experimental results demonstrated good consistency in the thickness distribution.

Effects of Gravity on Processing Heavy Metal Fluoride Fibers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tucker, Dennis S.; Workman, Gary L.; Smith, Guy A.

1997-01-01

The effects of gravity on the crystal nucleation of heavy metal fluoride fibers have been studied in preliminary experiments utilizing NASA's KC-135 reduced gravity aircraft and a microgravity sounding rocket flight. Commercially produced fibers were heated to the crystallization temperature in normal and reduced gravity. The fibers processed in normal gravity showed complete crystallization while the fibers processed in reduced gravity did not show signs of crystallization.

Picrosirius Red and Polarization Microscopy - A Tool for Gender Differentiation.

PubMed

Gowda, Bk Charan; Kokila, Ganganna; Gopinathan, Pillai Arun; Praveen, Kunigal Shivaprakash

2017-01-01

Forensic dentistry is a branch of dentistry which in collaboration with legal profession serves an important role to maintain justice system of a country. Forensic dentists play a major role in identification of an individual. Within the literature various methods have been found to be useful in gender differentiation. An attempt was made for differentiation of gender using picrosirius red and polarization microscopy. To evaluate picrosirius red and polarization microscopy as a tool for gender differentiation by observing birefringence pattern and distribution of thick and thin collagen fibers in males and females. Labial mucosal tissue obtained from 30 deceased individuals (18 male and 12 female) during autopsy was fixed in 10% formalin at 12 th hour. Tissue was processed, sectioned and stained using picrosirius red stain and the birefringence pattern of collagen fibers were studied with polarization microscope. The results were statistically analyzed using Z-test and one-way ANOVA to draw the significance. The proportion of thick and thin fibres among males and females were compared. It was found that there was statistically significant difference in proportion of thick and thin fibers between male and female. Thick fibres in males were (78.13%) more than females (65.74%) and thin fibres were more in females (34.24%) than males (21.32%). Picrosirius red and polarization microscopy may be used as a tool for gender differentiation. Yet the manner of death has to be considered during gender differentiation using this method, as in the present study out of 30 cases studied three cases of death due to debilitating diseases and poison consumption showed altered collagen distribution.

A Fundamental Study of Stretch-Drawing Process of Sheet Metals : Single and Double Operations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gotoh, Manabu; Kim, Young-soo; Yamashita, Minoru

1998-05-01

Fundamental and informative data of axisymmetric stretch-drawing of several sheet metals with thichness of 0.7 1.0 mm are presented especially for single and double operations. Very small radius is applied to the die-profile (or -shoulder) in all operations to induce wall-thinning by the effect of bending-under-tension, from which the name `stretch-drawing' comes. It is clearly demonstrated that deeper cups could be formed by the single and double stretch-drawings from smaller cirlcular blanks due to such wall-thinning action than in the usual deep-drawing of larger blanks. From this fact, it is emphasized that the deep-drawability of a sheet metal is not evaluated simply by the conventional LDR (=limiting drawing ratio), but the depth of the drawn cup should also be taken into account. Many experimental data about various metals and thicknesses given in this paper offer a valueable information on this process for more general use which recommends to replace the conventional deep-drawing process by the stretch-drawing process both for single and double operations. In the single stretch-drawing, it is also confirmed that a deeper cup can be produced by raising the blank-holding force at later stage of operation. Fracturing is found to occur at the middle section of the wall part or at the die-profile other than at the punch profile common in the usual deep-drawing process. Numerical simulation of the single stretch-drawing process is also performed by use of DYNA-3D code to confirm that a satisfactory prediction especially in the depth of the drawn-cup can be done at least in a practical sense, although this kind of numerical analysis is very difficult because of the severity or localization of deformation around the die profile. The drawn cup of SUS304 among others fractures in a couple of weeks after the operation due to the residual circumferential tensile stress, whereas that of SUS304L does not. In the double stretch-drawing, it is confirmed that very deeper cups can be produced when compared to the usual re-drawing process, which assures typically the usefulness of this operation as a practical process. Fracture often takes place circumferentially or, very peculiarly, even in a spiral mode for SUS304 at the middle of the wall part of the cup.

Imitation, Inspiration, and Creation: Cognitive Process of Creative Drawing by Copying Others' Artworks.

PubMed

Okada, Takeshi; Ishibashi, Kentaro

2017-09-01

To investigate the cognitive processes underlying creative inspiration, we tested the extent to which viewing or copying prior examples impacted creative output in art. In Experiment 1, undergraduates made drawings under three conditions: (a) copying an artist's drawing, then producing an original drawing; (b) producing an original drawing without having seen another's work; and (c) copying another artist's work, then reproducing that artist's style independently. We discovered that through copying unfamiliar abstract drawings, participants were able to produce creative drawings qualitatively different from the model drawings. Process analyses suggested that participants' cognitive constraints became relaxed, and new perspectives were formed from copying another's artwork. Experiment 2 showed that exposure to styles of artwork considered unfamiliar facilitated creativity in drawing, while styles considered familiar did not do so. Experiment 3 showed that both copying and thoroughly viewing artwork executed using an unfamiliar style facilitated creativity in drawing, whereas merely thinking about alternative styles of artistic representation did not do so. These experiments revealed that deep encounters with unfamiliar artworks-whether through copying or prolonged observation-change people's cognitive representations of the act of drawing to produce novel artwork. Copyright © 2016 Cognitive Science Society, Inc.

Model photo-responsive elastomers based on the self-assembly of side group liquid crystal triblock copolymers (Presentation Recording)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurji, Zuleikha; Kornfield, Julia A.; Kuzyk, Mark G.

2015-10-01

We report the synthesis of azobenzene-containing coil-liquid crystal-coil triblock copolymers that form uniform and highly reproducible elastomers by self-assembly. To serve as actuators to (non-invasively) steer a fiber optic, for example in deep brain stimulation, the polymers are designed to become monodomain "single liquid crystal" elastomers during the fiber-draw process and to have a large stress/strain response to stimulation with either light or heat. A fundamental scientific question that we seek to answer is how the interplay between the concentration of photoresponsive mesogens and the proximity to the nematic-isotropic transition governs the sensitivity of the material to stimuli. Specifically, a matched pair of polymers, one with ~5% azobenzene-containing side groups (~95% cyanobiphenyl side groups) and the other with 100% cyanobiphenyl side groups were synthesized from identical triblock pre-polymers (with polystyerene end blocks and 1,2-polybutadiene midblocks). These can be blended in various ratios to prepare a series of elastomers that are precisely matched in terms of the backbone length between physical crosslinks (because each polymer is derived from the same pre-polymer), while differing in % azobenzene side groups, allowing the effect of concentration of photoresponsive groups to be unambiguously determined.

Natural Fiber Composite Retting, Preform Manufacture and Molding (Project 18988/Agreement 16313)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Simmons, Kevin L.; Howe, Daniel T.; Laddha, Sachin

2009-12-31

Plant-based natural fibers can be used in place of glass in fiber reinforced automotive composites to reduce weight, cost and provide environmental benefits. Current automotive applications use natural fibers in injection molded thermoplastics for interior, non-structural applications. Compression molded natural fiber reinforced thermosets have the opportunity to extend natural fiber composite applications to structural and semi-structural parts and exterior parts realizing further vehicle weight savings. The development of low cost molding and fiber processing techniques for large volumes of natural fibers has helped in understanding the barriers of non-aqueous retting. The retting process has a significant effect on the fibermore » quality and its processing ability that is related to the natural fiber composite mechanical properties. PNNL has developed a compression molded fiber reinforced composite system of which is the basis for future preforming activities and fiber treatment. We are using this process to develop preforming techniques and to validate fiber treatment methods relative to OEM provided application specifications. It is anticipated for next fiscal year that demonstration of larger quantities of SMC materials and molding of larger, more complex components with a more complete testing regimen in coordination with Tier suppliers under OEM guidance.« less

Process control using fiber optics and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kemsley, E. K.; Wilson, Reginald H.

1992-03-01

A process control system has been constructed using optical fibers interfaced to a Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometer, to achieve remote spectroscopic analysis of food samples during processing. The multichannel interface accommodates six fibers, allowing the sequential observation of up to six samples. Novel fiber-optic sampling cells have been constructed, including transmission and attenuated total reflectance (ATR) designs. Different fiber types have been evaluated; in particular, plastic clad silica (PCS) and zirconium fluoride fibers. Processes investigated have included the dilution of fruit juice concentrate, and the addition of alcohol to fruit syrup. Suitable algorithms have been written which use the results of spectroscopic measurements to control and monitor the course of each process, by actuating devices such as valves and switches.

Low temperature stabilization process for production of carbon fiber having structural order

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rios, Orlando; McGuire, Michael Alan; More, Karren Leslie

A method for producing a carbon fiber, the method comprising: (i) subjecting a continuous carbon fiber precursor having a polymeric matrix in which strength-enhancing particles are incorporated to a stabilization process during which the carbon fiber precursor is heated to within a temperature range ranging from the glass transition temperature to no less than 20.degree. C. below the glass transition temperature of the polymeric matrix, wherein the maximum temperature employed in the stabilization process is below 400.degree. C., for a processing time within said temperature range of at least 1 hour in the presence of oxygen and in the presencemore » of a magnetic field of at least 1 Tesla, while said carbon fiber precursor is held under an applied axial tension; and (ii) subjecting the stabilized carbon fiber precursor, following step (i), to a carbonization process. The stabilized carbon fiber precursor, resulting carbon fiber, and articles made thereof are also described.« less

A New Fiber Preform with Nanocarbon Binder for Manufacturing Carbon Fiber Reinforced Composite by Liquid Molding Process.

PubMed

Seong, Dong Gi; Ha, Jong Rok; Lee, Jea Uk; Lee, Wonoh; Kim, Byung Sun

2015-11-01

Carbon fiber reinforced composite has been a good candidate of lightweight structural component in the automotive industry. As fast production speed is essential to apply the composite materials for the mass production area such as automotive components, the high speed liquid composite molding processes have been developed. Fast resin injection through the fiber preform by high pressure is required to improve the production speed, but it often results in undesirable deformations of the fiber preform which causes defectives in size and properties of the final composite products. In order to prevent the undesirable deformation and improve the stability of preform shape, polymer type binder materials are used. More stable fiber preform can be obtained by increasing the amount of binder material, but it disturbs the resin impregnation through the fiber preform. In this study, carbon nanomaterials such as graphene oxide were embedded on the surface of carbon fiber by electrophoretic deposition method in order to improve the shape stability of fiber preform and interfacial bonding between polymer and the reinforcing fiber. Effects of the modified reinforcing fiber were investigated in two respects. One is to increase the binding energy between fiber tows, and the other is to increase the interfacial bonding between polymer matrix and fiber surface. The effects were analyzed by measuring the binding force of fiber preform and interlaminar shear strength of the composite. This study also investigated the high speed liquid molding process of the composite materials composed of polymer matrix and the carbon fiber preforms embedded by carbon nanomaterials. Process parameter such as permeability of fiber preform was measured to investigate the effect of nanoscale surface modification on the macroscale processing condition for composite manufacturing.

Using Drawing Technology to Assess Students' Visualizations of Chemical Reaction Processes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chang, Hsin-Yi; Quintana, Chris; Krajcik, Joseph

2014-01-01

In this study, we investigated how students used a drawing tool to visualize their ideas of chemical reaction processes. We interviewed 30 students using thinking-aloud and retrospective methods and provided them with a drawing tool. We identified four types of connections the students made as they used the tool: drawing on existing knowledge,…

Production of Low Cost Carbon-Fiber through Energy Optimization of Stabilization Process.

PubMed

Golkarnarenji, Gelayol; Naebe, Minoo; Badii, Khashayar; Milani, Abbas S; Jazar, Reza N; Khayyam, Hamid

2018-03-05

To produce high quality and low cost carbon fiber-based composites, the optimization of the production process of carbon fiber and its properties is one of the main keys. The stabilization process is the most important step in carbon fiber production that consumes a large amount of energy and its optimization can reduce the cost to a large extent. In this study, two intelligent optimization techniques, namely Support Vector Regression (SVR) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN), were studied and compared, with a limited dataset obtained to predict physical property (density) of oxidative stabilized PAN fiber (OPF) in the second zone of a stabilization oven within a carbon fiber production line. The results were then used to optimize the energy consumption in the process. The case study can be beneficial to chemical industries involving carbon fiber manufacturing, for assessing and optimizing different stabilization process conditions at large.

Production of Low Cost Carbon-Fiber through Energy Optimization of Stabilization Process

PubMed Central

Golkarnarenji, Gelayol; Naebe, Minoo; Badii, Khashayar; Milani, Abbas S.; Jazar, Reza N.; Khayyam, Hamid

2018-01-01

To produce high quality and low cost carbon fiber-based composites, the optimization of the production process of carbon fiber and its properties is one of the main keys. The stabilization process is the most important step in carbon fiber production that consumes a large amount of energy and its optimization can reduce the cost to a large extent. In this study, two intelligent optimization techniques, namely Support Vector Regression (SVR) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN), were studied and compared, with a limited dataset obtained to predict physical property (density) of oxidative stabilized PAN fiber (OPF) in the second zone of a stabilization oven within a carbon fiber production line. The results were then used to optimize the energy consumption in the process. The case study can be beneficial to chemical industries involving carbon fiber manufacturing, for assessing and optimizing different stabilization process conditions at large. PMID:29510592

Thermoluminescence characteristics of Ge-doped optical fibers with different dimensions for radiation dosimetry.

PubMed

Begum, Mahfuza; Rahman, A K M Mizanur; Abdul-Rashid, H A; Yusoff, Z; Begum, Mahbuba; Mat-Sharif, K A; Amin, Y M; Bradley, D A

2015-06-01

Important thermoluminescence (TL) properties of five (5) different core sizes Ge-doped optical fibers have been studied to develop new TL material with better response. These are drawn from same preform applying different speed and tension during drawing phase to produce Ge-doped optical fibers with five (5) different core sizes. The results of the investigations are also compared with most commonly used standard TLD-100 chips (LiF:Mg,Ti) and commercial multimode Ge-doped optical fiber (Yangtze Optical Fiber, China). Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and EDX analysis of the fibers are also performed to map Ge distribution across the deposited region. Standard Gamma radiation source in Secondary Standard Dosimetry Lab (SSDL) was used for irradiation covering dose range from 1Gy to 10Gy. The essential dosimetric parameters that have been studied are TL linearity, reproducibility and fading. Prior to irradiation all samples ∼0.5cm length are annealed at temperature of 400°C for 1h period to standardize their sensitivities and background. Standard TLD-100 chips are also annealed for 1h at 400°C and subsequently 2h at 100°C to yield the highest sensitivity. TL responses of these fibers show linearity over a wide gamma radiation dose that is an important property for radiation dosimetry. Among all fibers used in this study, 100μm core diameter fiber provides highest response that is 2.6 times than that of smallest core (20μm core) optical fiber. These fiber-samples demonstrate better response than commercial multi-mode optical fiber and also provide low degree of fading about 20% over a period of fifteen days for gamma radiation. Effective atomic number (Zeff) is found in the range (13.25-13.69) which is higher than soft tissue (7.5) however within the range of human-bone (11.6-13.8). All the fibers can also be re-used several times as a detector after annealing. TL properties of the Ge-doped optical fibers indicate promising applications in ionizing radiation dosimetry. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fiber-Drawn Metamaterial for THz Waveguiding and Imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Atakaramians, Shaghik; Stefani, Alessio; Li, Haisu; Habib, Md. Samiul; Hayashi, Juliano Grigoleto; Tuniz, Alessandro; Tang, Xiaoli; Anthony, Jessienta; Lwin, Richard; Argyros, Alexander; Fleming, Simon C.; Kuhlmey, Boris T.

2017-09-01

In this paper, we review the work of our group in fabricating metamaterials for terahertz (THz) applications by fiber drawing. We discuss the fabrication technique and the structures that can be obtained before focusing on two particular applications of terahertz metamaterials, i.e., waveguiding and sub-diffraction imaging. We show the experimental demonstration of THz radiation guidance through hollow core waveguides with metamaterial cladding, where substantial improvements were realized compared to conventional hollow core waveguides, such as reduction of size, greater flexibility, increased single-mode operating regime, and guiding due to magnetic and electric resonances. We also report recent and new experimental work on near- and far-field THz imaging using wire array metamaterials that are capable of resolving features as small as λ/28.

The forming simulation of flexible glass with silt down draw method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yansheng, Hou; Jinshu, Cheng; Junfeng, Kang; Jing, Cui

2018-03-01

The slit down draw method is the main manufacturing process of flexible glass. In this study, Flow3DTM software was used to simulate the process of drawing and thinning glass slits during the slit down draw process. The influence of glass viscosity, initial plate thickness and initial plate speed on the glass spreading process was studied. The maximum pull-down force that the root can bear is linearly proportional to the viscosity, the initial thickness of 1.3837 power and the initial plate speed, respectively. The best way to improve the tensile strength of flexible glass is to increase the viscosity. Flexible glass was more easily to obtain with low viscosity, low thickness and low drawing speed.

Developments in Hollow Graphite Fiber Technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stallcup, Michael; Brantley, Lott W., Jr. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Hollow graphite fibers will be lighter than standard solid graphite fibers and, thus, will save weight in optical components. This program will optimize the processing and properties of hollow carbon fibers developed by MER and to scale-up the processing to produce sufficient fiber for fabricating a large ultra-lightweight mirror for delivery to NASA.

Feasibility and process scale-up low cost alumina fibers for advanced Re-usable Surface Insulation (RSI)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pearson, A.

1975-01-01

The objective of this program was to establish feasibility of a process to produce low cost aluminum oxide fibers having sufficient strength, flexibility, and thermal stability for multiple re-use at temperatures to 1480 C in advanced RSI type heat shields for reentry vehicles. Using bench-scale processing apparatus, the Alcoa 'Saphiber' process was successfully modified to produce nominally 8 microns diameter polycrystalline alpha-alumina fiber. Thermal stability was demonstrated in vacuum reheating tests to 1371 C and in atmospheric reheating to 1483 C. Individual fiber properties of strength, modulus, and flexibility were not determined because of friability and short length of the fiber. Rigidized tile produced from fiber of nominally 8, 20 and 40 micron diameter had thermal conductivities significantly higher than those of RSI SiO2 or mullite at relatively low temperature but became comparable above about 1000 C. Tile densities were high due to short fiber length, especially in the coarser diameter fiber. No significant effect of fiber diameter on thermal properties could be determined form the data. Mechanical properties of tiles deteriorated as fiber diameter increased.

The Effects of Gravity on the Crystallization Behavior of Heavy Metal Fluoride Glasses

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tucker, Dennis S.; Smith, Guy A.

2004-01-01

Heavy metal fluoride glasses are used in such applications as fiber lasers and laser amplifiers. ZrF4-BaF2-LaF3-AlF3-NaF (ZBLAN) is one of the more commonly used heavy metal fluoride glasses. ZBLAN is an infrared transmitter and has a theoretical attenuation coefficient of 0.002 db/km. However, due to impurities and small crystallites this attenuation coefficient has not been achieved to date. ZBLAN is a fragile glass which can lead to rapid crystallization, if the glass is not cooled rapidly to below the glass transition temperature or if the glass is reheated near the crystallization temperature for any period of time. Studies carried on at Marshall Space Flight Center and the University of Alabama in Huntsville since 1993 have shown that heating ZBLAN glass at the crystallization temperature in reduced gravity results in a suppression of crystallization when compared to ZBLAN processed in unit gravity. These studies utilized NASA's KC-135 aircraft and the Conquest sounding rocket. In the first series of experiments, short lengths of ZBLAN fiber were heated to the crystallization temperature in reduced gravity on board the KC- 135 and the Conquest sounding rocket and compared with fibers heated in unit gravity. The fibers processed in reduced gravity showed no evidence of crystallization when studied with x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. However, the fibers processed in unit gravity were completely crystallized. Subsequent experiments included heating small pieces of ZBLAN glass at the crystallization temperature while viewing with a video camera to follow the crystallization phenomenon. In this experiment crystallization was observed in reduced gravity, however, it was suppressed when compared to heating in unit gravity. In the most recent experiment on board the KC-135, rapid thermal analysis of ZBLAN was performed. A mechanism to explain the observations has been proposed. This mechanism is based on shear thinning whereby, the glass undergoes a reduction in viscosity in the 10(exp 5) - 10(exp 7) poise range, allowing more rapid diffusion and thus crystallization. It is proposed that this mechanism is suppressed in reduced gravity. An experiment is presently being conducted to test this theory. With increased knowledge of ZBLAN behavior in reduced gravity, three low earth orbit tiber drawing facilities have been designed. One would be suitable for use on the International Space Station, another while aboard the Space Shuttle and the third system is a fully automated facility which would operate independently of the ISS or Shuttle in a free float mode. The primary benefits of free floating a facility in LEO includes a higher quality of microgravity and reduced safety concerns since it is not in a manned environment.

Spectrophotometers for plutonium monitoring in HB-line

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lascola, R. J.; O'Rourke, P. E.; Kyser, E. A.

2016-02-12

This report describes the equipment, control software, calibrations for total plutonium and plutonium oxidation state, and qualification studies for the instrument. It also provides a detailed description of the uncertainty analysis, which includes source terms associated with plutonium calibration standards, instrument drift, and inter-instrument variability. Also included are work instructions for instrument, flow cell, and optical fiber setup, work instructions for routine maintenance, and drawings and schematic diagrams.

The photomultiplier tube calibration system of the MicroBooNE experiment

DOE PAGES

Conrad, J.; Jones, B. J. P.; Moss, Z.; ...

2015-06-03

Here, we report on the design and construction of a LED-based fiber calibration system for large liquid argon time projection detectors. This system was developed to calibrate the optical systems of the MicroBooNE experiment. As well as detailing the materials and installation procedure, we provide technical drawings and specifications so that the system may be easily replicated in future LArTPC detectors.

Design and Fabrication of Calibration Device for Scintillating Fibers of Tagger Microscope: For use in GlueX's QCD Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Briere, Emily

2012-10-01

For decades, scientists have struggled to understand the chromo-electromagnetic field which confines quarks and gluons within the hadron. GlueX is a QCD experiment centered at Jefferson Lab, Virginia, seeking to better understand this gluonic field by exciting it and mapping the spectrum of exotic hybrid mesons that it generates. The experiment uses coherent bremsstrahlung radiation to produce a beam of photons, which due to their polarity act as virtual vector mesons. When incident on a liquid hydrogen target, these mesons are expected to form exotic hybrid mesons. Such particles quickly decay into new particles which are captured in a solenoid detector. The decays can then be reconstructed to examine the properties of the original exotic hybrid meson, although the initial energy of the photon is required to draw meaningful conclusions. The post-bremsstrahlung degraded electrons are bent from the main beam into the tagger microscope where they strike an array of scintillating optical fibers. Given the correlation between momentum and radial bend, the Silicon Photmultiplier sensors attached to the optical fibers are able to ``tag'' the electrons', and thus the photons', initial energies based on which fibers were hit. Providing central data for GlueX, the tagger microscope must be accurate. This paper details the design and fabrication of a scintillating fiber calibration device that moves horizontally above fiber bundles, using a green laser diode to direct light pulses into the fibers. This calibration method has been tested mechanically and via a Monte Carlo Matlab simulation, and has proven to be effective.

Study on parameters affecting the mechanical properties of dry fiber bundles during continuous composite manufacturing processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maier, A.; Schledjewski, R.

2016-07-01

For continuous manufacturing processes mechanical preloading of the fibers occurs during the delivery of the fibers from the spool creel to the actual manufacturing process step. Moreover preloading of the dry roving bundles might be mandatory, e.g. during winding, to be able to produce high quality components. On the one hand too high tensile loads within dry roving bundles might result in a catastrophic failure and on the other hand the part produced under too low pre-tension might have low quality and mechanical properties. In this work, load conditions influencing mechanical properties of dry glass fiber bundles during continuous composite manufacturing processes were analyzed. Load conditions, i.e. fiber delivery speed, necessary pre-tension and other effects of the delivery system during continuous fiber winding, were chosen in process typical ranges. First, the strain rate dependency under static tensile load conditions was investigated. Furthermore different free gauge lengths up to 1.2 m, interactions between fiber points of contact regarding influence of sizing as well as impregnation were tested and the effect of twisting on the mechanical behavior of dry glass fiber bundles during the fiber delivery was studied.

Mechanical recycling of continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic sheets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moritzer, Elmar; Heiderich, Gilmar

2016-03-01

This contribution examines possible material recycling of offcuts generated during the production of continuous-fiber-reinforced composite sheets. These sheets consist of a polyamide 6 matrix and glass fiber fabric. In the initial step, the offcut is shredded to obtain particles; following that, the particles are processed in a twin-screw process to produce fiber-reinforced plastic pellets with varying fiber contents. These pellets are intended for use in injection molding processes as a substitution for new raw materials. This investigation centers on the mechanical properties which can be achieved with the recycled material after both the twin-screw process and injection molding.

A low-cost, computer-interfaced drawing pad for FMRI studies of dysgraphia and dyslexia.

PubMed

Reitz, Frederick; Richards, Todd; Wu, Kelvin; Boord, Peter; Askren, Mary; Lewis, Thomas; Berninger, Virginia

2013-04-17

We have developed a pen and writing tablet for use by subjects during fMRI scanning. The pen consists of two jacketed, multi-mode optical fibers routed to the tip of a hollowed-out ball-point pen. The pen has been further modified by addition of a plastic plate to maintain a perpendicular pen-tablet orientation. The tablet is simply a non-metallic frame holding a paper print of continuously varying color gradients. The optical fibers are routed out of the MRI bore to a light-tight box in an adjacent control room. Within the box, light from a high intensity LED is coupled into one of the fibers, while the other fiber abuts a color sensor. Light from the LED exits the pen tip, illuminating a small spot on the tablet, and the resulting reflected light is routed to the color sensor. Given a lookup table of position for each color on the tablet, the coordinates of the pen on the tablet may be displayed and digitized in real-time. While simple and inexpensive, the system achieves sufficient resolution to grade writing tasks testing dysgraphic and dyslexic phenomena.

Kinetochore fiber formation in animal somatic cells: dueling mechanisms come to a draw

PubMed Central

2008-01-01

The attachment to and movement of a chromosome on the mitotic spindle are mediated by the formation of a bundle of microtubules (MTs) that tethers the kinetochore on the chromosome to a spindle pole. The origin of these “kinetochore fibers” (K fibers) has been investigated for over 125 years. As noted in 1944 by Schrader [Mitosis, Columbia University Press, New York, 110 pp.], there are three possible ways to form a K fiber: (a) it grows from the pole until it contacts the kinetochore, (b) it grows directly from the kinetochore, or (c) it forms as a result of an interaction between the pole and the chromosome. Since Schrader's time, it has been firmly established that K fibers in centrosome-containing animal somatic cells form as kinetochores capture MTs growing from the spindle pole (route a). It is now similarly clear that in cells lacking centrosomes, including higher plants and many animal oocytes, K fibers “self-assemble” from MTs generated by the chromosomes (route b). Can animal somatic cells form K fibers in the absence of centrosomes by the “self-assembly” pathway? In 2000, the answer to this question was shown to be a resounding “yes.” With this result, the next question became whether the presence of a centrosome normally suppresses K fiber self-assembly or if this route works concurrently with centrosome-mediated K-fiber formation. This question, too, has recently been answered: observations on untreated live animal cells expressing green fluorescent protein-tagged tubulin clearly show that kinetochores can nucleate the formation of their associated MTs in a unique manner in the presence of functional centrosomes. The concurrent operation of these two “dueling” routes for forming K fibers in animal cells helps explain why the attachment of kinetochores and the maturation of K fibers occur as quickly as they do on all chromosomes within a cell. PMID:16270218

Case studies on the physical-chemical parameters' variation during three different purification approaches destined to treat wastewaters from food industry.

PubMed

Ghimpusan, Marieta; Nechifor, Gheorghe; Nechifor, Aurelia-Cristina; Dima, Stefan-Ovidiu; Passeri, Piero

2017-12-01

The paper presents a set of three interconnected case studies on the depuration of food processing wastewaters by using aeration & ozonation and two types of hollow-fiber membrane bioreactor (MBR) approaches. A secondary and more extensive objective derived from the first one is to draw a clearer, broader frame on the variation of physical-chemical parameters during the purification of wastewaters from food industry through different operating modes with the aim of improving the management of water purification process. Chemical oxygen demand (COD), pH, mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS), total nitrogen, specific nitrogen (NH 4 + , NO 2 - , NO 3 - ) total phosphorous, and total surfactants were the measured parameters, and their influence was discussed in order to establish the best operating mode to achieve the purification performances. The integrated air-ozone aeration process applied in the second operating mode lead to a COD decrease by up to 90%, compared to only 75% obtained in a conventional biological activated sludge process. The combined purification process of MBR and ozonation produced an additional COD decrease of 10-15%, and made the Total Surfactants values to comply to the specific legislation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Drawing Links between the Autism Cognitive Profile and Imagination: Executive Function and Processing Bias in Imaginative Drawings by Children with and without Autism

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ten Eycke, Kayla D.; Müller, Ulrich

2018-01-01

Little is known about the relation between cognitive processes and imagination and whether this relation differs between neurotypically developing children and children with autism. To address this issue, we administered a cognitive task battery and Karmiloff-Smith's drawing task, which requires children to draw imaginative people and houses. For…

Effect of Voltage and Flow Rate Electrospinning Parameters on Polyacrylonitrile Electrospun Fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bakar, S. S. S.; Fong, K. C.; Eleyas, A.; Nazeri, M. F. M.

2018-03-01

Currently, electrospinning is a very famous technique and widely used for forming polymer nanofibers. In this paper, the Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers were prepared in concentration of 10wt% with varied processing parameters that can affect the properties of PAN fiber in term of fiber diameter and electrical conductivity was presented. Voltage of 10, 15 and 20 kV with PAN flow rate of 1 electrospun PAN fibers were then undergo pyrolysis at 800°C for 30 minutes. The resultant PAN nanofibers were then analysed by SEM, XRD and four point probe test after pyrolysis process. SEM image show continuos uniform and smooth surface fibrous structure of electrospun PAN fibers with average diameter of 1.81 μm. The fiber morphology is controlled by manipulating the processing parameters of electrospinning process. The results showed that the resistance of electrospun PAN fibers decreases as the processing parameter changes by increasing the applied voltage and flow rate of electrospinning.

Electrospun amplified fiber optics.

PubMed

Morello, Giovanni; Camposeo, Andrea; Moffa, Maria; Pisignano, Dario

2015-03-11

All-optical signal processing is the focus of much research aiming to obtain effective alternatives to existing data transmission platforms. Amplification of light in fiber optics, such as in Erbium-doped fiber amplifiers, is especially important for efficient signal transmission. However, the complex fabrication methods involving high-temperature processes performed in a highly pure environment slow the fabrication process and make amplified components expensive with respect to an ideal, high-throughput, room temperature production. Here, we report on near-infrared polymer fiber amplifiers working over a band of ∼20 nm. The fibers are cheap, spun with a process entirely carried out at room temperature, and shown to have amplified spontaneous emission with good gain coefficients and low levels of optical losses (a few cm(-1)). The amplification process is favored by high fiber quality and low self-absorption. The found performance metrics appear to be suitable for short-distance operations, and the large variety of commercially available doping dyes might allow for effective multiwavelength operations by electrospun amplified fiber optics.

Presence of Tungsten-Containing Fibers in Tungsten Refining and Manufacturing Processes

PubMed Central

Mckernan, John L.; Toraason, Mark A.; Fernback, Joseph E.; Petersen, Martin R.

2009-01-01

In tungsten refining and manufacturing processes, a series of tungsten oxides are typically formed as intermediates in the production of tungsten powder. The present study was conducted to characterize airborne tungsten-containing fiber dimensions, elemental composition and concentrations in the US tungsten refining and manufacturing industry. During the course of normal employee work activities, seven personal breathing zone and 62 area air samples were collected and analyzed using National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) fiber sampling and counting methods to determine dimensions, composition and airborne concentrations of fibers. Mixed models were used to identify relationships between potential determinants and airborne fiber concentrations. Results from transmission electron microscopy analyses indicated that airborne fibers with length >0.5 μm, diameter >0.01 μm and aspect ratios ≥3:1 were present on 35 of the 69 air samples collected. Overall, the airborne fibers detected had a geometric mean length ≈3 μm and diameter ≈0.3 μm. Ninety-seven percent of the airborne fibers identified were in the thoracic fraction (i.e. aerodynamic diameter ≤ 10 μm). Energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry results indicated that airborne fibers prior to the carburization process consisted primarily of tungsten and oxygen, with other elements being detected in trace quantities. Based on NIOSH fiber counting ‘B’ rules (length > 5 μm, diameter < 3 μm and aspect ratio ≥ 5:1), airborne fiber concentrations ranged from below the limit of detection to 0.085 fibers cm−3, with calcining being associated with the highest airborne concentrations. The mixed model procedure indicated that process temperature had a marginally significant relationship to airborne fiber concentration. This finding was expected since heated processes such as calcining created the highest airborne fiber concentrations. The finding of airborne tungsten-containing fibers in this occupational setting needs to be confirmed in similar settings and demonstrates the need to obtain information on the durability and associated health effects of these fibers. PMID:19126624

Methods for Producing High-Performance Silicon Carbide Fibers, Architectural Preforms, and High-Temperature Composite Structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yun, Hee-Mann (Inventor); DiCarlo, James A. (Inventor)

2014-01-01

Methods are disclosed for producing architectural preforms and high-temperature composite structures containing high-strength ceramic fibers with reduced preforming stresses within each fiber, with an in-situ grown coating on each fiber surface, with reduced boron within the bulk of each fiber, and with improved tensile creep and rupture resistance properties tier each fiber. The methods include the steps of preparing an original sample of a preform formed from a pre-selected high-strength silicon carbide ceramic fiber type, placing the original sample in a processing furnace under a pre-selected preforming stress state and thermally treating the sample in the processing furnace at a pre-selected processing temperature and hold time in a processing gas having a pre-selected composition, pressure, and flow rate. For the high-temperature composite structures, the method includes additional steps of depositing a thin interphase coating on the surface of each fiber and forming a ceramic or carbon-based matrix within the sample.

Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of as-Drawn and Laboratory Annealed Pearlitic Steel Wires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Durgaprasad, A.; Giri, S.; Lenka, S.; Kundu, S.; Mishra, S.; Chandra, S.; Doherty, R. D.; Samajdar, I.

2017-10-01

Near eutectoid fully pearlitic wire rod (5.5 mm diameter) was taken through six stages of wire drawing (drawing strains of 0 to 2.47). The as-drawn (AD) wires were further laboratory annealed (LA) to re-austenitize and reform the pearlite. AD and LA grades, for respective wire diameters, had similar pearlite microstructure: interlamellar spacing ( λ) and pearlite alignment with the wire axis. However, LA grade had lower hardness (for both phases) and slightly lower fiber texture and residual stresses in ferrite. Surprisingly, essentially identical tensile yield strengths in AD and LA wires, measured at equivalent spacing, were found. The work hardened AD had, as expected, higher torsional yield strengths and lower tensile and torsional ductilities than LA. In both wires, stronger pearlite alignment gave significantly increased torsional ductility.

Methods for producing silicon carbide architectural preforms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

DiCarlo, James A. (Inventor); Yun, Hee (Inventor)

2010-01-01

Methods are disclosed for producing architectural preforms and high-temperature composite structures containing high-strength ceramic fibers with reduced preforming stresses within each fiber, with an in-situ grown coating on each fiber surface, with reduced boron within the bulk of each fiber, and with improved tensile creep and rupture resistance properties for each fiber. The methods include the steps of preparing an original sample of a preform formed from a pre-selected high-strength silicon carbide ceramic fiber type, placing the original sample in a processing furnace under a pre-selected preforming stress state and thermally treating the sample in the processing furnace at a pre-selected processing temperature and hold time in a processing gas having a pre-selected composition, pressure, and flow rate. For the high-temperature composite structures, the method includes additional steps of depositing a thin interphase coating on the surface of each fiber and forming a ceramic or carbon-based matrix within the sample.

Enhanced radiation resistant fiber optics

DOEpatents

Lyons, Peter B.; Looney, Larry D.

1993-01-01

A process for producing an optical fiber having enhanced radiation resitance is provided, the process including maintaining an optical fiber within a hydrogen-containing atmosphere for sufficient time to yield a hydrogen-permeated optical fiber having an elevated internal hydrogen concentration, and irradiating the hydrogen-permeated optical fiber at a time while the optical fiber has an elevated internal hydrogen concentration with a source of ionizing radiation. The radiation source is typically a cobalt-60 source and the fiber is pre-irradiated with a dose level up to about 1000 kilorads of radiation.

Enhanced radiation resistant fiber optics

DOEpatents

Lyons, P.B.; Looney, L.D.

1993-11-30

A process for producing an optical fiber having enhanced radiation resistance is provided, the process including maintaining an optical fiber within a hydrogen-containing atmosphere for sufficient time to yield a hydrogen-permeated optical fiber having an elevated internal hydrogen concentration, and irradiating the hydrogen-permeated optical fiber at a time while the optical fiber has an elevated internal hydrogen concentration with a source of ionizing radiation. The radiation source is typically a cobalt-60 source and the fiber is pre-irradiated with a dose level up to about 1000 kilorads of radiation. 4 figures.

Automated fiber placement: Evolution and current demonstrations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grant, Carroll G.; Benson, Vernon M.

1993-01-01

The automated fiber placement process has been in development at Hercules since 1980. Fiber placement is being developed specifically for aircraft and other high performance structural applications. Several major milestones have been achieved during process development. These milestones are discussed in this paper. The automated fiber placement process is currently being demonstrated on the NASA ACT program. All demonstration projects to date have focused on fiber placement of transport aircraft fuselage structures. Hercules has worked closely with Boeing and Douglas on these demonstration projects. This paper gives a description of demonstration projects and results achieved.

Fiber-optic strain gauge with attached ends and unattached microbend section

DOEpatents

Weiss, J.D.

1992-07-21

A strain gauge is made of an optical fiber into which quasi-sinusoidal microbends have been permanently introduced. The permanent microbends cause a reduction in the fiber's optical transmission, but, when the gauge is attached to a substrate that is subsequently strained, the amplitude of the deformations will diminish and the optical transmission through the fiber will increase. An apparatus and process for manufacturing these microbends into the optical fiber through a heat-set process is employed; this apparatus and process includes a testing and calibration system. 5 figs.

Spinnability and Characteristics of Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF)-based Bicomponent Fibers with a Carbon Nanotube (CNT) Modified Polypropylene Core for Piezoelectric Applications

PubMed Central

Glauß, Benjamin; Steinmann, Wilhelm; Walter, Stephan; Beckers, Markus; Seide, Gunnar; Gries, Thomas; Roth, Georg

2013-01-01

This research explains the melt spinning of bicomponent fibers, consisting of a conductive polypropylene (PP) core and a piezoelectric sheath (polyvinylidene fluoride). Previously analyzed piezoelectric capabilities of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) are to be exploited in sensor filaments. The PP compound contains a 10 wt % carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and 2 wt % sodium stearate (NaSt). The sodium stearate is added to lower the viscosity of the melt. The compound constitutes the fiber core that is conductive due to a percolation CNT network. The PVDF sheath’s piezoelectric effect is based on the formation of an all-trans conformation β phase, caused by draw-winding of the fibers. The core and sheath materials, as well as the bicomponent fibers, are characterized through different analytical methods. These include wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) to analyze crucial parameters for the development of a crystalline β phase. The distribution of CNTs in the polymer matrix, which affects the conductivity of the core, was investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Thermal characterization is carried out by conventional differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Optical microscopy is used to determine the fibers’ diameter regularity (core and sheath). The materials’ viscosity is determined by rheometry. Eventually, an LCR tester is used to determine the core’s specific resistance. PMID:28811400

Flame and acid resistant polymide fibers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stringham, R. S.; Toy, M. S.

1977-01-01

Economical process improves flame resistance and resistance to acids of polyamide fibers, without modifying colors of mechanical properties. Process improves general safety of garments and other items made from polyamide fibers and makes them suitable for applications requiring exposure to oxygen-rich atmosphere or corrosive acids. Halo-olefins are added to surface of fibers by photoadditon in sealed chamber. Process could be used with films and other forms of polyamide.

Continuous Fiber Ceramic Composites

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fareed, Ali; Craig, Phillip A.

2002-09-01

Fiber-reinforced ceramic composites demonstrate the high-temperature stability of ceramics--with an increased fracture toughness resulting from the fiber reinforcement of the composite. The material optimization performed under the continuous fiber ceramic composites (CFCC) included a series of systematic optimizations. The overall goals were to define the processing window, to increase the robustinous of the process, to increase process yield while reducing costs, and to define the complexity of parts that could be fabricated.

Design package for concentrating solar collector panels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1978-01-01

Information used to evaluate the design of the Northrup concentrating collector is presented. Included are the system performance specifications, the applications manual, and the detailed design drawings of the collector. The collector is a water/glycol/working fluid type, with a dipped galvanized steel housing, transparent acrylic Fresnel lens cover, copper absorber tube, and fiber glass insulation. It weights 98 pounds. A collector assembly includes four collector units within a tracking mount array.

Aeroelastic Tailoring with Composites Applied to Forward Swept Wings

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-11-01

M AIR FORCE SYSTEMS COMMAND J 9 1982 , S- WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, OHIO 45433 K 82 06 09 036 NOTICE When Govervomnant drawing, specifications...orients these materials in optimum directions. In a paper presented at the 1975 AIAA Aircraft Systems and Technology Meeting, Krone analytically...ith slope of load versus angle of attack lines 0 fiber angle (usually angle under study) viii SECTION I INTRODUCTION "When a weapon system is compared

The comparison of two methods to manufacture fused biconical tapered optical fiber coupler

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yue; Liu, Hairong

2009-08-01

Optical fiber coupler is a directional coupler which is crucial component for optical fiber communication systems. The fused biconical taper is the most important method in facture of optical fiber coupler, with many advantages of low excess loss, precise coupling ratio, good consistency and stability. In this paper we have introduced a new method to manufacture optical fiber coupler. And more over the new manufacture process has been compared with the traditional manufacture method. In the traditional crafts, two optical fibers are parallel placed, and then use the method of tie a knot of the two optical fibers. In the new process, a new program of fiber placement is introduced. Two optical fibers are parallel placed in the middle of the fixture, and then in order to make the bare part of the optical fiber close as much as possible, the new plan using high temperature resistant material bind the both end of the fiber which are not removing the cladding. After many contrast tests, we can see that adopt the improved method of fiber placement, during the process of fiber pulling, the variation of optical power in the directional arm and the coupler arm are more smooth and steady. But the excess loss (EL) generated in the process of pulling is a bit higher than the traditional method of tie a knot. The tests show that the new method of optical fiber placement is feasible in the actual projects for the manufacture of coupler with low coupling ratio, but for the control of the EL still need further studying.

Material processing with fiber based ultrafast pulse delivery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baumbach, S.; Stockburger, R.; Führa, B.; Zoller, S.; Thum, S.; Moosmann, J.; Maier, D.; Kanal, F.; Russ, S.; Kaiser, E.; Budnicki, A.; Sutter, D. H.; Pricking, S.; Killi, A.

2018-02-01

We report on TRUMPF's ultrafast laser systems equipped with industrialized hollow core fiber laser light cables. Beam guidance in general by means of optical fibers, e.g. for multi kilowatt cw laser systems, has become an integral part of laser-based material processing. One advantage of fiber delivery, among others, is the mechanical separation between laser and processing head. An equally important benefit is given by the fact that the fiber end acts as an opto-mechanical fix-point close to successive optical elements in the processing head. Components like lenses, diffractive optical elements etc. can thus be designed towards higher efficiency which results in better material processing. These aspects gain increasing significance when the laser system operates in fundamental mode which is usually the case for ultrafast lasers. Through the last years beam guidance of ultrafast laser pulses by means of hollow core fiber technology established very rapidly. The combination of TRUMPF's long-term stable ultrafast laser sources, passive fiber coupling, connector and packaging forms a flexible and powerful system for laser based material processing well suited for an industrial environment. In this article we demonstrate common material processing applications with ultrafast lasers realized with TRUMPF's hollow core fiber delivery. The experimental results are contrasted and evaluated against conventional free space propagation in order to illustrate the performance of flexible ultrafast beam delivery.

Development program to produce mullite fiber insulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Long, W. G.

1975-01-01

Processing methods were utilized to form a mullite fiber-Kaowool felt. The formation of a blended felt using the Rotoformer wet-laying method was successful. Felt products were evaluated for tensile strength, thermal stability, thermal conductivity and structural integrity at 1259 C and 1371 C. Textile processing methods failed in an attempt to form a yarn from staple and multifilament mullite fiber due to fiber damage through mechanical handling. The refractoriness of pure Kaowool ceramic fiber is improved with additions of 30% or greater mullite fiber.

Influence of dietary fiber on inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer: importance of fermentation pattern.

PubMed

Rose, Devin J; DeMeo, Mark T; Keshavarzian, Ali; Hamaker, Bruce R

2007-02-01

The benefits of dietary fiber on inflammatory bowel disease may be related to the fermentative production of butyrate in the colon, which appears to decrease the inflammatory response. The benefits of dietary fiber against colon cancer may be related to both fermentative and non-fermentative processes, although poorly fermentable fibers appear more influential. Dietary fiber fermentation profiles are important in determining optimal fibers for colonic health, and may be a function of structure, processing conditions, and other food components. A greater understanding of the relationships between fermentation rate and dietary fiber structure would allow for development of dietary fibers for optimum colonic health.

Formability analysis of aluminum alloys through deep drawing process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pranavi, U.; Janaki Ramulu, Perumalla; Chandramouli, Ch; Govardhan, Dasari; Prasad, PVS. Ram

2016-09-01

Deep drawing process is a significant metal forming process used in the sheet metal forming operations. From this process complex shapes can be manufactured with fewer defects. Deep drawing process has different effectible process parameters from which an optimum level of parameters should be identified so that an efficient final product with required mechanical properties will be obtained. The present work is to evaluate the formability of Aluminum alloy sheets using deep drawing process. In which effects of punch radius, lubricating conditions, die radius, and blank holding forces on deep drawing process observed for AA 6061 aluminum alloy sheet of 2 mm thickness. The numerical simulations are performed for deep drawing of square cups using three levels of aforesaid parameters like lubricating conditions and blank holding forces and two levels of punch radii and die radii. For numerical simulation a commercial FEM code is used in which Hollomon's power law and Hill's 1948 yield criterions are implemented. The deep drawing setup used in the FEM code is modeled using a CAD tool by considering the modeling requirements from the literature. Two different strain paths (150x150mm and 200x200mm) are simulated. Punch forces, thickness distributions and dome heights are evaluated for all the conditions. In addition failure initiation and propagation is also observed. From the results, by increasing the coefficient of friction and blank holding force, punch force, thickness distribution and dome height variations are observed. The comparison has done and the optimistic parameters were suggested from the results. From this work one can predict the formability for different strain paths without experimentation.

Influence of asymmetrical drawing radius deviation in micro deep drawing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heinrich, L.; Kobayashi, H.; Shimizu, T.; Yang, M.; Vollertsen, F.

2017-09-01

Nowadays, an increasing demand for small metal parts in electronic and automotive industries can be observed. Deep drawing is a well-suited technology for the production of such parts due to its excellent qualities for mass production. However, the downscaling of the forming process leads to new challenges in tooling and process design, such as high relative deviation of tool geometry or blank displacement compared to the macro scale. FEM simulation has been a widely-used tool to investigate the influence of symmetrical process deviations as for instance a global variance of the drawing radius. This study shows a different approach that allows to determine the impact of asymmetrical process deviations on micro deep drawing. In this particular case the impact of an asymmetrical drawing radius deviation and blank displacement on cup geometry deviation was investigated for different drawing ratios by experiments and FEM simulation. It was found that both variations result in an increasing cup height deviation. Nevertheless, with increasing drawing ratio a constant drawing radius deviation has an increasing impact, while blank displacement results in a decreasing offset of the cups geometry. This is explained by different mechanisms that result in an uneven cup geometry. While blank displacement leads to material surplus on one side of the cup, an unsymmetrical radius deviation on the other hand generates uneven stretching of the cups wall. This is intensified for higher drawing ratios. It can be concluded that the effect of uneven radius geometry proves to be of major importance for the production of accurately shaped micro cups and cannot be compensated by intentional blank displacement.

Drawing as Instrument, Drawings as Evidence: Capturing Mental Processes with Pencil and Paper

PubMed Central

Puglionesi, Alicia

2016-01-01

Researchers in the mind sciences often look to the production and analysis of drawings to reveal the mental processes of their subjects. This essay presents three episodes that trace the emergence of drawing as an instrumental practice in the study of the mind. Between 1880 and 1930, drawings gained currency as a form of scientific evidence – as stable, reproducible signals from a hidden interior. I begin with the use of drawings as data in the child study movement, move to the telepathic transmission of drawings in psychical research and conclude with the development of drawing as an experimental and diagnostic tool for studying neurological impairment. Despite significant shifts in the theoretical and disciplinary organisation of the mind sciences in the early twentieth century, researchers attempted to stabilise the use of subject-generated drawings as evidence by controlling the contexts in which drawings were produced and reproduced, and crafting subjects whose interiority could be effectively circumscribed. While movements such as psychoanalysis and art therapy would embrace the narrative interpretation of patient art, neuropsychology continued to utilise drawings as material traces of cognitive functions. PMID:27292325

Drawing as Instrument, Drawings as Evidence: Capturing Mental Processes with Pencil and Paper.

PubMed

Puglionesi, Alicia

2016-07-01

Researchers in the mind sciences often look to the production and analysis of drawings to reveal the mental processes of their subjects. This essay presents three episodes that trace the emergence of drawing as an instrumental practice in the study of the mind. Between 1880 and 1930, drawings gained currency as a form of scientific evidence - as stable, reproducible signals from a hidden interior. I begin with the use of drawings as data in the child study movement, move to the telepathic transmission of drawings in psychical research and conclude with the development of drawing as an experimental and diagnostic tool for studying neurological impairment. Despite significant shifts in the theoretical and disciplinary organisation of the mind sciences in the early twentieth century, researchers attempted to stabilise the use of subject-generated drawings as evidence by controlling the contexts in which drawings were produced and reproduced, and crafting subjects whose interiority could be effectively circumscribed. While movements such as psychoanalysis and art therapy would embrace the narrative interpretation of patient art, neuropsychology continued to utilise drawings as material traces of cognitive functions.

Processing and characterization of polycrystalline YAG (Yttrium Aluminum Garnet) core-clad fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Hyun Jun; Fair, Geoff E.; Potticary, Santeri A.; O'Malley, Matthew J.; Usechak, Nicholas G.

2014-06-01

Polycrystalline YAG fiber has recently attracted considerable attention for the role it could play as a fiber-laser gain media. This primarily due to its large surface-to-volume ratio, high stimulated Brillouin scattering threshold, and its high thermal conductivity; all of which are superior to that of silica-glass fibers. As a consequence, techniques which enable the fabrication of poly- and single-crystalline YAG fibers have recently been the focus of a number of efforts. In this work we have endeavored to reduce the scattering loss of polycrystalline-YAG-core fibers while simultaneously demonstrating optical gain by enhancing our processing techniques using feedback from mechanical testing and through the development of a technique to encase doped YAG-core fibers with un-doped YAG claddings. To this end we have recently fabricated fibers with both core and claddings made up of polycrystalline YAG and subsequently confirmed that they indeed guide light. In this paper, the processes leading to the fabrication of these fibers will be discussed along with their characterization.

The development of an alternative thermoplastic powder prepregging technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ogden, A. L.; Hyer, M. W.; Wilkes, G. L.; Loos, A. C.

1992-01-01

An alternative powder prepregging technique is discussed that is based on the deposition of powder onto carbon fibers that have been moistened using an ultrasonic humidifier. The dry fiber tow is initially spread to allow a greater amount of the fiber surface to be exposed to the powder, thus ensuring a significant amount of intimate contact between the fiber and the matrix. Moisture in the form of ultrafine water droplets is then deposited onto the spread fiber tow. The moisture promotes adhesion to the fiber until the powder can be tacked to the fibers by melting. Powdered resin is then sieved onto the fibers and then tacked onto the fibers by quick heating in a convective oven. This study focuses on the production of prepregs and laminates made with LaRC-TPI (thermoplastic polyimide) using this process. Although the process appears to be successful, early evaluation was hampered by poor interfacial adhesion. The adhesion problem, however, seems to be the result of a material system incompatibility, rather than being influenced by the process.

A modular optical sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Conklin, John Albert

This dissertation presents the design of a modular, fiber-optic sensor and the results obtained from testing the modular sensor. The modular fiber-optic sensor is constructed in such manner that the sensor diaphragm can be replaced with different configurations to detect numerous physical phenomena. Additionally, different fiber-optic detection systems can be attached to the sensor. Initially, the modular sensor was developed to be used by university of students to investigate realistic optical sensors and detection systems to prepare for advance studies of micro-optical mechanical systems (MOMS). The design accomplishes this by doing two things. First, the design significantly lowers the costs associated with studying optical sensors by modularizing the sensor design. Second, the sensor broadens the number of physical phenomena that students can apply optical sensing techniques to in a fiber optics sensor course. The dissertation is divided into seven chapters covering the historical development of fiber-optic sensors, a theoretical overview of fiber-optic sensors, the design, fabrication, and the testing of the modular sensor developed in the course of this work. Chapter 1 discusses, in detail, how this dissertation is organized and states the purpose of the dissertation. Chapter 2 presents an historical overview of the development of optical fibers, optical pressure sensors, and fibers, optical pressure sensors, and optical microphones. Chapter 3 reviews the theory of multi-fiber optic detection systems, optical microphones, and pressure sensors. Chapter 4 presents the design details of the modular, optical sensor. Chapter 5 delves into how the modular sensor is fabricated and how the detection systems are constructed. Chapter 6 presents the data collected from the microphone and pressure sensor configurations of the modular sensor. Finally, Chapter 7 discusses the data collected and draws conclusions about the design based on the data collected. Chapter 7 also presents future work needed to expand the functionality and utility of the modular sensor.

Laser Processing of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics - Release of Carbon Fiber Segments During Short-pulsed Laser Processing of CFRP

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walter, Juergen; Brodesser, Alexander; Hustedt, Michael; Bluemel, Sven; Jaeschke, Peter; Kaierle, Stefan

Cutting and ablation using short-pulsed laser radiation are promising technologies to produce or repair CFRP components with outstanding mechanical properties e.g. for automotive and aircraft industry. Using sophisticated laser processing strategies and avoiding excessive heating of the workpiece, a high processing quality can be achieved. However, the interaction of laser radiation and composite material causes a notable release of hazardous substances from the process zone, amongst others carbon fiber segments or fibrous particles. In this work, amounts and geometries of the released fiber segments are analyzed and discussed in terms of their hazardous potential. Moreover, it is investigated to what extent gaseous organic process emissions are adsorbed at the fiber segments, similar to an adsorption of volatile organic compounds at activated carbon, which is typically used as filter material.

Innovative Approach for High Strength, High Thermal Conductive Composite Materials: Data Base

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-11-01

pitch fiber types, from which we were able to down select K6356U pitch fiber with balanced TC and strength properties. A prepreg processing line was...Creating a robust prepreg processing line to infuse unidirectional pitch fiber tape that can be used with other fibers…Pan-based carbon or glass...pitch fiber composites • Compression molding process outperforms autoclaving in mechanical and thermal properties using the same prepreg material and

37 CFR 1.83 - Content of drawing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 37 Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Content of drawing. 1.83... COMMERCE GENERAL RULES OF PRACTICE IN PATENT CASES National Processing Provisions The Drawings § 1.83 Content of drawing. (a) The drawing in a nonprovisional application must show every feature of the...

Young Children's Drawings in Problem Solving

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bakar, Kamariah Abu; Way, Jennifer; Bobis, Janette

2016-01-01

This paper explores young children's drawings (6 years old) in early number and addition activities in Malaysia. Observation, informal interviews and analysis of drawings revealed two types of drawing, and gave insight into the transitional process required for children to utilise drawings in problem solving. We argue the importance of valuing and…

Web-based healthcare hand drawing management system.

PubMed

Hsieh, Sheau-Ling; Weng, Yung-Ching; Chen, Chi-Huang; Hsu, Kai-Ping; Lin, Jeng-Wei; Lai, Feipei

2010-01-01

The paper addresses Medical Hand Drawing Management System architecture and implementation. In the system, we developed four modules: hand drawing management module; patient medical records query module; hand drawing editing and upload module; hand drawing query module. The system adapts windows-based applications and encompasses web pages by ASP.NET hosting mechanism under web services platforms. The hand drawings implemented as files are stored in a FTP server. The file names with associated data, e.g. patient identification, drawing physician, access rights, etc. are reposited in a database. The modules can be conveniently embedded, integrated into any system. Therefore, the system possesses the hand drawing features to support daily medical operations, effectively improve healthcare qualities as well. Moreover, the system includes the printing capability to achieve a complete, computerized medical document process. In summary, the system allows web-based applications to facilitate the graphic processes for healthcare operations.

Impact of manual preference on directionality in children's drawings.

PubMed

Picard, Delphine

2011-01-01

The effects of handedness on directionality in drawing are already well documented in the literature, at least as far as adults are concerned. The present study investigates the impact of manual preference on directionality as seen in the drawing product and drawing process, from a developmental point of view. A total of 120 children aged 5 to 9, both right and left-handed drawers, volunteered for the study. Children were asked to draw twice from memory a set of six common objects. Results indicate that directionality in drawing product varies significantly according to manual preference in the 9-year-old children, but not in the younger age groups. The concomitant increase between 7 and 9 years of age in the use of preferred stroke directions and the impact of manual preference in the drawing process suggests that biomechanical factors might play an important role in behavioural asymmetries in drawing.

Fabrication and Properties of Carbon Fibers

PubMed Central

Huang, Xiaosong

2009-01-01

This paper reviews the research and development activities conducted over the past few decades on carbon fibers. The two most important precursors in the carbon fiber industry are polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and mesophase pitch (MP). The structure and composition of the precursor affect the properties of the resultant carbon fibers significantly. Although the essential processes for carbon fiber production are similar, different precursors require different processing conditions in order to achieve improved performance. The research efforts on process optimization are discussed in this review. The review also attempts to cover the research on other precursor materials developed mainly for the purpose of cost reduction.

A COMPOSITE HOLLOW FIBER MEMBRANE-BASED PERVAPORATION PROCESS FOR SEPARATION OF VOCS FROM AQUEOUS SURFACTANT SOLUTIONS. (R825511C027)

EPA Science Inventory

The separation and recovery of VOCs from surfactant-containing aqueous solutions by a composite hollow fiber membrane-based pervaporation process has been studied. The process employed hydrophobic microporous polypropylene hollow fibers having a thin plasma polymerized silicon...

Computer Aided Process Planning for Non-Axisymmetric Deep Drawing Products

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Dong Hwan; Yarlagadda, Prasad K. D. V.

2004-06-01

In general, deep drawing products have various cross-section shapes such as cylindrical, rectangular and non-axisymmetric shapes. The application of the surface area calculation to non-axisymmetric deep drawing process has not been published yet. In this research, a surface area calculation for non-axisymmetric deep drawing products with elliptical shape was constructed for a design of blank shape of deep drawing products by using an AutoLISP function of AutoCAD software. A computer-aided process planning (CAPP) system for rotationally symmetric deep drawing products has been developed. However, the application of the system to non-axisymmetric components has not been reported yet. Thus, the CAPP system for non-axisymmetric deep drawing products with elliptical shape was constructed by using process sequence design. The system developed in this work consists of four modules. The first is recognition of shape module to recognize non-axisymmetric products. The second is a three-dimensional (3-D) modeling module to calculate the surface area for non-axisymmetric products. The third is a blank design module to create an oval-shaped blank with the identical surface area. The forth is a process planning module based on the production rules that play the best important role in an expert system for manufacturing. The production rules are generated and upgraded by interviewing field engineers. Especially, the drawing coefficient, the punch and die radii for elliptical shape products are considered as main design parameters. The suitability of this system was verified by applying to a real deep drawing product. This CAPP system constructed would be very useful to reduce lead-time for manufacturing and improve an accuracy of products.

Monitoring concept for structural integration of PZT-fiber arrays in metal sheets: a numerical and experimental study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Drossel, Welf-Guntram; Schubert, Andreas; Putz, Matthias; Koriath, Hans-Joachim; Wittstock, Volker; Hensel, Sebastian; Pierer, Alexander; Müller, Benedikt; Schmidt, Marek

2018-01-01

The technique joining by forming allows the structural integration of piezoceramic fibers into locally microstructured metal sheets without any elastic interlayers. A high-volume production of the joining partners causes in statistical deviations from the nominal dimensions. A numerical simulation on geometric process sensitivity shows that the deviations have a high significant influence on the resulting fiber stresses after the joining by forming operation and demonstrate the necessity of a monitoring concept. On this basis, the electromechanical behavior of piezoceramic array transducers is investigated experimentally before, during and after the joining process. The piezoceramic array transducer consists of an arrangement of five electrical interconnected piezoceramic fibers. The findings show that the impedance spectrum depends on the fiber stresses and can be used for in-process monitoring during the joining process. Based on the impedance values the preload state of the interconnected piezoceramic fibers can be specifically controlled and a fiber overload.

Experimental study on titanium wire drawing with ultrasonic vibration.

PubMed

Liu, Shen; Shan, Xiaobiao; Guo, Kai; Yang, Yuancai; Xie, Tao

2018-02-01

Titanium and its alloys have been widely used in aerospace and biomedical industries, however, they are classified as difficult-to-machine materials. In this paper, ultrasonic vibration is imposed on the die to overcome the difficulties during conventional titanium wire drawing processes at the room temperature. Numerical simulations were performed to investigate the variation of axial stress within the contacting region and study the change of the drawing stress with several factors in terms of the longitudinal amplitude and frequency of the applied ultrasonic vibration, the diameter reduction ratio, and the drawing force. An experimental testing equipment was established to measure the drawing torque and rotational velocity of the coiler drum during the wire drawing process. The result indicates the drawing force increases with the growth of the drawing velocity and the reduction ratio, whether with or without vibrations. Application of either form of ultrasonic vibrations contributes to the further decrease of the drawing force, especially the longitudinal vibration with larger amplitude. SEM was employed to detect the surface morphology of the processed wires drawn under the three circumstances. The surface quality of the drawn wires with ultrasonic vibrations was apparently improved compared with those using conventional method. In addition, the longitudinal and torsional composite vibration was more effective for surface quality improvement than pure longitudinal vibration, however, at the cost of weakened drawing force reduction effect. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Picturing academic learning: salutogenic and health promoting perspectives on drawings.

PubMed

Garista, Patrizia; Pocetta, Giancarlo; Lindström, Bengt

2018-05-25

More than 20 years ago an article about the use of drawings in higher education appeared in a medical journal. After that, other papers explored the possible contribution of drawings in adult education, while only very few in the field of health promotion and education. This article aims to introduce the use of drawing in this field using the salutogenic lens to think, plan and reflect on academic learning. Reflections on what salutogenesis is and what we can consider a clear application of salutogenic principles to the learning process answer a hypothetical question for the reader concerning the relationship between drawings and health promotion theories. They appear as communication tools capable of exploring meaning-making processes, capturing data that is flexible to dynamic systems, power relations, as well as emotional and latent aspects of human experience. This article proposes a connection between salutogenesis and drawings through: a theoretical framework on salutogenic learning and drawings; a teacher practice and its tools focusing the critical point on visual data analysis in a learning environment; a learner case example for knowledge and capacity building through the drawing process; and a health promotion competency-based analysis. Our case example illustrates how drawings were introduced in a post-graduate course in Health Promotion and Education and argues their strengths and weaknesses.

Processing and characterization of natural cellulose fibers/thermoset polymer composites.

PubMed

Thakur, Vijay Kumar; Thakur, Manju Kumari

2014-08-30

Recently natural cellulose fibers from different biorenewable resources have attracted the considerable attraction of research community all around the globe owing to their unique intrinsic properties such as biodegradability, easy availability, environmental friendliness, flexibility, easy processing and impressive physico-mechanical properties. Natural cellulose fibers based materials are finding their applications in a number of fields ranging from automotive to biomedical. Natural cellulose fibers have been frequently used as the reinforcement component in polymers to add the specific properties in the final product. A variety of cellulose fibers based polymer composite materials have been developed using various synthetic strategies. Seeing the immense advantages of cellulose fibers, in this article we discuss the processing of biorenewable natural cellulose fibers; chemical functionalization of cellulose fibers; synthesis of polymer resins; different strategies to prepare cellulose based green polymer composites, and diverse applications of natural cellulose fibers/polymer composite materials. The article provides an in depth analysis and comprehensive knowledge to the beginners in the field of natural cellulose fibers/polymer composites. The prime aim of this review article is to demonstrate the recent development and emerging applications of natural cellulose fibers and their polymer materials. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Validation of the FEA of a deep drawing process with additional force transmission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Behrens, B.-A.; Bouguecha, A.; Bonk, C.; Grbic, N.; Vucetic, M.

2017-10-01

In order to meet requirements by automotive industry like decreasing the CO2 emissions, which reflects in reducing vehicles mass in the car body, the chassis and the powertrain, the continuous innovation and further development of existing production processes are required. In sheet metal forming processes the process limits and components characteristics are defined through the process specific loads. While exceeding the load limits, a failure in the material occurs, which can be avoided by additional force transmission activated in the deep drawing process before the process limit is achieved. This contribution deals with experimental investigations of a forming process with additional force transmission regarding the extension of the process limits. Based on FEA a tool system is designed and developed by IFUM. For this purpose, the steel material HCT600 is analyzed numerically. Within the experimental investigations, the deep drawing processes, with and without the additional force transmission are carried out. Here, a comparison of the produced rectangle cups is done. Subsequently, the identical deep drawing processes are investigated numerically. Thereby, the values of the punch reaction force and displacement are estimated and compared with experimental results. Thus, the validation of material model is successfully carried out on process scale. For further quantitative verification of the FEA results the experimental determined geometry of the rectangular cup is measured optically with ATOS system of the company GOM mbH and digitally compared with external software Geomagic®QualifyTM. The goal of this paper is the verification of the transferability of the FEA model for a conventional deep drawing process to a deep drawing process with additional force transmission with a counter punch.

Experimental analysis of graphene nanocomposite on Kevlar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manigandan, S.; Gunasekar, P.; Nithya, S.; Durga Revanth, G.; Anudeep, A. V. S. C.

2017-08-01

Graphene nanocomposite is a two dimensional structure which has intense role in material science. This paper investigates the topological property of the graphene nanocomposite doped in Kevlar fiber by direct mixing process. The Kevlar fiber by direct mixing process. The Kevlar fiber taken as the specimen which is fabricated by vacuum bag moulding process. Epoxy used as resin and HY951 as hardener. Three different specimens are fabricated based on the percentage of graphene nanocomposite 2%, 5%, 10% and 20% respectively. We witnessed the strength of the Kevlar fiber is increased when it is treated with nanocomposite. The percentage of the nanocomposite increase the strength of the fiber is increased. However as the nanocomposite beyond 5% the strength of fiber is dropped. In addition, we also seen the interfacial property of the fiber is dropped when the nanocomposite is added beyond threshold limit.

Photoactivated processes in optical fibers: generation and conversion mechanisms of twofold coordinated Si and Ge atoms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giacomazzi, Luigi; Martin-Samos, L.; Boukenter, A.; Ouerdane, Y.; Girard, S.; Alessi, A.; de Gironcoli, S.; Richard, N.

2017-05-01

In this work we present an extensive investigation of nanoscale physical phenomena related to oxygen-deficient centers (ODCs) in silica and Ge-doped silica by means of first-principles calculations, including nudged-elastic band, electron paramagnetic resonance parameters calculations, and many-body perturbation theory (GW and Bethe-Salpeter equation) techniques. We show that by neutralizing positively charged oxygen monovacancies we can obtain model structures of twofold Si and Ge defects of which the calculated absorption spectra and singlet-to-triplet transitions are in excellent agreement with the experimental optical absorption and photo-luminescence data. In particular we provide an exhaustive analysis of the main exciton peaks related to the presence of twofold defects including long-range correlation effects. By calculating the reaction pathways and energy barriers necessary for the interconversion, we advance a double precursory origin of the {E}α \\prime and Ge(2) centers as due to the ionization of neutral oxygen monovacancies (Si-Si and Ge-Si dimers) and as due to the ionization of twofold Si and Ge defects. Furthermore two distinct structural conversion mechanisms are found to occur between the neutral oxygen monovacancy and the twofold Si (and Ge) atom configurations. Such conversion mechanisms allow to explain the radiation induced generation of the ODC(II) centers, their photobleaching, and also their generation during the drawing of optical fibers.

Method for the continuous processing of hermetic fiber optic components and the resultant fiber optic-to-metal components

DOEpatents

Kramer, D.P.

1994-08-09

Hermetic fiber optic-to-metal components and method for making hermetic fiber optic-to-metal components by assembling and fixturing elements comprising a metal shell, a glass preform, and a metal-coated fiber optic into desired relative positions and then sealing said fixtured elements preferably using a continuous heating process is disclosed. The resultant hermetic fiber optic-to-metal components exhibit high hermeticity and durability despite the large differences in thermal coefficients of expansion among the various elements. 3 figs.

Strength and processing properties of wet-formed hardboards from recycled corrugated containers and commercial hardboard fibers

Treesearch

J. F. Hunt; C. B. Vick

1999-01-01

Recycled paper fiber recovered from our municipal solid waste stream could potentially be used in structural hardboard products. This study compares strength properties and processing variables of wet-formed high-density hardboard panels made from recycled old corrugated container (OCC) fibers and virgin hardboard fibers using continuous pressure during drying. The...

Mechanical properties and surface chemistry of kenaf fiber for composite reinforcement – an insight into the retting process

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Harnessing natural fibers to produce polymer composites requires processing of fibers from harvest to the dried state, which can then be dispersed in the polymer resin. Bast fibers are found in the bark layer of fibrous plants such as kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus), jute (Corchorus olitorius), and flax...

Mesoporous-silica films, fibers, and powders by evaporation

DOEpatents

Bruinsma, Paul J.; Baskaran, Suresh; Bontha, Jagannadha R.; Liu, Jun

2008-05-06

This invention pertains to surfactant-templated nanometer-scale porosity of a silica precursor solution and forming a mesoporous material by first forming the silica precursor solution into a preform having a high surface area to volume ratio, then rapid drying or evaporating a solvent from the silica precursor solution. The mesoporous material may be in any geometric form, but is preferably in the form of a film, fiber, powder or combinations thereof. The rapid drying or evaporation of solvent from the solution is accomplished by layer thinning, for example spin casting, liquid drawing, and liquid spraying respectively. Production of a film is by layer thinning, wherein a layer of the silica precursor solution is formed on a surface followed by removal of an amount of the silica precursor solution and leaving a geometrically thinner layer of the silica precursor solution from which the solvent quickly escapes via evaporation. Layer thinning may be by any method including but not limited to squeegeeing and/or spin casting. In powder formation by spray drying, the same conditions of fast drying exists as in spin-casting (as well as in fiber spinning) because of the high surface-area to volume ratio of the product. When a powder is produced by liquid spraying, the particles or micro-bubbles within the powder are hollow spheres with walls composed of mesoporous silica. Mesoporous fiber formation starts with a similar silica precursor solution but with an added pre-polymer making a pituitous mixture that is drawn into a thin strand from which solvent is evaporated leaving the mesoporous fiber(s).

Mesoporous-silica films, fibers, and powders by evaporation

DOEpatents

Bruinsma, Paul J.; Baskaran, Suresh; Bontha, Jagannadha R.; Liu, Jun

1999-01-01

This invention pertains to surfactant-templated nanometer-scale porosity of a silica precursor solution and forming a mesoporous material by first forming the silica precursor solution into a preform having a high surface area to volume ratio, then rapid drying or evaporating a solvent from the silica precursor solution. The mesoporous material may be in any geometric form, but is preferably in the form of a film, fiber, powder or combinations thereof. The rapid drying or evaporation of solvent from the solution is accomplished by layer thinning, for example spin casting, liquid drawing, and liquid spraying respectively. Production of a film is by layer thinning, wherein a layer of the silica precursor solution is formed on a surface followed by removal of an amount of the silica precursor solution and leaving a geometrically thinner layer of the silica precursor solution from which the solvent quickly escapes via evaporation. Layer thinning may be by any method including but not limited to squeegeeing and/or spin casting. In powder formation by spray drying, the same conditions of fast drying exists as in spin-casting (as well as in fiber spinning) because of the high surface-area to volume ratio of the product. When a powder is produced by liquid spraying, the particles or micro-bubbles within the powder are hollow spheres with walls composed of mesoporous silica. Mesoporous fiber formation starts with a similar silica precursor solution but with an added pre-polymer making a pituitous mixture that is drawn into a thin strand from which solvent is evaporated leaving the mesoporous fiber(s).

Mesoporous-silica films, fibers, and powders by evaporation

DOEpatents

Bruinsma, P.J.; Baskaran, S.; Bontha, J.R.; Liu, J.

1999-07-13

This invention pertains to surfactant-templated nanometer-scale porosity of a silica precursor solution and forming a mesoporous material by first forming the silica precursor solution into a preform having a high surface area to volume ratio, then rapid drying or evaporating a solvent from the silica precursor solution. The mesoporous material may be in any geometric form, but is preferably in the form of a film, fiber, powder or combinations thereof. The rapid drying or evaporation of solvent from the solution is accomplished by layer thinning, for example spin casting, liquid drawing, and liquid spraying respectively. Production of a film is by layer thinning, wherein a layer of the silica precursor solution is formed on a surface followed by removal of an amount of the silica precursor solution and leaving a geometrically thinner layer of the silica precursor solution from which the solvent quickly escapes via evaporation. Layer thinning may be by any method including but not limited to squeegeeing and/or spin casting. In powder formation by spray drying, the same conditions of fast drying exists as in spin-casting (as well as in fiber spinning) because of the high surface-area to volume ratio of the product. When a powder is produced by liquid spraying, the particles or micro-bubbles within the powder are hollow spheres with walls composed of mesoporous silica. Mesoporous fiber formation starts with a similar silica precursor solution but with an added pre-polymer making a pituitous mixture that is drawn into a thin strand from which solvent is evaporated leaving the mesoporous fiber(s). 24 figs.

Numerical prediction of fiber orientation in injection-molded short-fiber/thermoplastic composite parts with experimental validation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Thi, Thanh Binh Nguyen; Morioka, Mizuki; Yokoyama, Atsushi

Numerical prediction of the fiber orientation in the short-glass fiber (GF) reinforced polyamide 6 (PA6) composites with the fiber weight concentration of 30%, 50%, and 70% manufactured by the injection molding process is presented. And the fiber orientation was also directly observed and measured through X-ray computed tomography. During the injection molding process of the short-fiber/thermoplastic composite, the fiber orientation is produced by the flow states and the fiber-fiber interaction. Folgar and Tucker equation is the well known for modeling the fiber orientation in a concentrated suspension. They included into Jeffrey’s equation a diffusive type of term by introducing amore » phenomenological coefficient to account for the fiber-fiber interaction. Our developed model for the fiber-fiber interaction was proposed by modifying the rotary diffusion term of the Folgar-Tucker equation. This model was presented in a conference paper of the 29{sup th} International Conference of the Polymer Processing Society published by AIP conference proceeding. For modeling fiber interaction, the fiber dynamic simulation was introduced in order to obtain a global fiber interaction coefficient, which is sum function of the fiber concentration, aspect ratio, and angular velocity. The fiber orientation is predicted by using the proposed fiber interaction model incorporated into a computer aided engineering simulation package C-Mold. An experimental program has been carried out in which the fiber orientation distribution has been measured in 100 x 100 x 2 mm injection-molded plate and 100 x 80 x 2 mm injection-molded weld by analyzed with a high resolution 3D X-ray computed tomography system XVA-160α, and calculated by X-ray computed tomography imaging. The numerical prediction shows a good agreement with experimental validation. And the complex fiber orientation in the injection-molded weld was investigated.« less

Numerical prediction of fiber orientation in injection-molded short-fiber/thermoplastic composite parts with experimental validation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thi, Thanh Binh Nguyen; Morioka, Mizuki; Yokoyama, Atsushi; Hamanaka, Senji; Yamashita, Katsuhisa; Nonomura, Chisato

2015-05-01

Numerical prediction of the fiber orientation in the short-glass fiber (GF) reinforced polyamide 6 (PA6) composites with the fiber weight concentration of 30%, 50%, and 70% manufactured by the injection molding process is presented. And the fiber orientation was also directly observed and measured through X-ray computed tomography. During the injection molding process of the short-fiber/thermoplastic composite, the fiber orientation is produced by the flow states and the fiber-fiber interaction. Folgar and Tucker equation is the well known for modeling the fiber orientation in a concentrated suspension. They included into Jeffrey's equation a diffusive type of term by introducing a phenomenological coefficient to account for the fiber-fiber interaction. Our developed model for the fiber-fiber interaction was proposed by modifying the rotary diffusion term of the Folgar-Tucker equation. This model was presented in a conference paper of the 29th International Conference of the Polymer Processing Society published by AIP conference proceeding. For modeling fiber interaction, the fiber dynamic simulation was introduced in order to obtain a global fiber interaction coefficient, which is sum function of the fiber concentration, aspect ratio, and angular velocity. The fiber orientation is predicted by using the proposed fiber interaction model incorporated into a computer aided engineering simulation package C-Mold. An experimental program has been carried out in which the fiber orientation distribution has been measured in 100 x 100 x 2 mm injection-molded plate and 100 x 80 x 2 mm injection-molded weld by analyzed with a high resolution 3D X-ray computed tomography system XVA-160α, and calculated by X-ray computed tomography imaging. The numerical prediction shows a good agreement with experimental validation. And the complex fiber orientation in the injection-molded weld was investigated.

7 CFR 28.956 - Prescribed fees.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

..., TESTING, AND STANDARDS Cotton Fiber and Processing Tests Fiber and Processing Tests § 28.956 Prescribed fees. Fees for fiber and processing tests shall be assessed as listed below: Item number and kind of test Fee per test 1.0Calibration cotton for use with High Volume Instruments, per 5 pound package: a. f...

7 CFR 28.956 - Prescribed fees.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

..., TESTING, AND STANDARDS Cotton Fiber and Processing Tests Fiber and Processing Tests § 28.956 Prescribed fees. Fees for fiber and processing tests shall be assessed as listed below: Item number and kind of test Fee per test 1.0Calibration cotton for use with High Volume Instruments, per 5 pound package: a. f...

Lightweight, high-opacity paper : process costs and energy use reduction

Treesearch

John H. Klungness; Fabienne Pianta; Mathew L. Stroika; Marguerite Sykes; Freya Tan; Said AbuBakr

1999-01-01

Fiber loading is an environmentally friendly, energy efficient, and economical method for depositing precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) partly within pulp fibers. Fiber loading can easily be done within the existing pulp processing system. This paper is a review of the process development from bench-scale to industrial-scale demonstrations, with additional...

The structure and properties of the carbon non-wovens modified with bioactive nanoceramics for medical applications.

PubMed

Fraczek-Szczypta, A; Rabiej, S; Szparaga, G; Pabjanczyk-Wlazlo, E; Krol, P; Brzezinska, M; Blazewicz, S; Bogun, M

2015-06-01

The paper presents the results of the manufacture of carbon fibers (CF) from polyacrylonitrile fiber precursor containing bioactive ceramic nanoparticles. In order to modify the precursor fibers two types of bio-glasses and wollastonite in the form of nanoparticles were used. The processing variables of the thermal conversion of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precursor fibers into carbon fibers were determined using the FTIR method. The carbonization process of oxidized PAN fibers was carried out up to 1000°C. The carbon fibers were characterized by a low ordered crystalline structure. The bioactivity tests of carbon fibers modified with a ceramic nanocomponent carried out in the artificial serum (SBF) revealed the apatite precipitation on the fibers' surfaces. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fiber size and number in workers exposed to processed chrysotile asbestos, chrysotile miners, and the general population

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Churg, A.; Wiggs, B.

1986-01-01

We analyzed chrysotile and chrysotile-associated amphibole (largely tremolite) asbestos fibers in 21 workers exposed to various types of processed (milled) chrysotile ore, 20 long-term chrysotile miners, and 20 members of the general population (controls). Significantly greater amounts of both chrysotile and tremolite were found in processed-ore workers and miners than in controls. On average, the mean fiber lengths and aspect ratios for the mining and processed-ore-exposed workers were similar and were significantly greater than the values seen in the controls; within the processed-ore group, there was a marked variation in these parameters, and some workers appeared to be exposed tomore » fairly long, thin fibers. It was found empirically that the fiber size data, and to a lesser extent the concentration data, could be used to classify workers accurately into those with processed-ore exposure and controls. We conclude that fiber sizes in the lungs of processed-ore-exposed workers are similar to those of chrysotile miners and are considerably longer than those found in the general population; some processed-ore workers have longer fibers which might be responsible for higher disease incidences in certain working groups; tremolite accompanies chrysotile in a variable proportion of workers exposed to processed chrysotile products and might be important in the genesis of mesothelioma in such workers; and mineralogic analysis will usually detect exposure even when chrysotile has largely disappeared from lung tissue.« less

Implementation of New Process Models for Tailored Polymer Composite Structures into Processing Software Packages

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nguyen, Ba Nghiep; Jin, Xiaoshi; Wang, Jin

2010-02-23

This report describes the work conducted under the Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) (Nr. 260) between the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and Autodesk, Inc. to develop and implement process models for injection-molded long-fiber thermoplastics (LFTs) in processing software packages. The structure of this report is organized as follows. After the Introduction Section (Section 1), Section 2 summarizes the current fiber orientation models developed for injection-molded short-fiber thermoplastics (SFTs). Section 3 provides an assessment of these models to determine their capabilities and limitations, and the developments needed for injection-molded LFTs. Section 4 then focuses on the development of amore » new fiber orientation model for LFTs. This model is termed the anisotropic rotary diffusion - reduced strain closure (ARD-RSC) model as it explores the concept of anisotropic rotary diffusion to capture the fiber-fiber interaction in long-fiber suspensions and uses the reduced strain closure method of Wang et al. to slow down the orientation kinetics in concentrated suspensions. In contrast to fiber orientation modeling, before this project, no standard model was developed to predict the fiber length distribution in molded fiber composites. Section 5 is therefore devoted to the development of a fiber length attrition model in the mold. Sections 6 and 7 address the implementations of the models in AMI, and the conclusions drawn from this work is presented in Section 8.« less

All-solid tellurite optical fiber with transversely disordered refractive index profile and its optical image transport performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tong, Hoang Tuan; Kuroyanagi, Shunei; Suzuki, Takenobu; Ohishi, Yasutake

2018-02-01

All-solid tellurite-glass optical rod and fiber with transversely-disordered refractive index profile were successfully fabricated to study the transport of infrared images by using transverse localization of light. The fabrication was carried out by using stack-and-draw and rod-in-tube techniques. The fabricated tellurite optical rod and fiber were composed of high-index and low-index units which were arranged randomly in the transverse plane but were invariant in the longitudinal direction. The diameter of each unit was approximately 1.0 μm. The high-index and low-index materials were TeO2-Li2O-WO3-MoO3-Nb2O5 (TLWMN) glass and TeO2-ZnO-Na2O-La2O3 (TZNL) glass, respectively. At 1550 nm, their refractive index difference Δn is 0.096. To investigate the optical image transport capability, A CW laser light at 1550 nm was used as an input probe beam and the 1951 U.S. Air Force test target was installed in front of 10-cm-long segments of the fabricated rod and fiber in the experimental setup. The output signal was recorded by a beam profiler. As a result, clear transported images of numbers and lines on the test target were obtained.

Fiber Metal Laminates Made by the VARTM Process

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jensen, Brian J.; Cano, Roberto J.; Hales, Stephen J.; Alexa, Joel A.; Weiser, Erik S.; Loos, Alfred; Johnson, W.S.

2009-01-01

Fiber metal laminates (FMLs) are multi-component materials utilizing metals, fibers and matrix resins. Tailoring their properties is readily achievable by varying one or more of these components. Established FMLs like GLARE utilize aluminum foils, glass fibers and epoxy matrices and are manufactured using an autoclave. Two new processes for manufacturing FMLs using vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) have been developed at the NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC). A description of these processes and the resulting FMLs are presented.

Farley Three-Dimensional-Braiding Machine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Farley, Gary L.

1991-01-01

Process and device known as Farley three-dimensional-braiding machine conceived to fabricate dry continuous fiber-reinforced preforms of complex three-dimensional shapes for subsequent processing into composite structures. Robotic fiber supply dispenses yarn as it traverses braiding surface. Combines many attributes of weaving and braiding processes with other attributes and capabilities. Other applications include decorative cloths, rugs, and other domestic textiles. Concept could lead to large variety of fiber layups and to entirely new products as well as new fiber-reinforcing applications.

The fiber walk: a model of tip-driven growth with lateral expansion.

PubMed

Bucksch, Alexander; Turk, Greg; Weitz, Joshua S

2014-01-01

Tip-driven growth processes underlie the development of many plants. To date, tip-driven growth processes have been modeled as an elongating path or series of segments, without taking into account lateral expansion during elongation. Instead, models of growth often introduce an explicit thickness by expanding the area around the completed elongated path. Modeling expansion in this way can lead to contradictions in the physical plausibility of the resulting surface and to uncertainty about how the object reached certain regions of space. Here, we introduce fiber walks as a self-avoiding random walk model for tip-driven growth processes that includes lateral expansion. In 2D, the fiber walk takes place on a square lattice and the space occupied by the fiber is modeled as a lateral contraction of the lattice. This contraction influences the possible subsequent steps of the fiber walk. The boundary of the area consumed by the contraction is derived as the dual of the lattice faces adjacent to the fiber. We show that fiber walks generate fibers that have well-defined curvatures, and thus enable the identification of the process underlying the occupancy of physical space. Hence, fiber walks provide a base from which to model both the extension and expansion of physical biological objects with finite thickness.

The Fiber Walk: A Model of Tip-Driven Growth with Lateral Expansion

PubMed Central

Bucksch, Alexander; Turk, Greg; Weitz, Joshua S.

2014-01-01

Tip-driven growth processes underlie the development of many plants. To date, tip-driven growth processes have been modeled as an elongating path or series of segments, without taking into account lateral expansion during elongation. Instead, models of growth often introduce an explicit thickness by expanding the area around the completed elongated path. Modeling expansion in this way can lead to contradictions in the physical plausibility of the resulting surface and to uncertainty about how the object reached certain regions of space. Here, we introduce fiber walks as a self-avoiding random walk model for tip-driven growth processes that includes lateral expansion. In 2D, the fiber walk takes place on a square lattice and the space occupied by the fiber is modeled as a lateral contraction of the lattice. This contraction influences the possible subsequent steps of the fiber walk. The boundary of the area consumed by the contraction is derived as the dual of the lattice faces adjacent to the fiber. We show that fiber walks generate fibers that have well-defined curvatures, and thus enable the identification of the process underlying the occupancy of physical space. Hence, fiber walks provide a base from which to model both the extension and expansion of physical biological objects with finite thickness. PMID:24465607

Effects of high-speed homogenization and high-pressure homogenization on structure of tomato residue fibers.

PubMed

Hua, Xiao; Xu, Shanan; Wang, Mingming; Chen, Ying; Yang, Hui; Yang, Ruijin

2017-10-01

Tomato residue fibers obtained after derosination and deproteinization were processed by high-speed homogenization (HSH) and high-pressure homogenization (HPH), and their effects on fiber structure was investigated, respectively. Characterizations including particle size distribution, SEM, TEM and XRD were performed. HSH could break raw fibers to small particles of around 60μm, while HPH could reshape fibers to build network structure. Microfibrils were released and their nanostructure consisting of elementary fibrils was observed by TEM. XRD patterns indicated both HSH and HPH could hardly alter the nanostructure of the fibers. Physicochemical properties including expansibility, WHC and OHC were determined. Both HSH and HPH could increase the soluble fiber content by about 8%, but HSH-HPH combined processing did not show better result. Acid (4mol/L HCl) was used in replacement of water medium and the acidic degradation of fibers could be promoted by high speed shearing or high pressure processing. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Dry Process for Manufacturing Hybridized Boron Fiber/Carbon Fiber Thermoplastic Composite Materials from a Solution Coated Precursor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Belvin, Harry L. (Inventor); Cano, Roberto J. (Inventor)

2003-01-01

An apparatus for producing a hybrid boron reinforced polymer matrix composite from precursor tape and a linear array of boron fibers. The boron fibers are applied onto the precursor tapes and the precursor tape processed within a processing component having an impregnation bar assembly. After passing through variable-dimension forming nip-rollers, the precursor tape with the boron fibers becomes a hybrid boron reinforced polymer matrix composite. A driving mechanism is used to pulled the precursor tape through the method and a take-up spool is used to collect the formed hybrid boron reinforced polymer matrix composite.

Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Fiber Paper by Active Screen Plasma Nitriding and Its Microwave Heating Properties.

PubMed

Zhu, Naishu; Ma, Shining; Sun, Xiaofeng

2016-12-28

In this paper, active screen plasma nitriding (ASPN) treatment was performed on polyacrylonitrile carbon fiber papers. Electric resistivity and microwave loss factor of carbon fiber were described to establish the relationship between processing parameters and fiber's ability to absorb microwaves. The surface processing effect of carbon fiber could be characterized by dynamic thermal mechanical analyzer testing on composites made of carbon fiber. When the process temperature was at 175 °C, it was conducive to obtaining good performance of dynamical mechanical properties. The treatment provided a way to change microwave heating properties of carbon fiber paper by performing different treatment conditions, such as temperature and time parameters. Atomic force microscope, scanning electron microscope, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis showed that, during the course of ASPN treatment on carbon fiber paper, nitrogen group was introduced and silicon group was removed. The treatment of nitrogen-doped carbon fiber paper represented an alternative promising candidate for microwave curing materials used in repairing and heating technology, furthermore, an efficient dielectric layer material for radar-absorbing structure composite in metamaterial technology.

Manufacturing of Smart Structures Using Fiber Placement Manufacturing Processes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thomas, Matthew M.; Glowasky, Robert A.; McIlroy, Bruce E.; Story, Todd A.

1996-01-01

Smart structures research and development, with the ultimate aim of rapid commercial and military production of these structures, are at the forefront of the Synthesis and Processing of Intelligent Cost-Effective Structures (SPICES) program. As part of this ARPA-sponsored program, MDA-E is using fiber placement processes to manufacture integrated smart structure systems. These systems comprise advanced composite structures with embedded fiber optic sensors, shape memory alloys, piezoelectric actuators, and miniature accelerometers. Cost-effective approaches and solutions to smart material synthesis in the fiber-placement process, based upon integrated product development, are discussed herein.

Fracture Toughness of Carbon Fiber Composites Containing Various Fiber Sizings and a Puncture Self-Healing Thermoplastic Matrix

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cano, Roberto J.; Grimsley, Brian W.; Ratcliffe, James G.; Gordon, Keith L.; Smith, Joseph G.; Siochi, Emilie J.

2015-01-01

Ongoing efforts at NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) have resulted in the identification of several commercially available thermoplastic resin systems which self-heal after ballistic impact and through penetration. One of these resins, polybutylene graft copolymer (PBg), was selected as a matrix for processing with unsized carbon fibers to fabricate reinforced composites for further evaluation. During process development, data from thermo-physical analyses was utilized to determine a processing cycle to fabricate laminate panels, which were analyzed by photo microscopy and acid digestion. The process cycle was further optimized based on these results to fabricate panels for mechanical property characterization. The results of the processing development effort of this composite material, as well as the results of the mechanical property characterization, indicated that bonding between the fiber and PBg was not adequate. Therefore, three sizings were investigated in this work to assess their potential to improve fiber/matrix bonding compared to previously tested unsized IM7 fiber. Unidirectional prepreg was made at NASA LaRC from three sized carbon fibers and utilized to fabricate test coupons that were tested in double cantilever beam configurations to determine GIc fracture toughness.

Making Ceramic Fibers By Chemical Vapor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Revankar, Vithal V. S.; Hlavacek, Vladimir

1994-01-01

Research and development of fabrication techniques for chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of ceramic fibers presented in two reports. Fibers of SiC, TiB2, TiC, B4C, and CrB2 intended for use as reinforcements in metal-matrix composite materials. CVD offers important advantages over other processes: fibers purer and stronger and processed at temperatures below melting points of constituent materials.

8-Step Model Drawing: Singapore's Best Problem-Solving MATH Strategies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hogan, Bob; Forsten, Char

2007-01-01

In this book, Bob Hogan and Char Forsten introduce American mathematics educators to the model drawing process adapted from the much-acclaimed Singapore approach. They explain what model drawing is and why it's such an effective problem-solving tool. They show exactly how teachers can guide their students through the process, tell which key points…

Characterization of co-products from producing ethanol by sequential extraction processing of corn

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hojilla-Evangelista, M.P.; Johnson, L.A.; Pometto, A.L. III

1996-12-31

Sequential Extraction Processing (SEP) is a new process for ethanol production that has potential to produce more valuable co-products than alternative processes. Previous work determined the yields of oil and protein and evaluated their chemical and functional properties. The properties of the crude fiber and spent solids, however, have yet to be studied. This research was conducted to evaluate the potential of SEP corn fiber to increase ethanol conversion and as replacement for gum arabic, and evaluate the potential of SEP starch and fiber to be fermented to ethanol. SEP hemicellulose from crude fiber was readily dispersible in water andmore » its solution (5%) gave low viscosity despite having high solids content. These properties indicated potential utilization as stabilizers, thickeners, and adhesive for coatings and batters in food and industrial products. Enzyme hydrolysis studies and batch fermentation of SEP starch/fiber indicated that SEP crude fiber was more readily accessible to the action of cellulases. More ethanol (about 10%) was produced from the fermentation of SEP starch/fiber than from undegermed or degermed soft dent corn, particularly when the hemicellulose fraction was absent from the SEP fiber.« less

DEVELOPMENT OF IMPROVED FABRICATION METHODS, PROCESS AND TECHNIQUES FOR PRODUCING TYPICAL AIRCRAFT SHAPES FROM BERYLLIUM. Interim Technical Documentary Progress Report for the Period ending October 31, 1962

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jenkins, R.G.; Siergiej, J.M.

1962-12-28

In a program to develop a complete manufacturing process for ihe production of beryllium channels, techniques are being sought for drawing to obtain a flnal product meeting specifications more rigorous than are obtainable by direct extrusion. Progress in designing and procuring the special tooling required to draw complex shapes at elevated temperature is described, and the flrst set of draw dies is evaluated with respect to design and quality. Three experimental draw attempts have been made on U-channels, in addition to draw tests on flats. (auth)

Numerical Simulation of Hydro-mechanical Deep Drawing — A Study on the Effect of Process Parameters on Drawability and Thickness Variation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Swadesh Kumar; Kumar, D. Ravi

2005-08-01

Hydro-mechanical deep drawing is a process for producing cup shaped parts with the assistance of a pressurized fluid. In the present work, numerical simulation of the conventional and counter pressure deep drawing processes has been done with the help of a finite element method based software. Simulation results were analyzed to study the improvement in drawability by using hydro-mechanical processes. The thickness variations in the drawn cups were analyzed and also the effect of counter pressure and oil gap on the thickness distribution was studied. Numerical simulations were also used for the die design, which combines both drawing and ironing processes in a single operation. This modification in the die provides high drawability, facilitates smooth material flow, gives more uniform thickness distribution and corrects the shape distortion.

Carbon Fiber Reinforced Carbon Composite Valve for an Internal Combustion Engine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rivers, H. Kevin (Inventor); Ransone, Philip O. (Inventor); Northam, G. Burton (Inventor)

1999-01-01

A carbon fiber reinforced carbon composite valve for internal combustion engines and the like formed of continuous carbon fibers throughout the valve's stem and head is disclosed. The valve includes braided carbon fiber material over axially aligned unidirectional carbon fibers forming a valve stem; the braided and unidirectional carbon fibers being broomed out at one end of the valve stem forming the shape of the valve head; the valve-shaped structure being densified and rigidized with a matrix of carbon containing discontinuous carbon fibers: and the finished valve being treated to resist oxidation. Also disclosed is a carbon matrix plug containing continuous and discontinuous carbon fibers and forming a net-shape valve head acting as a mandrel over which the unidirectional and braided carbon fibers are formed according to textile processes. Also disclosed are various preform valves and processes for making finished and preform carbon fiber reinforced carbon composite valves.

System to continuously produce carbon fiber via microwave assisted plasma processing

DOEpatents

White, Terry L [Knoxville, TN; Paulauskas, Felix L [Knoxville, TN; Bigelow, Timothy S [Knoxville, TN

2010-11-02

A system to continuously produce fully carbonized or graphitized carbon fibers using microwave-assisted plasma (MAP) processing comprises an elongated chamber in which a microwave plasma is excited in a selected gas atmosphere. Fiber is drawn continuously through the chamber, entering and exiting through openings designed to minimize in-leakage of air. There is a gradient of microwave power within the chamber with generally higher power near where the fiber exits and lower power near where the fiber enters. Polyacrylonitrile (PAN), pitch, or any other suitable organic/polymeric precursor fibers can be used as a feedstock for the inventive system. Oxidized or partially oxidized PAN or pitch or other polymeric fiber precursors are run continuously through a MAP reactor in an inert, non-oxidizing atmosphere to heat the fibers, drive off the unwanted elements such as oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen, and produce carbon or graphite fibers faster than conventionally produced carbon fibers.

Separation of Corn Fiber and Conversion to Fuels and Chemicals Phase II: Pilot-scale Operation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Abbas, Charles; Beery, Kyle; Orth, Rick

2007-09-28

The purpose of the Department of Energy (DOE)-supported corn fiber conversion project, “Separation of Corn Fiber and Conversion to Fuels and Chemicals Phase II: Pilot-scale Operation” is to develop and demonstrate an integrated, economical process for the separation of corn fiber into its principal components to produce higher value-added fuel (ethanol and biodiesel), nutraceuticals (phytosterols), chemicals (polyols), and animal feed (corn fiber molasses). This project has successfully demonstrated the corn fiber conversion process on the pilot scale, and ensured that the process will integrate well into existing ADM corn wet-mills. This process involves hydrolyzing the corn fiber to solubilize 50%more » of the corn fiber as oligosaccharides and soluble protein. The solubilized fiber is removed and the remaining fiber residue is solvent extracted to remove the corn fiber oil, which contains valuable phytosterols. The extracted oil is refined to separate the phytosterols and the remaining oil is converted to biodiesel. The de-oiled fiber is enzymatically hydrolyzed and remixed with the soluble oligosaccharides in a fermentation vessel where it is fermented by a recombinant yeast, which is capable of fermenting the glucose and xylose to produce ethanol. The fermentation broth is distilled to remove the ethanol. The stillage is centrifuged to separate the yeast cell mass from the soluble components. The yeast cell mass is sold as a high-protein yeast cream and the remaining sugars in the stillage can be purified to produce a feedstock for catalytic conversion of the sugars to polyols (mainly ethylene glycol and propylene glycol) if desirable. The remaining materials from the purification step and any materials remaining after catalytic conversion are concentrated and sold as a corn fiber molasses. Additional high-value products are being investigated for the use of the corn fiber as a dietary fiber sources.« less

One-step Tape Casting of Composites via Slurry on Fiber

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

deGroh, Henry C., III

2001-01-01

A process by which metal matrix composites can be made was presented. The process involves putting a powder slurry on fibers to make a precursor green tape. These green tapes are cut, stacked and hot pressed to form the fully dense composite. A computer program was presented which enables complete quantification and control of the process. Once some easily obtained properties of the slurry and its behavior are determined (such as the shrinkage from the wet to green state, and the density of the green tape) modification of the fiber spacing and blade height give the maker precise control of fiber volume fraction, and fiber architecture in the composite. The process was shown to be accurate and flexible through the production of a wide variety of volume fraction fiber composites made from a wide variety of fibers and powders. The most time consuming step of the tape casting process (other than hot pressing) was winding the fiber on the drum. The tape casting techniques developed resulted in high quality metal matrix composites, with ultimate tensile strength in the range of 215 ksi (1477 MPa), a strain at failure of 1.15 percent, and in fatigue at room temperature 0 to 120 ksi, n = 0.3 Hz, a 4-ply Ti-24Al-11Nb/SCS-6, 32 vol% fiber tape cast composite lasted 202,205 cycles with a maximum strain on the 100th cycle of 0.43 percent.

Fatigue failure processes in aligned carbon-epoxy laminates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piggott, Michael R.; Lam, Patrick W. K.

The failure mechanism involved in the tensile-tensile fatigue of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer matrices may be initiated by the fiber curvature that can be present in the composite. The varying stresses encountered in fatigue begin to damage the composite at the antinodes of the fiber profiles, perhaps in the form of fiber debonds that generate matrix cracks and result in comminution of the polymer; eventually, as the process proceeds, the flexural stresses in the fiber are sufficiently great to cause early fiber failure in wavy regions. The breaks are connected by splits in the polymer.

Two-step sulfonation process for the conversion of polymer fibers to carbon fibers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Barton, Bryan E.; Patton, Jasson T.; Hukkanen, Eric J.

Disclosed herein are processes for preparing carbon fibers, comprising: sulfonating a polymer fiber with a sulfonating agent that is fuming sulfuric acid, sulfuric acid, chlorosulfonic acid, or a combination thereof; treating the sulfonated polymer with a heated solvent, wherein the temperature of the heated solvent is at least 95.degree. C.; and carbonizing the resulting product by heating it to a temperature of 501-3000.degree. C. Carbon fibers prepared according to these methods are also disclosed herein.

The Processing and Mechanical Properties of High Temperature/High Performance Composites. Book 5. Processing and Miscellaneous Properties

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-04-01

tensile fiber stress of 150-300 MPa, too little compared to measured fiber strengths of 3-4 GPa. A final possibility is that of nonuniform inelastic...flow of the matrix as a result of a spatially nonuniform distribution of porosity; this leads to a nonuniform distribution of forces along the fiber...the damage with the specific mechanism being fiber bending. The effects due to nonuniform inelastic flow (i.e., fiber bending) can be thought to occur

NASA. Langley Research Center dry powder towpreg system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baucom, Robert M.; Marchello, Joseph M.

1990-01-01

Dry powder polymer impregnated carbon fiber tows were produced for preform weaving and composite materials molding applications. In the process, fluidized powder is deposited on spread tow bundles and melted on the fibers by radiant heating to adhere the polymer to the fiber. Unit design theory and operating correlations were developed to provide the basis for scale up of the process to commercial operation. Special features of the operation are the pneumatic tow spreader, fluidized bed, resin feeder, and quality control system. Bench scale experiments, at tow speeds up to 50 cm/sec, demonstrated that process variables can be controlled to produce weavable LARC-TPI carbon fiber towpreg. The towpreg made by the dry powder process was formed into unidirectional fiber moldings and was woven and molded into preform material of good quality.

Generative Processes: Thick Drawing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wallick, Karl

2012-01-01

This article presents techniques and theories of generative drawing as a means for developing complex content in architecture design studios. Appending the word "generative" to drawing adds specificity to the most common representation tool and clarifies that such drawings are not singularly about communication or documentation but are…

Drawing lithography for microneedles: a review of fundamentals and biomedical applications.

PubMed

Lee, Kwang; Jung, Hyungil

2012-10-01

A microneedle is a three-dimensional (3D) micromechanical structure and has been in the spotlight recently as a drug delivery system (DDS). Because a microneedle delivers the target drug after penetrating the skin barrier, the therapeutic effects of microneedles proceed from its 3D structural geometry. Various types of microneedles have been fabricated using subtractive micromanufacturing methods which are based on the inherently planar two-dimensional (2D) geometries. However, traditional subtractive processes are limited for flexible structural microneedles and makes functional biomedical applications for efficient drug delivery difficult. The authors of the present study propose drawing lithography as a unique additive process for the fabrication of a microneedle directly from 2D planar substrates, thus overcoming a subtractive process shortcoming. The present article provides the first overview of the principal drawing lithography technology: fundamentals and biomedical applications. The continuous drawing technique for an ultrahigh-aspect ratio (UHAR) hollow microneedle, stepwise controlled drawing technique for a dissolving microneedle, and drawing technique with antidromic isolation for a hybrid electro-microneedle (HEM) are reviewed, and efficient biomedical applications by drawing lithography-mediated microneedles as an innovative drug and gene delivery system are described. Drawing lithography herein can provide a great breakthrough in the development of materials science and biotechnology. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fiber moisture content measurements of lint and seed cotton by a small microwave instrument

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The timely and accurate measurement of cotton fiber moisture content is important, as deviations in moisture fiber content can impact the fiber quality and processing of cotton fiber. The Mesdan Aqualab is a small, modular, microwave-based fiber moisture measurement instrument for samples with mode...

Measurement comparison of cotton fiber micronaire and its components by portable near infrared spectroscopy instruments

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Micronaire is a key cotton fiber classing and quality assessment property, and changes in fiber micronaire can impact downstream fiber processing and dye consistency in the textile manufacturing industry. Micronaire is a function of two fiber components—fiber maturity and fineness. Historically, m...

Ultra High Temperature (UHT) SiC Fiber (Phase 2)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dicarlo, James A.; Jacobson, Nathan S.; Lizcano, Maricela; Bhatt, Ramakrishna T.

2015-01-01

Silicon-carbide fiber-reinforced silicon-carbide ceramic matrix composites (SiCSiC CMC) are emerginglightweight re-usable structural materials not only for hot section components in gas turbine engines, but also for controlsurfaces and leading edges of reusable hypersonic vehicles as well as for nuclear propulsion and reactor components. Ithas been shown that when these CMC are employed in engine hot-section components, the higher the upper usetemperature (UUT) of the SiC fiber, the more performance benefits are accrued, such as higher operating temperatures,reduced component cooling air, reduced fuel consumption, and reduced emissions. The first generation of SiCSiC CMC with a temperature capability of 2200-2400F are on the verge of being introduced into the hot-section components ofcommercial and military gas turbine engines.Today the SiC fiber type currently recognized as the worlds best in terms ofthermo-mechanical performance is the Sylramic-iBN fiber. This fiber was previously developed by the PI at NASA GRC using patented processes to improve the high-cost commercial Sylramic fiber, which in turn was derived from anotherlow-cost low-performance commercial fiber. Although the Sylramic-iBN fiber shows state-of-the art creep and rupture resistance for use temperatures above 2550oF, NASA has shown by fundamental creep studies and model developmentthat its microstructure and creep resistance could theoretically be significantly improved to produce an Ultra HighTemperature (UHT) SiC fiber.This Phase II Seedling Fund effort has been focused on the key objective of effectively repeating the similar processes used for producing the Sylramic-iBN fiber using a design of experiments approach to first understand the cause of the less than optimum Sylramic-iBN microstructure and then attempting to develop processconditions that eliminate or minimize these key microstructural issues. In so doing, it is predicted that that theseadvanced process could result in an UHT SiC fiber with 20 times more creep resistance than the Sylramic-iBN fiber,which in turn would allow SiCSiC CMC to operate up to 2700oF and above, thereby further enhancing the performancebenefits of SiCSiC components in aero-propulsion engines. It was also envisioned that the fiber processes developedduring Phase II efforts would not only reduce production costs for the UHT fiber by using low-cost precursor fibers andcombined processes, but also allow the UHT fibers to be directly produced in preforms of the precursor fibers, possibly atthe facilities of the CMC fabricator.

A TEMPLATE-BASED FABRICATION TECHNIQUE FOR SPATIALLY-DESIGNED POLYMER MICRO/NANOFIBER COMPOSITES

PubMed Central

Naik, Nisarga; Caves, Jeff; Kumar, Vivek; Chaikof, Elliot; Allen, Mark G.

2013-01-01

This paper reports a template-based technique for the fabrication of polymer micro/nanofiber composites, exercising control over the fiber dimensions and alignment. Unlike conventional spinning-based methods of fiber production, the presented approach is based on micro-transfer molding. It is a parallel processing technique capable of producing fibers with control over both in-plane and out-of-plane geometries, in addition to packing density and layout of the fibers. Collagen has been used as a test polymer to demonstrate the concept. Hollow and solid collagen fibers with various spatial layouts have been fabricated. Produced fibers have widths ranging from 2 µm to 50 µm, and fiber thicknesses ranging from 300 nm to 3 µm. Also, three-dimensionality of the process has been demonstrated by producing in-plane serpentine fibers with designed arc lengths, out-of-plane wavy fibers, fibers with focalized particle encapsulation, and porous fibers with desired periodicity and pore sizes. PMID:24533428

Fiber optic and laser sensors X; Proceedings of the Meeting, Boston, MA, Sept. 8-11, 1992

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Udd, Eric (Editor); Depaula, Ramon P. (Editor)

1993-01-01

Topics addressed include acoustic and pressure sensors; fiber optic gyros; electric and magnetic field sensors; bend, strain, and temperature sensors; industrial applications of sensors; and processing techniques. Particular attention is given to fiber optic interferometric acoustic sensors for wind tunnel applications, polished coupler and resonator fabrication, second-harmonic detection for rotation sensing in fiber optic gyros, simplified control theory in closed-loop fiber optic gyroscopes, and a Fabry-Perot sensor with digital signal processing for the measurement of magnetostriction. Also discussed are a Bragg fiber laser sensor, commercialization of fiber optic strain gauge systems, thermal ignition in hazardous environments due to stray light from optical fibers, a system for absolute measurements by interferometric sensors, and high-performance interferometric demodulation techniques.

Precocious realists: perceptual and cognitive characteristics associated with drawing talent in non-autistic children

PubMed Central

Drake, Jennifer E.; Winner, Ellen

2009-01-01

A local processing bias in the block design task and in drawing strategy has been used to account for realistic drawing skill in individuals with autism. We investigated whether the same kind of local processing bias is seen in typically developing children with unusual skill in realistic graphic representation. Forty-three 5–11-year-olds who drew a still life completed a version of the block design task in both standard and segmented form, were tested for their memory for the block design items, and were given the Kaufmann Brief Intelligence Test-II. Children were classified as gifted, moderately gifted or typical on the basis of the level of realism in their drawings. Similar to autistic individuals, the gifted group showed a local processing bias in the block design task. But unlike autistic individuals, the gifted group showed a global advantage in the visual memory task and did not use a local drawing strategy; in addition, their graphic realism skill was related to verbal IQ. Differences in the extent of local processing bias in autistic and typically developing children with drawing talent are discussed. PMID:19528030

Expanding Music Listening Experience through Drawing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Han, Yo-Jung

2016-01-01

Drawing while listening to music provides an opportunity for students to imagine and associate, leading to holistic listening experience. The personal qualitative listening experience triggered by music can be revealed in their drawings. In the process of representing of the listening experience through drawing, students can also increase their…

37 CFR 1.165 - Plant drawings.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 37 Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Plant drawings. 1.165 Section... COMMERCE GENERAL RULES OF PRACTICE IN PATENT CASES National Processing Provisions Plant Patents § 1.165 Plant drawings. (a) Plant patent drawings should be artistically and competently executed and must...

37 CFR 1.165 - Plant drawings.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 37 Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Plant drawings. 1.165 Section... COMMERCE GENERAL RULES OF PRACTICE IN PATENT CASES National Processing Provisions Plant Patents § 1.165 Plant drawings. (a) Plant patent drawings should be artistically and competently executed and must...

37 CFR 1.165 - Plant drawings.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 37 Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Plant drawings. 1.165 Section... COMMERCE GENERAL RULES OF PRACTICE IN PATENT CASES National Processing Provisions Plant Patents § 1.165 Plant drawings. (a) Plant patent drawings should be artistically and competently executed and must...

37 CFR 1.165 - Plant drawings.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 37 Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Plant drawings. 1.165 Section... COMMERCE GENERAL RULES OF PRACTICE IN PATENT CASES National Processing Provisions Plant Patents § 1.165 Plant drawings. (a) Plant patent drawings should be artistically and competently executed and must...

37 CFR 1.165 - Plant drawings.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 37 Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Plant drawings. 1.165 Section... COMMERCE GENERAL RULES OF PRACTICE IN PATENT CASES National Processing Provisions Plant Patents § 1.165 Plant drawings. (a) Plant patent drawings should be artistically and competently executed and must...

Kernel Regression Estimation of Fiber Orientation Mixtures in Diffusion MRI

PubMed Central

Cabeen, Ryan P.; Bastin, Mark E.; Laidlaw, David H.

2016-01-01

We present and evaluate a method for kernel regression estimation of fiber orientations and associated volume fractions for diffusion MR tractography and population-based atlas construction in clinical imaging studies of brain white matter. This is a model-based image processing technique in which representative fiber models are estimated from collections of component fiber models in model-valued image data. This extends prior work in nonparametric image processing and multi-compartment processing to provide computational tools for image interpolation, smoothing, and fusion with fiber orientation mixtures. In contrast to related work on multi-compartment processing, this approach is based on directional measures of divergence and includes data-adaptive extensions for model selection and bilateral filtering. This is useful for reconstructing complex anatomical features in clinical datasets analyzed with the ball-and-sticks model, and our framework’s data-adaptive extensions are potentially useful for general multi-compartment image processing. We experimentally evaluate our approach with both synthetic data from computational phantoms and in vivo clinical data from human subjects. With synthetic data experiments, we evaluate performance based on errors in fiber orientation, volume fraction, compartment count, and tractography-based connectivity. With in vivo data experiments, we first show improved scan-rescan reproducibility and reliability of quantitative fiber bundle metrics, including mean length, volume, streamline count, and mean volume fraction. We then demonstrate the creation of a multi-fiber tractography atlas from a population of 80 human subjects. In comparison to single tensor atlasing, our multi-fiber atlas shows more complete features of known fiber bundles and includes reconstructions of the lateral projections of the corpus callosum and complex fronto-parietal connections of the superior longitudinal fasciculus I, II, and III. PMID:26691524

Film/Adhesive Processing Module for Fiber-Placement Processing of Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hulcher, A. Bruce

2007-01-01

An automated apparatus has been designed and constructed that enables the automated lay-up of composite structures incorporating films, foils, and adhesives during the automated fiber-placement process. This apparatus, denoted a film module, could be used to deposit materials in film or thin sheet form either simultaneously when laying down the fiber composite article or in an independent step.

Effects of drying process on the physicochemical properties of nopal cladodes at different maturity stages.

PubMed

Contreras-Padilla, Margarita; Gutiérrez-Cortez, Elsa; Valderrama-Bravo, María Del Carmen; Rojas-Molina, Isela; Espinosa-Arbeláez, Diego Germán; Suárez-Vargas, Raúl; Rodríguez-García, Mario Enrique

2012-03-01

Chemical proximate analysis was done in order to determine the changes of nutritional characteristics of nopal powders from three different maturity stages 50, 100, and 150 days and obtained by three different drying processes: freeze dried, forced air oven, and tunnel. Results indicate that nopal powder obtained by the process of freeze dried retains higher contents of protein, soluble fiber, and fat than the other two processes. Also, freeze dried process had less effect on color hue variable. No changes were observed in insoluble fiber content, chroma and lightness with the three different drying processes. Furthermore, the soluble fibers decreased with the age of nopal while insoluble fibers and ash content shows an opposite trend. In addition, the luminosity and hue values did not show differences among the maturity stages studied. The high content of dietary fibers of nopal pad powder could to be an interesting source of these important components for human diets and also could be used in food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industry.

Weber (slope) analyses of timing variability in tapping and drawing tasks.

PubMed

Spencer, Rebecca M C; Zelaznik, Howard N

2003-12-01

Timing variability in continuous drawing tasks has not been found to be correlated with timing variability in repetitive finger tapping in recent studies (S. D. Robertson et al., 1999; H. N. Zelaznik, R. M. C. Spencer, & R. B. Ivry, 2002). Furthermore, the central component of timing variability, as measured by the slope of the timing variance versus the square of the timed interval, differed for tapping and drawing tasks. On the basis of those results, the authors posited that timing in tapping is explicit and as such uses a central representation of the interval to be timed, whereas timing in drawing tasks is implicit, that is, the temporal component is an emergent property of the trajectory produced. The authors examined that hypothesis in the present study by determining the linear relationship between timing variance and squared duration for tapping, circle-drawing, and line-drawing tasks. Participants (N = 50) performed 1 of 5 tasks: finger tapping, line drawing in the x dimension, line drawing in the y dimension, continuous circle drawing timed in the x dimension, or continuous circle drawing timed in the y dimension. The slopes differed significantly between finger tapping, line drawing, and circle drawing, suggesting separable sources of timing variability. The slopes of the 2 circle-drawing tasks did not differ from one another, nor did the slopes of the 2 line-drawing tasks differ significantly, suggesting a shared timing process within those tasks. Those results are evidence of a high degree of specificity in timing processes.

Morphology control in polymer blend fibers—a high throughput computing approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sesha Sarath Pokuri, Balaji; Ganapathysubramanian, Baskar

2016-08-01

Fibers made from polymer blends have conventionally enjoyed wide use, particularly in textiles. This wide applicability is primarily aided by the ease of manufacturing such fibers. More recently, the ability to tailor the internal morphology of polymer blend fibers by carefully designing processing conditions has enabled such fibers to be used in technologically relevant applications. Some examples include anisotropic insulating properties for heat and anisotropic wicking of moisture, coaxial morphologies for optical applications as well as fibers with high internal surface area for filtration and catalysis applications. However, identifying the appropriate processing conditions from the large space of possibilities using conventional trial-and-error approaches is a tedious and resource-intensive process. Here, we illustrate a high throughput computational approach to rapidly explore and characterize how processing conditions (specifically blend ratio and evaporation rates) affect the internal morphology of polymer blends during solvent based fabrication. We focus on a PS: PMMA system and identify two distinct classes of morphologies formed due to variations in the processing conditions. We subsequently map the processing conditions to the morphology class, thus constructing a ‘phase diagram’ that enables rapid identification of processing parameters for specific morphology class. We finally demonstrate the potential for time dependent processing conditions to get desired features of the morphology. This opens up the possibility of rational stage-wise design of processing pathways for tailored fiber morphology using high throughput computing.

Investigation of Brittle Fractures in Graphite-Epoxy Composites Subjected to Impact

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-05-01

Dspertlmew of the Army position unless so des •i•ated by othr authrized documents. Men Goverment drawings. epeOsftions. or other data we used for any...FRACTURE CHARACTERISTICS OF SOME FIBER-STRENGTHEN,1ED EPOXY RESIN SYSTEMS, E. 1. duPont de Nemours and Company, Incorporated, Wilmington, Delaware...Corporation Report TR-0172(SZ816-15)- 1, December 1971. 35 a LAYERS WITH Ela DIFFERENIT C (EACH LAYER ISOTROPIC) E la E lb t Elc E’ In Vila V lb ý VIC

How current ginning processes affect fiber length uniformity index

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

There is a need to develop cotton ginning methods that improve fiber characteristics that are compatible with the newer and more efficient spinning technologies. A literature search produced recent studies that described how current ginning processes affect HVI fiber length uniformity index. Resul...

Frictional interactions in forming processes: New studies with transparent sapphire strip-drawing dies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rao, R. S.; Lu, C. Y.; Wright, P. K.; Devenpeck, M. L.; Richmond, O.; Appleby, E. J.

1982-05-01

This research is concerned with the frictional interactions at the toolwork interfaces in the machining and strip-drawing processes. A novel feature is that transparent sapphire (single crystal Al2O3) is being used as the tool and die material. This allows the tribological features of the interface to be directly observed and recorded on movie-film. These qualitative studies provide information on the role of lubricants. In addition, techniques are being developed to quantify the velocity gradient along the interface. For example, in the drawing work it has been found that tracer markings (e.g. dye-spots), applied to the undrawn strip, remain intact during drawing and can be tracked along the sapphire/strip interface. Such data will be used as input to a finite-element, elasto-plastic-workhardening model of the deformation process. The latter can compute strip deformation characteristics, drawing forces and local coefficients of friction at the interface. Introductory results will be presented in this paper, obtained from drawing tin-plated mild steel with sapphire and cemented carbide dies. Drawing loads and die-separating forces will be presented and movie-films of the action of tracer markings at the interface shown. In order to demonstrate how this data can be used in an analysis of a large strain deformation process with friction, initial results from running the FIPDEF elasto-plastic code will be discussed. From a commercial viewpoint research on strip-drawing is of special interest to the can-making industry. From a physical viewpoint stripdrawing is of particular interest because it is a symmetrical, plane strain deformation and, in comparison with other metal processing operations, it is more readily modeled. However, until now the elasto-plastic codes that have been developed to predictively model drawing have had limitations: the most notable being that of quantifying the friction conditions at the die-work interface. Hence the specification of the latter is the ultimate goal of this research program.

An in-depth analysis of the physico-mechanical properties imparted by agricultural fibers and food processing residues in polypropylene biocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murdy, Rachel Campbell; Mak, Michelle; Misra, Manjusri; Mohanty, Amar K.

2015-05-01

The use of agricultural and food processing residues as potential reinforcements in plastics has been extensively studied. However, there is a large variation in the mechanical performance of agricultural fiber-based biocomposites due to different processing materials and parameters. An in-depth comparison of the resulting effect of the agricultural filler on the matrix is often not possible given the discrepancy in processing conditions. This study seeks to determine the intrinsic properties of agricultural fibers and food processing residues for their use in polypropylene biocomposites based on a standardization of experimental design. The effect of 25wt% loading of miscanthus, fall-and spring-harvest switchgrass, wheat straw, oat hull, soy hull, soy stalk, hemp and flax on the physico-mechanical properties of polypropylene biocomposites was investigated. The addition of fiber led to an improvement in flexural strength, flexural modulus, and tensile modulus, and a general decrease in tensile strength at yield, elongation at break and Izod impact strength. Scanning electron microscopy highlighted the interfacial adhesion, orientation and distribution of the fibers within the matrix, confirming that fiber length and dispersion within the matrix are positively correlated with mechanical properties. The crystallization of the polypropylene phase and a compositional analysis of the agricultural fibers and processing residues were also compared to offer insight into the effect of the filler's intrinsic properties on the resulting material performance.

Autoclave processing for composite material fabrication. 1: An analysis of resin flows and fiber compactions for thin laminate

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hou, T. H.

1985-01-01

High quality long fiber reinforced composites, such as those used in aerospace and industrial applications, are commonly processed in autoclaves. An adequate resin flow model for the entire system (laminate/bleeder/breather), which provides a description of the time-dependent laminate consolidation process, is useful in predicting the loss of resin, heat transfer characteristics, fiber volume fraction and part dimension, etc., under a specified set of processing conditions. This could be accomplished by properly analyzing the flow patterns and pressure profiles inside the laminate during processing. A newly formulated resin flow model for composite prepreg lamination process is reported. This model considers viscous resin flows in both directions perpendicular and parallel to the composite plane. In the horizontal direction, a squeezing flow between two nonporous parallel plates is analyzed, while in the vertical direction, a poiseuille type pressure flow through porous media is assumed. Proper force and mass balances have been made and solved for the whole system. The effects of fiber-fiber interactions during lamination are included as well. The unique features of this analysis are: (1) the pressure gradient inside the laminate is assumed to be generated from squeezing action between two adjacent approaching fiber layers, and (2) the behavior of fiber bundles is simulated by a Finitely Extendable Nonlinear Elastic (FENE) spring.

Effect of configuration and some processing variables on the properties of wood fiber-polyethylene composites

Treesearch

Chin-Yin Hwang; Chung-Yun Hse; Elvin T. Choong

1999-01-01

Chemical compositions and fiber measurement of virgin and recycled fibers from three sources were determined. Results revealed that virgin southern pine fiber had highest alcohol-benzene extractive and lignin contents and lowest holo- and alpha-cellulose content among the three fiber types. Fiber length distribution of virgin fiber was less sensitive to disintegration...

Influence of the power law index on the fiber breakage during injection molding by numerical simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Desplentere, Frederik; Six, Wim; Bonte, Hilde; Debrabandere, Eric

2013-04-01

In predictive engineering for polymer processes, the proper prediction of material microstructure from known processing conditions and constituent material properties is a critical step forward properly predicting bulk properties in the finished composite. Operating within the context of long-fiber thermoplastics (LFT, length > 15mm) this investigation concentrates on the influence of the power law index on the final fiber length distribution within the injection molded part. To realize this, the Autodesk Simulation Moldflow Insight Scandium 2013 software has been used. In this software, a fiber breakage algorithm is available from this release on. Using virtual material data with realistic viscosity levels allows to separate the influence of the power law index on the fiber breakage from the other material and process parameters. Applying standard settings for the fiber breakage parameters results in an obvious influence on the fiber length distribution through the thickness of the part and also as function of position in the part. Finally, the influence of the shear rate constant within the fiber breakage model has been investigated illustrating the possibility to fit the virtual fiber length distribution to the possible experimentally available data.

37 CFR 1.81 - Drawings required in patent application.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 37 Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Drawings required in patent..., DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE GENERAL RULES OF PRACTICE IN PATENT CASES National Processing Provisions The Drawings § 1.81 Drawings required in patent application. (a) The applicant for a patent is required to furnish...

37 CFR 1.85 - Corrections to drawings.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 37 Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Corrections to drawings. 1.85... COMMERCE GENERAL RULES OF PRACTICE IN PATENT CASES National Processing Provisions The Drawings § 1.85 Corrections to drawings. (a) A utility or plant application will not be placed on the files for examination...

37 CFR 1.152 - Design drawings.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 37 Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Design drawings. 1.152... COMMERCE GENERAL RULES OF PRACTICE IN PATENT CASES National Processing Provisions Design Patents § 1.152 Design drawings. The design must be represented by a drawing that complies with the requirements of § 1...

37 CFR 1.152 - Design drawings.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 37 Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Design drawings. 1.152... COMMERCE GENERAL RULES OF PRACTICE IN PATENT CASES National Processing Provisions Design Patents § 1.152 Design drawings. The design must be represented by a drawing that complies with the requirements of § 1...

Behind the Veil: Mandala Drawings by Dementia Patients.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Couch, Janet Beaujon

1997-01-01

Examines the Mandala (circular) drawings of elderly patients diagnosed with dementia in order to explore the drawings' role in artmaking and patients' internal processes. Categorized drawings using the MARI Card Test (a projective psychological instrument). Describes the six MARI stages drawn most frequently and colors used most often. (RJM)

Cellulosic fibers and nonwovens from solutions: Processing and properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dahiya, Atul

Cellulose is a renewable and bio-based material source extracted from wood that has the potential to generate value added products such as composites, fibers, and nonwoven textiles. This research was focused on the potential of cellulose as the raw material for fiber spinning and melt blowing of nonwovens. The cellulose was dissolved in two different benign solvents: the amine oxide 4-N-methyl morpholine oxide monohydrate (NMMO•H2O) (lyocell process); and the ionic liquid (IL) 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([C 4MIM]Cl). The solvents have essentially no vapor pressure and are biologically degradable, making them environmentally advantageous for manufacturing processes. The objectives of this research were to: (1) characterize solutions of NMMO and [C4MIM]Cl; (2) develop processing techniques to melt blow nonwoven webs from cellulose using NMMO as a solvent; (3) electrospin cellulosic fibers from the [C4MIM]Cl solvent; (4) spin cellulosic single fibers from the [C4MIM]Cl solvent. Different concentration solutions of cellulose in NMMO and [C4MIM]Cl were initially characterized rheologically and thermally to understand their behavior under different conditions of stress, strain, and temperature. Results were used to determine processing conditions and concentrations for the melt blowing, fiber spinning, and electrospinning experiments. The cellulosic nonwoven webs and fibers were characterized for their physical and optical properties such as tensile strength, water absorbency, fiber diameter, and fiber surface. Thermal properties were also measured by thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and dynamic mechanical analysis. Lyocell webs were successfully melt blown from the 14% cellulose solution. Basis weights of the webs were 27, 79, and 141 g/m2 and thicknesses ranged from 0.3-0.9 mm, depending on die temperatures and die to collector distance. The average fiber diameter achieved was 2.3 microns. The 6% lyocell solutions exhibited poor spinability and did not form nonwoven webs. The electrospun nonwoven webs obtained were evaluated for fiber diameter and surface/web structure using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The fibers obtained were in the range of 17-25 microns and the fiber surfaces and shapes varied with spinning conditions. A capillary rheometer was used to spin single fibers from [C 4MIM]Cl. Circular fibers in diameter ranging from 12-84 microns were obtained.

Overview of SBIR Phase II Work on Hollow Graphite Fibers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stallcup, Michael; Brantley, Lott W. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

Ultra-Lightweight materials are enabling for producing space based optical components and support structures. Heretofore, innovative designs using existing materials has been the approach to produce lighter-weight optical systems. Graphite fiber reinforced composites, because of their light weight, have been a material of frequent choice to produce space based optical components. Hollow graphite fibers would be lighter than standard solid graphite fibers and, thus, would save weight in optical components. The Phase I SBIR program demonstrated it is possible to produce hollow carbon fibers that have strengths up to 4.2 GPa which are equivalent to commercial fibers, and composites made from the hollow fibers had substantially equivalent composite strengths as commercial fiber composites at a 46% weight savings. The Phase II SBIR program will optimize processing and properties of the hollow carbon fiber and scale-up processing to produce sufficient fiber for fabricating a large ultra-lightweight mirror for delivery to NASA. Information presented here includes an overview of the strength of some preliminary hollow fibers, photographs of those fibers, and a short discussion of future plans.

Hi-Nicalon Fiber-Reinforced Celsian Matrix Composites: Influence of Interface Modification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bansal, Narottam P.; Eldridge, Jeffrey I.

1998-01-01

Unidirectional celsian matrix composites having 42-45 vol % of uncoated or BN-SIC coated Hi-Nicalon fibers were tested in three-point bend at room temperature. The uncoated fiber-reinforced composites showed catastrophic failure with strength of 210 35 MPa and a flat fracture surface. In contrast, composites reinforced with coated fibers exhibited graceful failure with extensive fiber pullout. Values of first matrix cracking stress and strain were 435 +/- 35 MPa and 0.27 +/- 0.01%, respectively, with ultimate strength as high as 960 MPa. The elastic Young modulus of the uncoated and coated fiber-reinforced composites were 184 +/- 4 GPa and 165 +/- 5 GPa, respectively. Fiber push-through tests and microscopic examination indicated no chemical reaction at the uncoated or coated fiber-matrix interface. The low strength of composite with uncoated fibers is due to degradation of the fiber strength from mechanical damage during processing. Because both the coated- and uncoated-fiber-reinforced composites exhibited weak interfaces, the beneficial effect of the BN-SIC dual layer is primarily the protection of fibers from mechanical damage during processing.

Tribological dry sliding behavior of chopped carbon fiber reinforced polyetheretherketone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chumaevskii, A. V.; Ivanov, A. N.; Filippov, A. V.; Rubtsov, V. E.; Kolubaev, E. A.

2017-12-01

Tribological tests on 3D printed pure polyetheretherketone and carbon fiber reinforced polyetheretherketone samples were carried out. The negative effect of carbon fiber sticking out of the matrix on wear and sliding process stability was revealed. These fibers may be too long and oriented to the worn surface in a manner that prevents their removal by wear so that the worn surface becomes irregular and the sliding process instable.

Synthesis of high performance ceramic fibers by chemical vapor deposition for advanced metallics reinforcing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Revankar, Vithal; Hlavacek, Vladimir

1991-01-01

The chemical vapor deposition (CVD) synthesis of fibers capable of effectively reinforcing intermetallic matrices at elevated temperatures which can be used for potential applications in high temperature composite materials is described. This process was used due to its advantage over other fiber synthesis processes. It is extremely important to produce these fibers with good reproducible and controlled growth rates. However, the complex interplay of mass and energy transfer, blended with the fluid dynamics makes this a formidable task. The design and development of CVD reactor assembly and system to synthesize TiB2, CrB, B4C, and TiC fibers was performed. Residual thermal analysis for estimating stresses arising form thermal expansion mismatch were determined. Various techniques to improve the mechanical properties were also performed. Various techniques for improving the fiber properties were elaborated. The crystal structure and its orientation for TiB2 fiber is discussed. An overall view of the CVD process to develop CrB2, TiB2, and other high performance ceramic fibers is presented.

Modified Powder-in-Tube Technique Based on the Consolidation Processing of Powder Materials for Fabricating Specialty Optical Fibers

PubMed Central

Auguste, Jean-Louis; Humbert, Georges; Leparmentier, Stéphanie; Kudinova, Maryna; Martin, Pierre-Olivier; Delaizir, Gaëlle; Schuster, Kay; Litzkendorf, Doris

2014-01-01

The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the interest of a consolidation process associated with the powder-in-tube technique in order to fabricate a long length of specialty optical fibers. This so-called Modified Powder-in-Tube (MPIT) process is very flexible and paves the way to multimaterial optical fiber fabrications with different core and cladding glassy materials. Another feature of this technique lies in the sintering of the preform under reducing or oxidizing atmosphere. The fabrication of such optical fibers implies different constraints that we have to deal with, namely chemical species diffusion or mechanical stress due to the mismatches between thermal expansion coefficients and working temperatures of the fiber materials. This paper focuses on preliminary results obtained with a lanthano-aluminosilicate glass used as the core material for the fabrication of all-glass fibers or specialty Photonic Crystal Fibers (PCFs). To complete the panel of original microstructures now available by the MPIT technique, we also present several optical fibers in which metallic particles or microwires are included into a silica-based matrix. PMID:28788176

Application of taguchi method for selection parameter bleaching treatments against mechanical and physical properties of agave cantala fiber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yudhanto, F.; Jamasri; Rochardjo, Heru S. B.

2018-05-01

The characterized agave cantala fiber in this research came from Sumenep, Madura, Indonesia was chemically processed using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) solution. The treatment with both solutions is called bleaching process. Tensile strength test of single fiber was used to get mechanical properties from selecting process of the various parameter are temperature, PH and concentration of H2O2 with an L9 orthogonal array by Taguchi method. The results indicate that PH is most significant parameter influencing the tensile strength followed by temperature and concentration H2O2. The influence of bleaching treatment on tensile strength showed increasing of crystallinity index of fiber by 21%. It showed by lost of hemicellulose and lignin layers of fiber can be seen from waveforms changes of 1735 (C=O), 1627 (OH), 1319 (CH2), 1250 (C-O) by FTIR graph. The photo SEM showed that the bleaching of fibers causes the fibers more roughly and clearly than untreated fibers.

Differences in interfacial bond strengths of graphite fiber-epoxy resin composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Needles, H. L.

1985-01-01

The effect of epoxy-size and degree of cure on the interfacial bonding of an epoxy-amine-graphite fiber composite system is examined. The role of the fiber-resin interface in determining the overall mechanical properties of composites is poorly understood. A good interfacial adhesive bond is required to achieve maximum stress transfer to the fibers in composites, but at the same time some form of energy absorbing interfacial interaction is needed to achieve high fracture toughening. The incompatibility of these two processes makes it important to understand the nature and basic factors involved at the fiber-resin interface as stress is applied. The mechanical properties including interlaminar shear values for graphite fiber-resin composites are low compared to glass and boron-resin composites. These differences have been attributed to poor fiber-matrix adhesion. Graphite fibers are commonly subjected to post-treatments including application of organic sizing in order to improve their compatibility with the resin matrix and to protect the fiber tow from damage during processing and lay-up. In such processes, sized graphite fiber tow is impregnated with epoxy resin and then layed-up i nto the appropriate configuration. Following an extended ambient temperature cure, the graphite-resin composite structure is cured at elevated temperature using a programmed temperature sequence to cure and then cool the product.

Review and perspective: Sapphire optical fiber cladding development for harsh environment sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Hui; Buric, Michael; Ohodnicki, Paul R.; Nakano, Jinichiro; Liu, Bo; Chorpening, Benjamin T.

2018-03-01

The potential to use single-crystal sapphire optical fiber as an alternative to silica optical fibers for sensing in high-temperature, high-pressure, and chemically aggressive harsh environments has been recognized for several decades. A key technological barrier to the widespread deployment of harsh environment sensors constructed with sapphire optical fibers has been the lack of an optical cladding that is durable under these conditions. However, researchers have not yet succeeded in incorporating a high-temperature cladding process into the typical fabrication process for single-crystal sapphire fibers, which generally involves seed-initiated fiber growth from the molten oxide state. While a number of advances in fabrication of a cladding after fiber-growth have been made over the last four decades, none have successfully transitioned to a commercial manufacturing process. This paper reviews the various strategies and techniques for fabricating an optically clad sapphire fiber which have been proposed and explored in published research. The limitations of current approaches and future prospects for sapphire fiber cladding are discussed, including fabrication methods and materials. The aim is to provide an understanding of the past research into optical cladding of sapphire fibers and to assess possible material systems for future research on this challenging problem for harsh environment sensors.

Fabrication, functionalization, and application of electrospun biopolymer nanofibers.

PubMed

Kriegel, Christina; Arecchi, Alessandra; Arrechi, Alessandra; Kit, Kevin; McClements, D J; Weiss, Jochen

2008-09-01

The use of novel nanostructured materials has attracted considerable interest in the food industry for their utilization as highly functional ingredients, high-performance packaging materials, processing aids, and food quality and safety sensors. Most previous application interest has focused on the development of nanoparticles. However, more recently, the ability to produce non-woven mats composed of nanofibers that can be used in food applications is beginning to be investigated. Electrospinning is a novel fabrication technique that can be used to produce fibers with diameters below 100 nm from (bio-) polymer solutions. These nanofibers have been shown to possess unique properties that distinguish them from non-woven fibers produced by other methods, e.g., melt-blowing. This is because first the process involved results in a high orientation of polymers within the fibers that leads to mechanically superior properties, e.g., increased tensile strengths. Second, during the spinning of the fibers from polymer solutions, the solvent is rapidly evaporated allowing the production of fibers composed of polymer blends that would typically phase separate if spun with other processes. Third, the small dimensions of the fibers lead to very high specific surface areas. Because of this the fiber properties may be greatly influenced by surface properties giving rise to fiber functionalities not found in fibers of larger sizes. For food applications, the fibers may find uses as ingredients if they are composed solely of edible polymers and GRAS ingredients, (e.g., fibers could contain functional ingredients such as nutraceuticals, antioxidants, antimicrobials, and flavors), as active packaging materials or as processing aids (e.g., catalytic reactors, membranes, filters (Lala et al., 2007), and sensors (Manesh et al., 2007; Ren et al., 2006; Sawicka et al., 2005). This review is therefore intended to introduce interested food and agricultural scientists to the concept of nano-fiber manufacturing with a particular emphasis on the use of biopolymers. We will review typical fabrication set-ups, discuss the influence of process conditions on nanofiber properties, and then review previous studies that describe the production of biopolymer-based nanofibers. Finally we briefly discuss emerging methods to further functionalize fibers and discuss potential applications in the area of food science and technology.

Investigation on the durability of man-made vitreous fibers in rat lungs.

PubMed Central

Bellmann, B; Muhle, H; Kamstrup, O; Draeger, U F

1994-01-01

Two types of sized stonewool with median lengths of 6.7 and 10.1 microns and median diameters of 0.63 and 0.85 microns, and crocidolite with fibers of median length of 4.8 microns and median diameter of 0.18 microns were instilled intratracheally into female Wistar rats. A single dose of 2 mg in 0.3 ml saline was used for the stonewool samples and 0.1 mg in 0.3 ml saline for crocidolite. The evenness of distribution of fibers in the lung was checked by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Five animals per group were sacrificed after 2 days, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. After low-temperature ashing of the lungs about 200 fibers per animal were analyzed by SEM for length and diameter. The number and mass of fibers in the total lung were calculated. For the stonewool samples the decrease in the number of fibers in the lung ash followed approximately first order kinetics resulting in half-times of 90 and 120 days. The analysis of fiber number and diameter of different length fractions was used to estimate the contribution of three processes of fiber elimination: transport by macrophages for short fibers, breakage of fibers, and dissolution of fibers. (The process of transport by macrophages was found fastest for fibers with length < 2.5 microns). For the elimination of critical fibers with length > 5 microns, the breakage and dissolution were the most important processes. The breakage of fibers was predominant for one of the stonewool samples. The preferential type of the mechanism of fiber elimination is dependent on chemical composition and size distribution. PMID:7882927

Comparison of the neural basis for imagined writing and drawing.

PubMed

Harrington, Greg S; Farias, Dana; Davis, Christine H; Buonocore, Michael H

2007-05-01

Drawing and writing are complex processes that require the synchronization of cognition, language, and perceptual-motor skills. Drawing and writing have both been utilized in the treatment of aphasia to improve communication. Recent research suggests that the act of drawing an object facilitated naming, whereas writing the word diminished accurate naming in individuals with aphasia. However, the relationship between object drawing and subsequent phonological output is unclear. Although the right hemisphere is characteristically mute, there is evidence from split-brain research that the right hemisphere can integrate pictures and words, likely via a semantic network. We hypothesized that drawing activates right hemispheric and left perilesional regions that are spared in aphasic individuals and may contribute to semantic activation that supports naming. Eleven right-handed subjects participated in a functional MRI (fMRI) experiment involving imagined drawing and writing and 6 of the 11 subjects participated in a second fMRI experiment involving actual writing and drawing. Drawing and writing produced very similar group activation maps including activation bilaterally in the premotor, inferior frontal, posterior inferior temporal, and parietal areas. The comparison of drawing vs. writing revealed significant differences between the conditions in areas of the brain known for language processing. The direct comparison between drawing and writing revealed greater right hemisphere activation for drawing in language areas such as Brodmann area (BA) 46 and BA 37.

40 CFR 63.11398 - What definitions apply to this subpart?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... acrylonitrile units: acrylic fiber or modacrylic fiber. Acrylonitrile solution polymerization means a process where acrylonitrile and comonomers are dissolved in a solvent to form a polymer solution (typically... resulting reactor polymer solution (spin dope) is filtered and pumped directly to the fiber spinning process...

40 CFR 63.11398 - What definitions apply to this subpart?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... acrylonitrile units: acrylic fiber or modacrylic fiber. Acrylonitrile solution polymerization means a process where acrylonitrile and comonomers are dissolved in a solvent to form a polymer solution (typically... resulting reactor polymer solution (spin dope) is filtered and pumped directly to the fiber spinning process...

Processing and Structural Advantages of the Sylramic-iBN SiC Fiber for SiC/SiC Components

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yun, H. M.; Dicarlo, J. A.; Bhatt, R. T.; Hurst, J. B.

2008-01-01

The successful high-temperature application of complex-shaped SiC/SiC components will depend on achieving as high a fraction of the as-produced fiber strength as possible during component fabrication and service. Key issues center on a variety of component architecture, processing, and service-related factors that can reduce fiber strength, such as fiber-fiber abrasion during architecture shaping, surface chemical attack during interphase deposition and service, and intrinsic flaw growth during high-temperature matrix formation and composite creep. The objective of this paper is to show that the NASA-developed Sylramic-iBN SiC fiber minimizes many of these issues for state-of-the-art melt-infiltrated (MI) SiC/BN/SiC composites. To accomplish this, data from various mechanical tests are presented that compare how different high performance SiC fiber types retain strength during formation of complex architectures, during processing of BN interphases and MI matrices, and during simulated composite service at high temperatures.

Dry Process for Making Polyimide/ Carbon-and-Boron-Fiber Tape

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Belvin, Harry L.; Cano, Roberto J.; Johnston, Norman J.; Marchello, Joseph M.

2003-01-01

A dry process has been invented as an improved means of manufacturing composite prepreg tapes that consist of high-temperature thermoplastic polyimide resin matrices reinforced with carbon and boron fibers. Such tapes are used (especially in the aircraft industry) to fabricate strong, lightweight composite-material structural components. The inclusion of boron fibers results in compression strengths greater than can be achieved by use of carbon fibers alone. The present dry process is intended to enable the manufacture of prepreg tapes (1) that contain little or no solvent; (2) that have the desired dimensions, fiber areal weight, and resin content; and (3) in which all of the fibers are adequately wetted by resin and the boron fibers are fully encapsulated and evenly dispersed. Prepreg tapes must have these properties to be useable in the manufacture of high-quality composites by automated tape placement. The elimination of solvent and the use of automated tape placement would reduce the overall costs of manufacturing.

Magneto-carbonization method for production of carbon fiber, and high performance carbon fibers made thereby

DOEpatents

Naskar, Amit K.; Ozcan, Soydan; Eberle, Claude C.; Abdallah, Mohamed Gabr; Mackiewicz, Ludtka Gail; Ludtka, Gerard Michael; Paulauskas, Felix Leonard; Rivard, John Daniel Kennedy

2017-08-08

Method for the preparation of carbon fiber from fiber precursor, wherein the fiber precursor is subjected to a magnetic field of at least 3 Tesla during a carbonization process. The carbonization process is generally conducted at a temperature of at least 400.degree. C. and less than 2200.degree. C., wherein, in particular embodiments, the carbonization process includes a low temperature carbonization step conducted at a temperature of at least or above 400.degree. C. or 500.degree. C. and less than or up to 1000.degree. C., 1100.degree. C., or 1200.degree. C., followed by a high temperature carbonization step conducted at a temperature of at least or above 1200.degree. C. In particular embodiments, particularly in the case of a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fiber precursor, the resulting carbon fiber may possess a minimum tensile strength of at least 600 ksi, a tensile modulus of at least 30 Msi, and an ultimate elongation of at least 1.5%.

fMRI-activation during drawing a naturalistic or sketchy portrait.

PubMed

Schaer, K; Jahn, G; Lotze, M

2012-07-15

Neural processes for naturalistic drawing might be discerned into object recognition and analysis, attention processes guiding eye hand interaction, encoding of visual features in an allocentric reference frame, a transfer into the motor command and precise motor guidance with tight sensorimotor feedback. Cerebral representations in a real life paradigm during naturalistic drawing have sparsely been investigated. Using a functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) paradigm we measured 20 naive subjects during drawing a portrait from a frontal face presented as a photograph. Participants were asked to draw the portrait in either a naturalistic or a sketchy characteristic way. Tracing the contours of the face with a pencil or passive viewing of the face served as control conditions. Compared to passive viewing, naturalistic and sketchy drawing recruited predominantly the dorsal visual pathway, somatosensory and motor areas and bilateral BA 44. The right occipital lobe, middle temporal (MT) and the fusiform face area were increasingly active during drawing compared to passive viewing as well. Compared to tracing with a pencil, both drawing tasks increasingly involved the bilateral precuneus together with the cuneus and right inferior temporal lobe. Overall, our study identified cerebral areas characteristic for previously proposed aspects of drawing: face perception and analysis (fusiform gyrus and higher visual areas), encoding and retrieval of locations in an allocentric reference frame (precuneus), and continuous feedback processes during motor output (parietal sulcus, cerebellar hemisphere). Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

3D Representative Volume Element Reconstruction of Fiber Composites via Orientation Tensor and Substructure Features

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, Yi; Chen, Wei; Xu, Hongyi

To provide a seamless integration of manufacturing processing simulation and fiber microstructure modeling, two new stochastic 3D microstructure reconstruction methods are proposed for two types of random fiber composites: random short fiber composites, and Sheet Molding Compounds (SMC) chopped fiber composites. A Random Sequential Adsorption (RSA) algorithm is first developed to embed statistical orientation information into 3D RVE reconstruction of random short fiber composites. For the SMC composites, an optimized Voronoi diagram based approach is developed for capturing the substructure features of SMC chopped fiber composites. The proposed methods are distinguished from other reconstruction works by providing a way ofmore » integrating statistical information (fiber orientation tensor) obtained from material processing simulation, as well as capturing the multiscale substructures of the SMC composites.« less

High-Throughput Image Analysis of Fibrillar Materials: A Case Study on Polymer Nanofiber Packing, Alignment, and Defects in Organic Field Effect Transistors.

PubMed

Persson, Nils E; Rafshoon, Joshua; Naghshpour, Kaylie; Fast, Tony; Chu, Ping-Hsun; McBride, Michael; Risteen, Bailey; Grover, Martha; Reichmanis, Elsa

2017-10-18

High-throughput discovery of process-structure-property relationships in materials through an informatics-enabled empirical approach is an increasingly utilized technique in materials research due to the rapidly expanding availability of data. Here, process-structure-property relationships are extracted for the nucleation, growth, and deposition of semiconducting poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) nanofibers used in organic field effect transistors, via high-throughput image analysis. This study is performed using an automated image analysis pipeline combining existing open-source software and new algorithms, enabling the rapid evaluation of structural metrics for images of fibrillar materials, including local orientational order, fiber length density, and fiber length distributions. We observe that microfluidic processing leads to fibers that pack with unusually high density, while sonication yields fibers that pack sparsely with low alignment. This is attributed to differences in their crystallization mechanisms. P3HT nanofiber packing during thin film deposition exhibits behavior suggesting that fibers are confined to packing in two-dimensional layers. We find that fiber alignment, a feature correlated with charge carrier mobility, is driven by increasing fiber length, and that shorter fibers tend to segregate to the buried dielectric interface during deposition, creating potentially performance-limiting defects in alignment. Another barrier to perfect alignment is the curvature of P3HT fibers; we propose a mechanistic simulation of fiber growth that reconciles both this curvature and the log-normal distribution of fiber lengths inherent to the fiber populations under consideration.

Effect of fiber removal from ground corn, distillers dried grains with solubles and soybean meal using the Elusieve process on broiler performance and processing yield

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The Elusieve process, a combination of sieving and elutriation (air classification), has been found to be effective in fiber separation from ground corn, distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and soybean meal (SBM). The objective of this study was to determine the effect of removing fiber fro...

Production of bio-based fiber gums from the waste streams resulting from the commercial processing of corn bran and oat hulls

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The U.S. food and non-food industries would benefit from the development of a domestically produced crude, semi-pure and pure bio-based fiber gum from corn bran and oat hulls processing waste streams. When corn bran and oat hulls are processed to produce a commercial cellulose enriched fiber gel, th...

Analysis and experimental demonstration of conformal adaptive phase-locked fiber array for laser communications and beam projection applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Ling

The primary goal of this research is the analysis, development, and experimental demonstration of an adaptive phase-locked fiber array system for free-space optical communications and laser beam projection applications. To our knowledge, the developed adaptive phase-locked system composed of three fiber collimators (subapertures) with tip-tilt wavefront phase control at each subaperture represents the first reported fiber array system that implements both phase-locking control and adaptive wavefront tip-tilt control capabilities. This research has also resulted in the following innovations: (a) The first experimental demonstration of a phase-locked fiber array with tip-tilt wave-front aberration compensation at each fiber collimator; (b) Development and demonstration of the fastest currently reported stochastic parallel gradient descent (SPGD) system capable of operation at 180,000 iterations per second; (c) The first experimental demonstration of a laser communication link based on a phase-locked fiber array; (d) The first successful experimental demonstration of turbulence and jitter-induced phase distortion compensation in a phase-locked fiber array optical system; (e) The first demonstration of laser beam projection onto an extended target with a randomly rough surface using a conformal adaptive fiber array system. Fiber array optical systems, the subject of this study, can overcome some of the draw-backs of conventional monolithic large-aperture transmitter/receiver optical systems that are usually heavy, bulky, and expensive. The primary experimental challenges in the development of the adaptive phased-locked fiber-array included precise (<5 microrad) alignment of the fiber collimators and development of fast (100kHz-class) phase-locking and wavefront tip-tilt control systems. The precise alignment of the fiber collimator array is achieved through a specially developed initial coarse alignment tool based on high precision piezoelectric picomotors and a dynamic fine alignment mechanism implemented with specially designed and manufactured piezoelectric fiber positioners. Phase-locking of the fiber collimators is performed by controlling the phases of the output beams (beamlets) using integrated polarization-maintaining (PM) fiber-coupled LiNbO3 phase shifters. The developed phase-locking controllers are based on either the SPGD algorithm or the multi-dithering technique. Subaperture wavefront phase tip-tilt control is realized using piezoelectric fiber positioners that are controlled using a computer-based SPGD controller. Both coherent (phase-locked) and incoherent beam combining in the fiber array system are analyzed theoretically and experimentally. Two special fiber-based beam-combining testbeds have been built to demonstrate the technical feasibility of phase-locking compensation prior to free-space operation. In addition, the reciprocity of counter-propagating beams in a phase-locked fiber array system has been investigated. Coherent beam combining in a phase-locking system with wavefront phase tip-tilt compensation at each subaperture is successfully demonstrated when laboratory-simulated turbulence and wavefront jitters are present in the propagation path of the beamlets. In addition, coherent beam combining with a non-cooperative extended target in the control loop is successfully demonstrated.

Influence of Working Temperature on The Formation of Electrospun Polymer Nanofibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Guang-Zhi; Li, Hai-Peng; Yang, Jun-He; Wan, Jia; Yu, Deng-Guang

2017-01-01

Temperature is an important parameter during electrospinning, and virtually, all solution electrospinning processes are conducted at ambient temperature. Nanofiber diameters presumably decrease with the elevation of working fluid temperature. The present study investigated the influence of temperature variations on the formation of polymeric nanofibers during single-fluid electrospinning. The surface tension and viscosity of the fluid decreased with increasing working temperature, which led to the formation of high-quality nanofibers. However, the increase in temperature accelerated the evaporation of the solvent and thus terminated the drawing processes prematurely. A balance can be found between the positive and negative influences of temperature elevation. With polyacrylonitrile (PAN, with N, N-dimethylacetamide as the solvent) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP, with ethanol as the solvent) as the polymeric models, relationships between the working temperature ( T, K) and nanofiber diameter ( D, nm) were established, with D = 12598.6 - 72.9 T + 0.11 T 2 ( R = 0.9988) for PAN fibers and D = 107003.4 - 682.4 T + 1.1 T 2 ( R = 0.9997) for PVP nanofibers. Given the fact that numerous polymers are sensitive to temperature and numerous functional ingredients exhibit temperature-dependent solubility, the present work serves as a valuable reference for creating novel functional nanoproducts by using the elevated temperature electrospinning process.

Visual arts training is linked to flexible attention to local and global levels of visual stimuli.

PubMed

Chamberlain, Rebecca; Wagemans, Johan

2015-10-01

Observational drawing skill has been shown to be associated with the ability to focus on local visual details. It is unclear whether superior performance in local processing is indicative of the ability to attend to, and flexibly switch between, local and global levels of visual stimuli. It is also unknown whether these attentional enhancements remain specific to observational drawing skill or are a product of a wide range of artistic activities. The current study aimed to address these questions by testing if flexible visual processing predicts artistic group membership and observational drawing skill in a sample of first-year bachelor's degree art students (n=23) and non-art students (n=23). A pattern of local and global visual processing enhancements was found in relation to artistic group membership and drawing skill, with local processing ability found to be specifically related to individual differences in drawing skill. Enhanced global processing and more fluent switching between local and global levels of hierarchical stimuli predicted both drawing skill and artistic group membership, suggesting that these are beneficial attentional mechanisms for art-making in a range of domains. These findings support a top-down attentional model of artistic expertise and shed light on the domain specific and domain-general attentional enhancements induced by proficiency in the visual arts. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of dietary fiber on properties and acceptance of meat products: a review.

PubMed

Talukder, Suman

2015-01-01

Meat is an important source of all essential nutritional components of our daily diet as it content most of the essential amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals which are lack in plant based food, but it is devoid of dietary fiber, which is very essential component for normal physiological/biochemical process. During meat products processing, its functional values can be improved by supplementation of dietary fiber rich vegetative substances like cereal and pulse flour, vegetable and fruits pulp, etc. by this process, a significant proportion of required daily allowance of dietary fiber can be fulfilled for the frequent meat consumers. The consumption of meat products fortified with of dietary fiber can lead to the prevention of diseases like coronary heart disease, diabetes, irritable bowel disease, obesity, etc. On the other hand, the dietary fiber can effectively be incorporated in the processed meat products as binders, extender, and filler, they can significantly replace the unhealthy fat components from the products; increase acceptability by improving nutritional components, pH, water-holding capacity, emulsion stability, shear press value, sensory characters, etc. of finished products. Addition of dietary fiber in the meat products can increase the cooking yield therefore the economic gain as well.

Clustered Single Cellulosic Fiber Dissolution Kinetics and Mechanisms through Optical Microscopy under Limited Dissolving Conditions.

PubMed

Mäkelä, Valtteri; Wahlström, Ronny; Holopainen-Mantila, Ulla; Kilpeläinen, Ilkka; King, Alistair W T

2018-05-14

Herein, we describe a new method of assessing the kinetics of dissolution of single fibers by dissolution under limited dissolving conditions. The dissolution is followed by optical microscopy under limited dissolving conditions. Videos of the dissolution were processed in ImageJ to yield kinetics for dissolution, based on the disappearance of pixels associated with intact fibers. Data processing was performed using the Python language, utilizing available scientific libraries. The methods of processing the data include clustering of the single fiber data, identifying clusters associated with different fiber types, producing average dissolution traces and also extraction of practical parameters, such as, time taken to dissolve 25, 50, 75, 95, and 99.5% of the clustered fibers. In addition to these simple parameters, exponential fitting was also performed yielding rate constants for fiber dissolution. Fits for sample and cluster averages were variable, although demonstrating first-order kinetics for dissolution overall. To illustrate this process, two reference pulps (a bleached softwood kraft pulp and a bleached hardwood pre-hydrolysis kraft pulp) and their cellulase-treated versions were analyzed. As expected, differences in the kinetics and dissolution mechanisms between these samples were observed. Our initial interpretations are presented, based on the combined mechanistic observations and single fiber dissolution kinetics for these different samples. While the dissolution mechanisms observed were similar to those published previously, the more direct link of mechanistic information with the kinetics improve our understanding of cell wall structure and pre-treatments, toward improved processability.

Multi-channel measurement for hetero-core optical fiber sensor by using CMOS camera

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koyama, Yuya; Nishiyama, Michiko; Watanabe, Kazuhiro

2015-07-01

Fiber optic smart structures have been developed over several decades by the recent fiber optic sensor technology. Optical intensity-based sensors, which use LD or LEDs, can be suitable for the monitor system to be simple and cost effective. In this paper, a novel fiber optic smart structure with human-like perception has been demonstrated by using intensity-based hetero-core optical fiber sensors system with the CMOS detector. The optical intensity from the hetero-core optical fiber bend sensor is obtained as luminance spots indicated by the optical power distributions. A number of optical intensity spots are simultaneously readout by taking a picture of luminance pattern. To recognize the state of fiber optic smart structure with the hetero-core optical fibers, the template matching process is employed with Sum of Absolute Differences (SAD). A fiber optic smart glove having five optic fiber nerves have been employed to monitor hand postures. Three kinds of hand postures have been recognized by means of the template matching process. A body posture monitoring has also been developed by placing the wearable hetero-core optical fiber bend sensors on the body segments. In order for the CMOS system to be a human brain-like, the luminescent spots in the obtained picture were arranged to make the pattern corresponding to the position of body segments. As a result, it was successfully demonstrated that the proposed fiber optic smart structure could recognize eight kinds of body postures. The developed system will give a capability of human brain-like processing to the existing fiber optic smart structures.

Preparation, ferromagnetic and photocatalytic performance of NiO and hollow Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} fibers through centrifugal-spinning technique

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Feng, Cong; Lin, Xuejun; Wang, Xinqiang, E-mail: xqwang@sdu.edu.cn

Highlights: • NiO and hollow Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} fibers with the diameter of about 10 μm were prepared through centrifugal-spinning technique. • The evolution mechanism from precursor to crystalline fibers was explored. • Both NiO and hollow Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} fibers show ferromagnetism. • The NiO fibers exhibit good photocatalytic performance. - Abstract: Both NiO and hollow Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} fibers with the diameter of about 10 μm have been successfully prepared through spinning high viscous sols into precursor fibers and followed calcination process. The evolution process from precursor to crystalline fibers and the microstructures of the obtained fibers weremore » characterized by TG-DSC, FT-IR, XRD, HRTEM, SEM and the like. The method is facile and cost-effective for mass production of fibers and the obtained fibers are pure phase with high crystallinity. Their magnetic properties were investigated, showing that both the fibers are ferromagnetic. Meanwhile, the NiO fibers exhibit good photocatalytic performance for the removal of Congo red from water under UV light irradiation.« less

CO2-laser-assisted processing of glass fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brecher, Christian; Emonts, Michael; Schares, Richard Ludwig; Stimpfl, Joffrey

2013-02-01

To fully exploit the potential of fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites (FRTC) and to achieve a broad industrial application, automated manufacturing systems are crucial. Investigations at Fraunhofer IPT have proven that the use of laser system technology in processing FRTC allows to achieve high throughput, quality, flexibility, reproducibility and out-of-autoclave processing simultaneously. As 90% of the FRP in Europe1 are glass fiber-reinforced a high impact can be achieved by introducing laser-assisted processing with all its benefits to glass fiber-reinforced thermoplastics (GFRTC). Fraunhofer IPT has developed the diode laser-assisted tape placement (laying and winding) to process carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites (CFRTC) for years. However, this technology cannot be transferred unchanged to process milky transparent GFRTC prepregs (preimpregnated fibers). Due to the short wavelength (approx. 980 nm) and therefore high transmission less than 20% of the diode laser energy is absorbed as heat into non-colored GFRTC prepregs. Hence, the use of a different wave length, e.g. CO2-laser (10.6 μm) with more than 90% laser absorption, is required to allow the full potential of laser-assisted processing of GFRTC. Also the absorption of CO2-laser radiation at the surface compared to volume absorption of diode laser radiation is beneficial for the interlaminar joining of GFRTC. Fraunhofer IPT is currently developing and investigating the CO2-laser-assisted tape placement including new system, beam guiding, process and monitoring technology to enable a resource and energy efficient mass production of GFRP composites, e.g. pipes, tanks, masts. The successful processing of non-colored glass fiber-reinforced Polypropylene (PP) and Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS) has already been proven.

Continuous replenishment of molten semiconductor in a Czochralski-process, single-crystal-growing furnace

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fiegl, George (Inventor); Torbet, Walter (Inventor)

1981-01-01

A replenishment crucible is mounted adjacent the usual drawing crucible, from which a monocrystalline boule is drawn according to the Czochralski method. A siphon tube for molten semiconductor transfer extends from the replenishment crucible to the drawing crucible. Each crucible is enclosed within its own hermetic shell and is provided with its own heater. The siphon tube is initially filled with molten semiconductor by raising the inert atmospheric pressure in the shell surrounding the replenishment crucible above that surrounding the drawing crucible. Thereafter, adjustment of the level of molten semiconductor in the drawing crucible may be achieved by adjusting the level in either crucible, since the siphon tube will establish the same level in both crucibles. For continuous processing, solid semiconductor may be added to and melted in the replenishment crucible during the process of drawing crystals from the drawing crucible. A constant liquid level of melted semiconductor is maintained in the system by an optical monitoring device and any of several electromechanical controls of the rate of replenishment or crucible height.

Osmotically-driven membrane processes for water reuse and energy recovery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Achilli, Andrea

Osmotically-driven membrane processes are an emerging class of membrane separation processes that utilize concentrated brines to separate liquid streams. Their versatility of application make them an attractive alternative for water reuse and energy production/recovery. This work focused on innovative applications of osmotically-driven membrane processes. The novel osmotic membrane bioreactor (OMBR) system for water reuse was presented. Experimental results demonstrated high sustainable flux and relatively low reverse diffusion of solutes from the draw solution into the mixed liquor. Membrane fouling was minimal and controlled with osmotic backwashing. The OMBR system was found to remove greater than 99% of organic carbon and ammonium-nitrogen. Forward osmosis (FO) can employ different draw solution in its process. More than 500 inorganic compounds were screened as draw solution candidates, the desktop screening process resulted in 14 draw solutions suitable for FO applications. The 14 draw solutions were then tested in the laboratory to evaluate water flux and reverse salt diffusion through the membrane. Results indicated a wide range of water flux and reverse salt diffusion depending on the draw solution utilized. Internal concentration polarization was found to lower both water flux and reverse salt diffusion by reducing the draw solution concentration at the interface between the support and dense layer of the membrane. A small group of draw solutions was found to be most suitable for FO processes with currently available FO membranes. Another application of osmotically-driven membrane processes is pressure retarded osmosis (PRO). PRO was investigated as a viable source of renewable energy. A PRO model was developed to predict water flux and power density under specific experimental conditions. The predictive model was tested using experimental results from a bench-scale PRO system. Previous investigations of PRO were unable to verify model predictions due to the lack of suitable membranes and membrane modules. In this investigation, for the first time, the use of a custom-made laboratory-scale membrane module enabled the collection of experimental PRO data. Results obtained with a flat-sheet cellulose triacetate FO membrane and NaCl feed and draw solutions closely matched model predictions. Power density was substantially reduced due to internal concentration polarization in the asymmetric membrane and, to a lesser degree, to salt passage. External concentration polarization was found to exhibit a relatively small effect on reducing the osmotic pressure driving force. Using the predictive PRO model, optimal membrane characteristics and module configuration can be determined in order to design a system specifically tailored for PRO processes.

Electrical property of macroscopic graphene composite fibers prepared by chemical vapor deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Haibin; Fu, Can; Gao, Yanli; Guo, Pengfei; Wang, Chunlei; Yang, Wenchao; Wang, Qishang; Zhang, Chongwu; Wang, Junya; Xu, Junqi

2018-07-01

Graphene fibers are promising candidates in portable and wearable electronics due to their tiny volume, flexibility and wearability. Here, we successfully synthesized macroscopic graphene composite fibers via a two-step process, i.e. first electrospinning and then chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Briefly, the well-dispersed PAN nanofibers were sprayed onto the copper surface in an electrified thin liquid jet by electrospinning. Subsequently, CVD growth process induced the formation of graphene films using a PAN-solid source of carbon and a copper catalyst. Finally, crumpled and macroscopic graphene composite fibers were obtained from carbon nanofiber/graphene composite webs by self-assembly process in the deionized water. Temperature-dependent conduct behavior reveals that electron transport of the graphene composite fibers belongs to hopping mechanism and the typical electrical conductivity reaches 4.59 × 103 S m‑1. These results demonstrated that the graphene composite fibers are promising for the next-generation flexible and wearable electronics.

Multilayered BN Coatings Processed by a Continuous LPCVD Treatment onto Hi-Nicalon Fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jacques, S.; Vincent, H.; Vincent, C.; Lopez-Marure, A.; Bouix, J.

2001-12-01

Boron nitride coatings were deposited onto SiC fibers by means of continuous low-pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) treatment from BF3/NH3 mixtures. This process lies in unrolling the fiber in the reactor axis. The relationships between the processing parameters and the structure of the BN deposits are presented. Thanks to a temperature gradient present in the reactor, multilayered BN films can be performed by stacking successive isotropic and anisotropic sublayers. Tensile tests show that when the temperature profile is well adapted, the SiC fibers are not damaged by the LPCVD treatment.

Graph Drawing Aesthetics-Created by Users, Not Algorithms.

PubMed

Purchase, H C; Pilcher, C; Plimmer, B

2012-01-01

Prior empirical work on layout aesthetics for graph drawing algorithms has concentrated on the interpretation of existing graph drawings. We report on experiments which focus on the creation and layout of graph drawings: participants were asked to draw graphs based on adjacency lists, and to lay them out "nicely." Two interaction methods were used for creating the drawings: a sketch interface which allows for easy, natural hand movements, and a formal point-and-click interface similar to a typical graph editing system. We find, in common with many other studies, that removing edge crossings is the most significant aesthetic, but also discover that aligning nodes and edges to an underlying grid is important. We observe that the aesthetics favored by participants during creation of a graph drawing are often not evident in the final product and that the participants did not make a clear distinction between the processes of creation and layout. Our results suggest that graph drawing systems should integrate automatic layout with the user's manual editing process, and provide facilities to support grid-based graph creation.

Drawing cure: children's drawings as a psychoanalytic instrument.

PubMed

Wittmann, Barbara

2010-01-01

This essay deals with the special case of drawings as psychoanalytical instruments. It aims at a theoretical understanding of the specific contribution made by children's drawings as a medium of the psychical. In the influential play technique developed by Melanie Klein, drawing continuously interacts with other symptomatic (play) actions. Nonetheless, specific functions of drawing within the play technique can be identified. The essay will discuss four crucial aspects in-depth: 1) the strengthening of the analysis's recursivity associated with the graphic artifact; 2) the opening of the analytic process facilitated by drawing; 3) the creation of a genuinely graphic mode of producing meaning that allows the child to develop a "theory" of the workings of his own psychic apparatus; and 4) the new possibilities of symbolization associated with the latter. In contrast to classical definitions of the psychological instrument, the child's drawing is a weakly structured tool that does not serve to reproduce psychic processes in an artificial, controlled setting. The introduction of drawing into the psychoanalytic cure is by no means interested in replaying past events, but in producing events suited to effecting a transformation of the synchronic structures of the unconscious.

Sixty years of dynamic examination of drawings.

PubMed

Hárdi, István

2010-01-01

Dynamic examination of drawing is a serial-comparative follow-up of drawings asking the patients to draw a person and an animal, - before, during the course and after - the treatment. We follow and compare clinical, psychopathological changes with the graphic ones based on dynamic psychopathologic processes. The material collected over 60 years consists of 85714 drawings, with 4710 series, including extended time observation of more than 10 years with 454 patients. Contrary to projective-associative methods, the emphasis here is placed on the changes of formal, dynamic elements and afterwards on the content. Some aspects of our evaluation are the following: alterations of line, impoverishment-enrichment, disproportion-proportion, deformation-harmony, deficiency-completeness, regression progression, and reintegration. Personality levels of drawings is one of the most important category, various types of adult drawings similar but not identical to children developmental phases of drawings. By the aid of personality levels of drawings comparison of the members of series regression could be more precisely stated, just as the grade of recovery. Dynamic examination of drawing has been practiced in outpatient and inpatient circumstances, differing from the atelier situation. It does not need special expensive technical equipments, or conditions and you can use it for evaluating pathologic and therapeutic processes, states and progression.

RTM: Cost-effective processing of composite structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hasko, Greg; Dexter, H. Benson

1991-01-01

Resin transfer molding (RTM) is a promising method for cost effective fabrication of high strength, low weight composite structures from textile preforms. In this process, dry fibers are placed in a mold, resin is introduced either by vacuum infusion or pressure, and the part is cured. RTM has been used in many industries, including automotive, recreation, and aerospace. Each of the industries has different requirements of material strength, weight, reliability, environmental resistance, cost, and production rate. These requirements drive the selection of fibers and resins, fiber volume fractions, fiber orientations, mold design, and processing equipment. Research is made into applying RTM to primary aircraft structures which require high strength and stiffness at low density. The material requirements are discussed of various industries, along with methods of orienting and distributing fibers, mold configurations, and processing parameters. Processing and material parameters such as resin viscosity, perform compaction and permeability, and tool design concepts are discussed. Experimental methods to measure preform compaction and permeability are presented.

One-Step Optogenetics with Multifunctional Flexible Polymer Fibers

PubMed Central

Park, Seongjun; Guo, Yuanyuan; Jia, Xiaoting; Choe, Han Kyoung; Grena, Benjamin; Kang, Jeewoo; Park, Jiyeon; Lu, Chi; Canales, Andres; Chen, Ritchie; Yim, Yeong Shin; Choi, Gloria B.; Fink, Yoel; Anikeeva, Polina

2017-01-01

Optogenetic interrogation of neural pathways relies on delivery of light-sensitive opsins into tissue and subsequent optical illumination and electrical recording from the regions of interest. Despite the recent development of multifunctional neural probes, integration of these modalities within a single biocompatible platform remains a challenge. Here, we introduce a device composed of an optical waveguide, six electrodes, and two microfluidic channels produced via fiber drawing. Our probes facilitated injections of viral vectors carrying opsin genes, while providing collocated neural recording and optical stimulation. The miniature (< 200 μm) footprint and modest weight (<0.5 g) of these probes allowed for multiple implantations into the mouse brain, which enabled opto-electrophysiological investigation of projections from the basolateral amygdala to the medial prefrontal cortex and ventral hippocampus during behavioral experiments. Fabricated solely from polymers and polymer composites, these flexible probes minimized tissue response to achieve chronic multimodal interrogation of brain circuits with high fidelity. PMID:28218915

Magnetic properties of permalloy wires in vycor capillaries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lubitz, P.; Ayers, J. D.; Davis, A.

1991-11-01

Thin wires of NiFe alloys with compositions near 80% Ni were prepared by melting the alloy in vycor tubes and drawing fibers from the softened glass. The resulting fibers consist of relatively thick-walled vycor capillaries containing permalloy wires filling a few percent of the volume. The wires are continuous over considerable lengths, uniform in circular cross section, nearly free of contact with the walls and can be drawn to have diameters less than 1 μm. Their magnetic properties are generally similar to bulk permalloy, but show a variety of magnetic switching behaviors for fields along the wire axis, depending on composition, wire diameter, and thermal history. As pulled, the wires can show sharp switching, reversible rotation or mixed behavior. This method can produce NiFe alloy wires suitable for use in applications as sensor, memory or inductive elements; other alloys, such as supermalloy and sendust, also can be fabricated as fine wires by this method.

Hollow Fiber Spacesuit Water Membrane Evaporator Development and Testing for Advanced Spacesuits

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bue, Grant C.; Trevino, Luis; Tsioulos, Gus; Settles, Joseph; Colunga, Aaron; Vogel, Matthew; Vonau, Walt

2010-01-01

Grant Bue and Matthew Vogel presented the two types of Spacesuit Water Membrane Evaporators (SWME) that were developed based on hydrophobic microporous membranes. One type, the Sheet Membrane (SaM) SWME, is composed of six concentric Teflon sheet membranes fixed on cylindrical-supporting screens to form three concentric annular water channels. Those water channels are surrounded by vacuum passages to draw off the water vapor that passes through the membrane. The other type, the Hollow Fiber (HoFi) SWME, is composed of more than 14,000 tubes. Water flows through the tubes and water vapor passes through the tube wall to the shell side that vents to the vacuum of space. Both SWME types have undergone testing to baseline the performance at predicted operating temperatures and flow rates; the units also have been subjected to contamination testing and other conditions to test resiliency.

RGB generation by four-wave mixing in small-core holey fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Horak, Peter; Dupriez, Pascal; Poletti, Francesco; Petrovich, Marco N.; Jeong, Yoonchan; Nilsson, Johan; Richardson, David J.; Payne, David N.

2007-09-01

We report the generation of white light comprising red, green, and blue spectral bands from a frequency-doubled fiber laser in submicron-sized cores of microstructured holey fibers. Picosecond pulses of green light are launched into a single suspended core of a silica holey fiber where energy is transferred by an efficient four-wave mixing process into a red and blue sideband whose wavelengths are fixed by birefringent phase matching due to a slight asymmetry of the structure arising during the fiber fabrication. Numerical models of the fiber structure and of the nonlinear processes confirm our interpretation. Finally, we discuss power scaling and limitations of this white light source.

Lightweight Ceramic Insulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wheeler, W. H.; Creedon, J. F.

1986-01-01

Fiber burnout process yields low densities. Low density attained by process of sacrificial burnout. Graphite or carbon fibers mixed into slurry of silica, alumina, and boron-compound fibers in amounts ranging from 25 to 75 percent of total fiber content by weight. Mixture formed into blocks and dried. Blocks placed in kiln and heated to 1,600 degrees F(870 degrees C) for several hours. Graphite or carbon fibers slowly oxidize away, leaving voids and reducing block density. Finally, blocks heated to 2,350 degrees F (1,290 degrees C) for 90 minutes to bond remaining ceramic fibers together. Developed for use on Space Shuttle and other spacecraft, rigid insulation machined to requisite shape and bonded in place.

Monitoring of temperature fatigue failure mechanism for polyvinyl alcohol fiber concrete using acoustic emission sensors.

PubMed

Li, Dongsheng; Cao, Hai

2012-01-01

The applicability of acoustic emission (AE) techniques to monitor the mechanism of evolution of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber concrete damage under temperature fatigue loading is investigated. Using the temperature fatigue test, real-time AE monitoring data of PVA fiber concrete is achieved. Based on the AE signal characteristics of the whole test process and comparison of AE signals of PVA fiber concretes with different fiber contents, the damage evolution process of PVA fiber concrete is analyzed. Finally, a qualitative evaluation of the damage degree is obtained using the kurtosis index and b-value of AE characteristic parameters. The results obtained using both methods are discussed.

Apparatus and method for carbon fiber surface treatment

DOEpatents

Paulauskas, Felix L; Sherman, Daniel M

2014-06-03

An apparatus and method for enhancing the surface energy and/or surface chemistry of carbon fibers involves exposing the fibers to direct or indirect contact with atmospheric pressure plasma generated using a background gas containing at least some oxygen or other reactive species. The fiber may be exposed directly to the plasma, provided that the plasma is nonfilamentary, or the fiber may be exposed indirectly through contact with gases exhausting from a plasma discharge maintained in a separate volume. In either case, the process is carried out at or near atmospheric pressure, thereby eliminating the need for vacuum equipment. The process may be further modified by moistening the fibers with selected oxygen-containing liquids before exposure to the plasma.

Apparatus and method for carbon fiber surface treatment

DOEpatents

Paulauskas, Felix L [Knoxville, TN; Sherman, Daniel M [Knoxville, TN

2012-07-24

An apparatus and method for enhancing the surface energy and/or surface chemistry of carbon fibers involves exposing the fibers to direct or indirect contact with atmospheric pressure plasma generated using a background gas containing at least some oxygen or other reactive species. The fiber may be exposed directly to the plasma, provided that the plasma is nonfilamentary, or the fiber may be exposed indirectly through contact with gases exhausting from a plasma discharge maintained in a separate volume. In either case, the process is carried out at or near atmospheric pressure, thereby eliminating the need for vacuum equipment. The process may be further modified by moistening the fibers with selected oxygen-containing liquids before exposure to the plasma.

Strong, light, multifunctional fibers of carbon nanotubes with ultrahigh conductivity.

PubMed

Behabtu, Natnael; Young, Colin C; Tsentalovich, Dmitri E; Kleinerman, Olga; Wang, Xuan; Ma, Anson W K; Bengio, E Amram; ter Waarbeek, Ron F; de Jong, Jorrit J; Hoogerwerf, Ron E; Fairchild, Steven B; Ferguson, John B; Maruyama, Benji; Kono, Junichiro; Talmon, Yeshayahu; Cohen, Yachin; Otto, Marcin J; Pasquali, Matteo

2013-01-11

Broader applications of carbon nanotubes to real-world problems have largely gone unfulfilled because of difficult material synthesis and laborious processing. We report high-performance multifunctional carbon nanotube (CNT) fibers that combine the specific strength, stiffness, and thermal conductivity of carbon fibers with the specific electrical conductivity of metals. These fibers consist of bulk-grown CNTs and are produced by high-throughput wet spinning, the same process used to produce high-performance industrial fibers. These scalable CNT fibers are positioned for high-value applications, such as aerospace electronics and field emission, and can evolve into engineered materials with broad long-term impact, from consumer electronics to long-range power transmission.

Monitoring of Temperature Fatigue Failure Mechanism for Polyvinyl Alcohol Fiber Concrete Using Acoustic Emission Sensors

PubMed Central

Li, Dongsheng; Cao, Hai

2012-01-01

The applicability of acoustic emission (AE) techniques to monitor the mechanism of evolution of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber concrete damage under temperature fatigue loading is investigated. Using the temperature fatigue test, real-time AE monitoring data of PVA fiber concrete is achieved. Based on the AE signal characteristics of the whole test process and comparison of AE signals of PVA fiber concretes with different fiber contents, the damage evolution process of PVA fiber concrete is analyzed. Finally, a qualitative evaluation of the damage degree is obtained using the kurtosis index and b-value of AE characteristic parameters. The results obtained using both methods are discussed. PMID:23012555

Glass and Glass-Ceramic Materials from Simulated Composition of Lunar and Martian Soils: Selected Properties and Potential Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ray, C. S.; Sen, S.; Reis, S. T.; Kim, C. W.

2005-01-01

In-situ resource processing and utilization on planetary bodies is an important and integral part of NASA's space exploration program. Within this scope and context, our general effort is primarily aimed at developing glass and glass-ceramic type materials using lunar and martian soils, and exploring various applications of these materials for planetary surface operations. Our preliminary work to date have demonstrated that glasses can be successfully prepared from melts of the simulated composition of both lunar and martian soils, and the melts have a viscosity-temperature window appropriate for drawing continuous glass fibers. The glasses are shown to have the potential for immobilizing certain types of nuclear wastes without deteriorating their chemical durability and thermal stability. This has a direct impact on successfully and economically disposing nuclear waste generated from a nuclear power plant on a planetary surface. In addition, these materials display characteristics that can be manipulated using appropriate processing protocols to develop glassy or glass-ceramic magnets. Also discussed in this presentation are other potential applications along with a few selected thermal, chemical, and structural properties as evaluated up to this time for these materials.

High aspect ratio template and method for producing same

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sakamoto, Jeff S. (Inventor); Weiss, James R. (Inventor); Fleurial, Jean-Pierre (Inventor); Kisor, Adam (Inventor); Tuszynski, Mark (Inventor); Stokols, Shula (Inventor); Holt, Todd Edward (Inventor); Welker, David James (Inventor); Breckon, Christopher David (Inventor)

2010-01-01

Millimeter to nano-scale structures manufactured using a multi-component polymer fiber matrix are disclosed. The use of dissimilar polymers allows the selective dissolution of the polymers at various stages of the manufacturing process. In one application, biocompatible matrixes may be formed with long pore length and small pore size. The manufacturing process begins with a first polymer fiber arranged in a matrix formed by a second polymer fiber. End caps may be attached to provide structural support and the polymer fiber matrix selectively dissolved away leaving only the long polymer fibers. These may be exposed to another product, such as a biocompatible gel to form a biocompatible matrix. The polymer fibers may then be selectively dissolved leaving only a biocompatible gel scaffold with the pores formed by the dissolved polymer fibers.

Investigation of Carbon Fiber Architecture in Braided Composites Using X-Ray CT Inspection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rhoads, Daniel J.; Miller, Sandi G.; Roberts, Gary D.; Rauser, Richard W.; Golovaty, Dmitry; Wilber, J. Patrick; Espanol, Malena I.

2017-01-01

During the fabrication of braided carbon fiber composite materials, process variations occur which affect the fiber architecture. Quantitative measurements of local and global fiber architecture variations are needed to determine the potential effect of process variations on mechanical properties of the cured composite. Although non-destructive inspection via X-ray CT imaging is a promising approach, difficulties in quantitative analysis of the data arise due to the similar densities of the material constituents. In an effort to gain more quantitative information about features related to fiber architecture, methods have been explored to improve the details that can be captured by X-ray CT imaging. Metal-coated fibers and thin veils are used as inserts to extract detailed information about fiber orientations and inter-ply behavior from X-ray CT images.

Comparative fiber evaluation of the mesdan aqualab microwave moisture measurement instrument

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Moisture is a key cotton fiber parameter, as it can impact the fiber quality and the processing of cotton fiber. The Mesdan Aqualab is a microwave-based fiber moisture measurement instrument for samples with moderate sample size. A program was implemented to determine the capabilities of the Aqual...

Numerical approach of the injection molding process of fiber-reinforced composite with considering fiber orientation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen Thi, T. B.; Yokoyama, A.; Ota, K.; Kodama, K.; Yamashita, K.; Isogai, Y.; Furuichi, K.; Nonomura, C.

2014-05-01

One of the most important challenges in the injection molding process of the short-glass fiber/thermoplastic composite parts is being able to predict the fiber orientation, since it controls the mechanical and the physical properties of the final parts. Folgar and Tucker included into the Jeffery equation a diffusive type of term, which introduces a phenomenological coefficient for modeling the randomizing effect of the mechanical interactions between the fibers, to predict the fiber orientation in concentrated suspensions. Their experiments indicated that this coefficient depends on the fiber volume fraction and aspect ratio. However, a definition of the fiber interaction coefficient, which is very necessary in the fiber orientation simulations, hasn't still been proven yet. Consequently, this study proposed a developed fiber interaction model that has been introduced a fiber dynamics simulation in order to obtain a global fiber interaction coefficient. This supposed that the coefficient is a sum function of the fiber concentration, aspect ratio, and angular velocity. The proposed model was incorporated into a computer aided engineering simulation package C-Mold. Short-glass fiber/polyamide-6 composites were produced in the injection molding with the fiber weight concentration of 30 wt.%, 50 wt.%, and 70 wt.%. The physical properties of these composites were examined, and their fiber orientation distributions were measured by micro-computed-tomography equipment μ-CT. The simulation results showed a good agreement with experiment results.

Experimental Investigation and Analysis of Mercerized and Citric Acid Surface Treated Bamboo Fiber Reinforced Composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

De, Jyotiraman; Baxi, R. N., Dr.

2017-08-01

Mercerization or NaOH fiber surface treatment is one of the most popular surface treatment processes to make the natural fibers such as bamboo fibers compatible for use as reinforcing material in composites. But NaOH being a chemical is hazardous and polluting to the nature. This paper explores the possibility of use of naturally derived citric acid for bamboo fiber surface treatment and its comparison with NaOH treated Bamboo Fiber Composites. Untreated, 2.5 wt% NaOH treated and 5 wt% citric acid treated Bamboo Fiber Composites with 5 wt% fiber content were developed by Hand Lay process. Bamboo mats made of bamboo slivers were used as reinforcing material. Mechanical and physical characterization was done to compare the effects of NaOH and citric acid bamboo fiber surface treatment on mechanical and physical properties of Bamboo Fiber Composite. The experiment data reveals that the tensile and flexural strength was found to be highest for citric acid and NaOH treated Bamboo Fiber Composite respectively. Water absorption tendency was found more than the NaOH treated Bamboo Fiber Composites. SEM micrographs used to analyze the morphology of fracture surface of tensile test specimens confirm improvement in fiber-matrix interface bonding due to surface treatment of bamboo fibers.

An in-depth analysis of the physico-mechanical properties imparted by agricultural fibers and food processing residues in polypropylene biocomposites

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Murdy, Rachel Campbell; Mak, Michelle; Misra, Manjusri

The use of agricultural and food processing residues as potential reinforcements in plastics has been extensively studied. However, there is a large variation in the mechanical performance of agricultural fiber-based biocomposites due to different processing materials and parameters. An in-depth comparison of the resulting effect of the agricultural filler on the matrix is often not possible given the discrepancy in processing conditions. This study seeks to determine the intrinsic properties of agricultural fibers and food processing residues for their use in polypropylene biocomposites based on a standardization of experimental design. The effect of 25wt% loading of miscanthus, fall-and spring-harvest switchgrass,more » wheat straw, oat hull, soy hull, soy stalk, hemp and flax on the physico-mechanical properties of polypropylene biocomposites was investigated. The addition of fiber led to an improvement in flexural strength, flexural modulus, and tensile modulus, and a general decrease in tensile strength at yield, elongation at break and Izod impact strength. Scanning electron microscopy highlighted the interfacial adhesion, orientation and distribution of the fibers within the matrix, confirming that fiber length and dispersion within the matrix are positively correlated with mechanical properties. The crystallization of the polypropylene phase and a compositional analysis of the agricultural fibers and processing residues were also compared to offer insight into the effect of the filler’s intrinsic properties on the resulting material performance.« less

USDA Flax fiber utilization research

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The United States is pursuing natural fibers as sustainable, environmentally friendly sources for a variety of industrial applications. Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) fiber offers many possibilities towards this goal. Research on flax fiber production, processing, and standards development is urgen...

Application of In Situ Fiberization for fabrication of improved strain isolation pads and graphite epoxy composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rosser, R. W.; Seibold, R. W.; Basiulis, D. I.

1982-01-01

The feasibility of applying the in situ fiberization process to the fabrication of strain isolation pads (SIP) for the Space Shuttle and to the fabrication of graphite-epoxy composites was evaluated. The ISF process involves the formation of interconnected polymer fiber networks by agitation of dilute polymer solutions under controlled conditions. High temperature polymers suitable for SIP use were fiberized and a successful fiberization of polychloro trifluoroethylene, a relatively high melting polymer, was achieved. Attempts to fiberize polymers with greater thermal stability were unsuccessful, apparently due to characteristics caused by the presence of aromaticity in the backbone of such materials. Graphite-epoxy composites were fabricated by interconnecting two dimensional arrays of graphite fiber with polypropylene IS fibers with subsequent epoxy resin impregnation. Mechanical property tests were performed on laminated panels of this material to evaluate intralaminar and interlaminar shear strength, and thus fracture toughness. Test results were generally unpromising.

Fabrication and Characteristics of Sintered Cutting Stainless Steel Fiber Felt with Internal Channels and an Al₂O₃ Coating.

PubMed

Huang, Shufeng; Wan, Zhenping; Zou, Shuiping

2018-03-20

A novel sintered cutting stainless steel fiber felt with internal channels (SCSSFFC) composed of a stainless-steel fiber skeleton, three-dimensional interconnected porous structure and multiple circular microchannels is developed. SCSSFFC has a jagged and rough surface morphology and possesses a high specific surface area, which is approximately 2.4 times larger than that of the sintered bundle-drawing stainless steel fiber felt with internal channels (SBDSSFFC) and is expected to enhance adhesive strength. The sol-gel and wet impregnation methods are adopted to prepare SCSSFFC with an Al₂O₃ coating (SCSSFFC/Al₂O₃). The adhesive strength of SCSSFFC/Al₂O₃ is investigated using ultrasonic vibration and thermal shock tests. The experimental results indicate that the weight loss rate of the Al₂O₃ coating has a 4.2% and 8.42% reduction compared with those of SBDSSFFCs based on ultrasonic vibration and thermal shock tests. In addition, the permeability of SCSSFFC/Al₂O₃ is investigated based on forced liquid flow tests. The experimental results show that the permeability and inertial coefficients of SCSSFFC/Al₂O₃ are mainly affected by the coating rate, porosity and open ratio; however, the internal microchannel diameter has little influence. It is also found that SCSSFFC/Al₂O₃ yields superior permeability, as well as inertial coefficients compared with those of other porous materials reported in the literature.

Ceramic fiber insulation impregnated with an infra-red retardant coating and method for production thereof

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zinn, Alfred A. (Inventor); Tarkanian, Ryan Jeffrey (Inventor)

2007-01-01

The invented insulation is a ceramic fiber insulation wherein the ceramic fibers are treated with a coating which contains transition metal oxides. The invented process for coating the insulation is a process of applying the transition metal oxide coating to the fibers of the insulation after the fibers have been formed into a tile or other porous body. The coating of transition metal oxide lowers the transmittance of radiation through the insulation thereby lowering the temperature of the backface of the insulation and better protecting the structure that underlies the insulation.

Utilization of Infrared Fiber Optic in the Automotive Industry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tucker, Dennis S.; Brantley, Lott W. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

Fiber optics are finding a place in the automotive industry. Illumination is the primary application today. Soon, however, fiber optics will be used for data communications and sensing applications. Silica fiber optics and plastic fibers are sufficient for illumination and communication applications however, sensing applications involving high temperature measurement and remote gas analysis would benefit from the use of infrared fiber optics. Chalcogonide and heavy metal fluoride glass optical fibers are two good candidates for these applications. Heavy metal fluoride optical fibers are being investigated by NASA for applications requiring transmission in the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Zirconium-Barium-Lanthanum-Aluminum-Sodium-Fluoride (ZBLAN) is one such material which has been investigated. This material has a theoretical attenuation coefficient 100 times lower than that of silica and transmits into the mid-IR. However, the measured attenuation coefficient is higher than silica due to impurities and crystallization. Impurities can be taken care of by utilizing cleaner experimental protocol. It has been found that crystallization can be suppressed by processing in reduced gravity. Fibers processed in reduced gravity on the KC135 reduced gravity aircraft were found to be free of crystals while those processed on the ground were found to have crystals. These results will be presented along with plans for producing continuous lengths of ZBLAN optical fiber on board the International Space Station.

Preparation of ZnO nanorods on conductive PET-ITO-Ag fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yiwen; Ji, Shuai; Chen, Yuanyu; Zhang, Hong; Gong, Yumei; Guo, Jing

2016-12-01

We studied the vertical ZnO nanorods grown on conductive conventional polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers which are prepared by electroless silver depositing on tin-doped indium oxide (ITO) coated PET fibers through an efficient and low-cost green approach. The PET fibers were firstly functionalized with a layer of ITO gel synthesized through a sol-gel process at rather low temperature, simply by immersing the fibers into ITO sol for several minutes followed by gelation at 120 °C. Once the ITO gel layer surface was activated by SnCl2, a continuous, uniform, and compact layer of silver was carried out on the surface of the PET-ITO fibers through electroless plating operation at room temperature. The as-prepared PET-ITO-Ag fibers had good electrical conductivity, with surface resistivity as low as 0.23 mΩ cm. The overall procedure is simple, efficient, nontoxic, and controllable. The conductive PET-ITO-Ag fiber was used successfully as a flexible basal material to plant vertical ZnO nanorods through controlling the seeding and growth processes. The morphology of the PET-ITO, PET-ITO-Ag, and PET-ITO-Ag-ZnO fibers were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Undergone the whole process, although the tensile strength of the fiber decreased slightly, they may still exert their applications in flexible electronic such as photovoltaic and piezoelectric devices.

Predicting Silk Fiber Mechanical Properties through Multiscale Simulation and Protein Design.

PubMed

Rim, Nae-Gyune; Roberts, Erin G; Ebrahimi, Davoud; Dinjaski, Nina; Jacobsen, Matthew M; Martín-Moldes, Zaira; Buehler, Markus J; Kaplan, David L; Wong, Joyce Y

2017-08-14

Silk is a promising material for biomedical applications, and much research is focused on how application-specific, mechanical properties of silk can be designed synthetically through proper amino acid sequences and processing parameters. This protocol describes an iterative process between research disciplines that combines simulation, genetic synthesis, and fiber analysis to better design silk fibers with specific mechanical properties. Computational methods are used to assess the protein polymer structure as it forms an interconnected fiber network through shearing and how this process affects fiber mechanical properties. Model outcomes are validated experimentally with the genetic design of protein polymers that match the simulation structures, fiber fabrication from these polymers, and mechanical testing of these fibers. Through iterative feedback between computation, genetic synthesis, and fiber mechanical testing, this protocol will enable a priori prediction capability of recombinant material mechanical properties via insights from the resulting molecular architecture of the fiber network based entirely on the initial protein monomer composition. This style of protocol may be applied to other fields where a research team seeks to design a biomaterial with biomedical application-specific properties. This protocol highlights when and how the three research groups (simulation, synthesis, and engineering) should be interacting to arrive at the most effective method for predictive design of their material.

In Vitro Evaluation and Mechanism Analysis of the Fiber Shedding Property of Textile Pile Debridement Materials

PubMed Central

Fu, Yijun; Xie, Qixue; Lao, Jihong; Wang, Lu

2016-01-01

Fiber shedding is a critical problem in biomedical textile debridement materials, which leads to infection and impairs wound healing. In this work, single fiber pull-out test was proposed as an in vitro evaluation for the fiber shedding property of a textile pile debridement material. Samples with different structural design (pile densities, numbers of ground yarns and coating times) were prepared and estimated under this testing method. Results show that single fiber pull-out test offers an appropriate in vitro evaluation for the fiber shedding property of textile pile debridement materials. Pull-out force for samples without back-coating exhibited a slight escalating trend with the supplement in pile density and number of ground yarn plies, while back-coating process significantly raised the single fiber pull-out force. For fiber shedding mechanism analysis, typical pull-out behavior and failure modes of the single fiber pull-out test were analyzed in detail. Three failure modes were found in this study, i.e., fiber slippage, coating point rupture and fiber breakage. In summary, to obtain samples with desirable fiber shedding property, fabric structural design, preparation process and raw materials selection should be taken into full consideration. PMID:28773428

Effects of Interface Modification on Mechanical Behavior of Hi-Nicalon Fiber-Reinforced Celsian Matrix Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bansal, Narottam P.; Eldridge, Jeffrey I.

1997-01-01

Unidirectional celsian matrix composites having approx. 42 volume percent of uncoated or BN/SiC-coated Hi-Nicalon fibers were tested in three-point bend at room temperature. The uncoated fiber-reinforced composites showed catastrophic failure with strength of 210 +/- 35 MPa and a flat fracture surface. In contrast, composites reinforced with BN/SiC-coated fibers exhibited graceful failure with extensive fiber pullout. Values of first matrix cracking stress and strain were 435 +/- 35 MPa and 0.27 +/- 0.01 %, respectively, with ultimate strength as high as 960 MPa. The elastic Young's modulus of the uncoated and BN/SiC-coated fiber-reinforced composites were measured as 184 q 4 GPa and 165 +/- 5 GPa, respectively. Fiber push-through tests and microscopic examination indicated no chemical reaction at the uncoated or coated fiber-matrix interface. The low strength of the uncoated fiber-reinforced composite is probably due to degradation of the fibers from mechanical surface damage during processing. Because both the coated and uncoated fiber reinforced composites exhibited weak interfaces, the beneficial effect of the BN-SiC dual layer is primarily the protection of fibers from mechanical damage during processing.

Drawing and interpreting data: Children's impressions of onchocerciasis and community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI) in four onchocerciasis endemic countries in Africa

PubMed Central

Amuyunzu-Nyamongo, Mary; Tchounkeu, Yolande Flore Longang; Oyugi, Rahel Akumu; Kabali, Asaph Turinde; Okeibunor, Joseph C.; Manianga, Cele; Amazigo, Uche V.

2011-01-01

Although the depiction of a child leading a blind man is the most enduring image of onchocerciasis in Africa, research activities have hardly involved children. This paper aims at giving voice to children through drawings and their interpretation. The study was conducted in 2009 in Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Nigeria and Uganda. Children aged 6–16 years were asked to draw their perceptions of onchocerciasis and community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI) in their communities. A total of 50 drawings were generated. The drawings depicted four main aspects of onchocerciasis: (1) the disease symptoms, (2) the negative consequences of onchocerciasis among children and in the community generally, (3) the ivermectin distribution process, and (4) the benefits or effects of taking ivermectin. Out of the 50 drawings, 30 were on symptoms, 7 on effects of the disease on children, 8 on distribution process, and 5 represented multiple perceptions on symptoms, drug distribution processes, benefits, and effects of treatment. The lack of clarity when treatment with ivermectin can be stopped in endemic areas requires working with children to ensure continued compliance with treatment into the future. Children's drawings should be incorporated into health education interventions. PMID:21637349

The role of fiberoptics in remote temperature measurement

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vanzetti, Riccardo

1988-01-01

The use of optical fibers in conjunction with infrared detectors and signal processing electronics represents the latest advance in the field of non-contact temperature measurement and control. The operating principles and design of fiber-optic radiometric systems are discussed and the advantages and disadvantages of using optical fibers are addressed. Signal processing requirements and various infrared detector types are also described. Several areas in which infrared fiber-optic instrumentation is used for temperature monitoring and control are discussed.

Process optimization electrospinning fibrous material based on polyhydroxybutyrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olkhov, A. A.; Tyubaeva, P. M.; Staroverova, O. V.; Mastalygina, E. E.; Popov, A. A.; Ischenko, A. A.; Iordanskii, A. L.

2016-05-01

The article analyzes the influence of the main technological parameters of electrostatic spinning on the morphology and properties of ultrathin fibers on the basis of polyhydroxybutyrate. It is found that the electric conductivity and viscosity of the spinning solution affects the process of forming fibers macrostructure. The fiber-based materials PHB lets control geometry and optimize the viscosity and conductivity of a spinning solution. The resulting fibers have found use in medicine, particularly in the construction elements musculoskeletal.

Oriented and ordered mesoporous ZrO{sub 2}/TiO{sub 2} fibers with well-organized linear and spring structure

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhu, Luyi, E-mail: zhuly@sdu.edu.cn; Liu, Benxue; Qin, Weiwei, E-mail: jiuyuan.1001@163.com

Graphical abstract: The ultra-stable order mesoporous ZrO{sub 2}/TiO{sub 2} fibers with well-organized linear and spring structure and large surface area under higher temperatures were prepared by a simple EISA process. - Highlights: • The ZrO{sub 2}/TiO{sub 2} fibers were prepared by EISA process combined with steam heat-treatment. • The mesoporous ZrO{sub 2}/TiO{sub 2} fibers have well-organized linear and spring structure. • The fibers were composed of oval rod nanocrystals of ZrTiO{sub 4}. - Abstract: The ultra-stable order mesoporous ZrO{sub 2}/TiO{sub 2} fibers with well-organized linear and spring structure and large surface areas under higher temperatures were prepared by a (simplemore » evaporation-induced assembly) EISA process. The preparation, microstructures and formation processes were characterized by Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and N{sub 2} adsorption–absorption measurements. The fibers take on pinstripe configuration which is very orderly along or perpendicular to the axial direction of the fibers. The diameters of the pinstripe are in the region of 200–400 nm and arranges regularly, which are composed of oval rod nanocrystals of ZrTiO{sub 4}.« less

The importance of new processing techniques in tissue engineering

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lu, L.; Mikos, A. G.; McIntire, L. V. (Principal Investigator)

1996-01-01

The use of polymer scaffolds in tissue engineering is reviewed and processing techniques are examined. The discussion of polymer-scaffold processing explains fiber bonding, solvent casting and particulate leaching, membrane lamination, melt molding, polymer/ceramic fiber composite-foam processing, phase separation, and high-pressure processing.

Critical fiber length technique for composite manufacturing processes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sivley, G.N.; Vandiver, T.L.; Dougherty, N.S.

1996-12-31

An improved injection technique for composite structures has been cooperatively developed by the U.S. Army Missile Command (MICOM) and Rockwell International (RI). This process simultaneously injects chopped fiberglass fibers and an epoxy resin matrix into a mold. Four injection techniques: (1){open_quotes}Little Willie{close_quotes} RTM system, (2) Pressure Vat system, (3) Pressure Vat system with vacuum assistance, and (4) Injection gun system, were investigated for use with a 304.8 mm x 304.8 mm x 5.08 mm (12 in x 12 in x 0.2 in) flat plaque mold. The driving factors in the process optimization included: fiber length, fiber weight, matrix viscosity, injectionmore » pressure, flow rate, and tool design. At fiber weights higher than 30 percent, the injection gun appears to have advantages over the other systems investigated. Results of an experimental investigation are reviewed in this paper. The investigation of injection techniques is the initial part of the research involved in a developing process, {open_quotes}Critical Fiber Length Technique{close_quotes}. This process will use the data collected in injection experiment along with mechanical properties derived from coupon test data to be incorporated into a composite material design code. The {open_quotes}Critical Fiber Length Technique{close_quotes} is part of a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) established in 1994 between MICOM and RI.« less

Patterned functional carbon fibers from polyethylene.

PubMed

Hunt, Marcus A; Saito, Tomonori; Brown, Rebecca H; Kumbhar, Amar S; Naskar, Amit K

2012-05-08

Carbon fibers having unique morphologies, from hollow circular to gear-shaped, are produced from a novel melt-processable precursor and method. The resulting carbon fiber exhibits microstructural and topological properties that are dependent on processing conditions, rendering them highly amenable to myriad applications. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

The development of a new corn fiber gum isolation process that preserves its functional components

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Corn fiber gum (CFG) is a hemicellulose (arabinoxylan)-enriched fraction obtained by the extraction of corn bran/fiber using a mild alkaline hydrogen peroxide process. The unique polysaccharide, CFG, with its low solution viscosity has been proposed as a stabilizer for oil-in-water emulsions. We ha...

Continuous, linearly intermixed fiber tows and composite molded article thereform

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McMahon, Paul E. (Inventor); Chung, Tai-Shung (Inventor); Ying, Lincoln (Inventor)

2000-01-01

The instant invention involves a process used in preparing fibrous tows which may be formed into polymeric plastic composites. The process involves the steps of (a) forming a carbon fiber tow; (b) forming a thermoplastic polymeric fiber tow; (c) intermixing the two tows; and (d) withdrawing the intermixed tow for further use.

Use of 3000 Bragg Grating Strain Sensors Distributed on Four Eight-meter Optical Fibers During Static Load Tests of a Composite Structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Childers, Brooks A.; Froggatt, Mark E.; Allison, Sidney G.; Moore, Thomas C., Sr.; Hare, David A.; Batten, Christopher F.; Jegley, Dawn C.

2001-01-01

This paper describes the use of a fiber optic system to measure strain at thousands of locations along optical fibers where weakly reflecting Bragg gratings have been photoetched. The optical fibers were applied to an advanced composite transport wing along with conventional foil strain gages. A comparison of the fiber optic and foil gage systems used for this test will be presented including: a brief description of both strain data systems; a discussion of the process used for installation of the optical fiber; comparative data from the composite wing test; the processes used for the location and display of the high density fiber optic data. Calibration data demonstrating the potential accuracy of the fiber optic system will also be presented. The opportunities for industrial and commercial applications will be discussed. The fiber optic technique is shown to be a valuable augmentation to foil strain gages providing insight to structural behavior previously requiring reliance on modeling.

Photonic-structured fibers assembled from cellulose nanocrystals with tunable polarized selective reflection.

PubMed

Meng, Xin; Pan, Hui; Lu, Tao; Chen, Zhixin; Chen, Yanru; Zhang, Di; Zhu, Shenmin

2018-08-10

Fibers with self-assembled photonic structures are of special interest due to their unique photonic properties and potential applications in the smart textile industry. Inspired by nature, the photonic-structured fibers were fabricated through the self-assembly of chiral nematic cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and the fibers showed tunably brilliant and selectively reflected colors under crossed-polarization. A simple wet-spinning method was applied to prepare composite fibers of the mixed CNC matrix and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) additions. During the processing, a cholesteric CNC phase formed photonic fibers through a self-assembly process. The selective color reflection of the composite fibers in the polarized condition showed a typical red-shift tendency with an increase in the PVA content, which was attributed to the increased helical pitch of the CNC. Furthermore, the polarized angle could also alter the reflected colors. Owing to their excellent selective reflection properties under the polarized condition, CNC-based photonic fibers are promising as the next-generation of smart fibers, applied in the fields of specific display and sensing.

A novel Ag catalyzation process using swelling impregnation method for electroless Ni deposition on Kevlar® fiber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pang, Hongwei; Bai, Ruicheng; Shao, Qinsi; Gao, Yufang; Li, Aijun; Tang, Zhiyong

2015-12-01

A novel Ag catalyzation process using swelling impregnation pretreatment method was developed for electroless nickel (EN) deposition on Kevlar fiber. Firstly, the fiber was immersed into an aqueous dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) solution of silver nitrate to impart silver nitrate into the inner part of the fiber near the surface. Subsequently silver nitrate was reduced to metal silver nanoparticles on the fiber surface by treatment with aqueous solution of sodium borohydride. After electroless plating, a dense and homogeneous nickel coating was obtained on the fiber surface. The silver nanoparticles formed at the fiber surface functioned as a catalyst for electroless deposition as well as an anchor for the plated layer. The study also revealed that the incorporation of surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in electroless nickel plating bath can enhance the adhesion strength of EN layer with the fiber surface and minimize the surface roughness of the EN coating. The Ni plated Kevlar fiber possessed excellent corrosion resistance and high tensile strength.

Single-crystal silicon optical fiber by direct laser crystallization

DOE PAGES

Ji, Xiaoyu; Lei, Shiming; Yu, Shih -Ying; ...

2016-12-05

Semiconductor core optical fibers with a silica cladding are of great interest in nonlinear photonics and optoelectronics applications. Laser crystallization has been recently demonstrated for crystallizing amorphous silicon fibers into crystalline form. Here we explore the underlying mechanism by which long single-crystal silicon fibers, which are novel platforms for silicon photonics, can be achieved by this process. Using finite element modeling, we construct a laser processing diagram that reveals a parameter space within which single crystals can be grown. Utilizing this diagram, we illustrate the creation of single-crystal silicon core fibers by laser crystallizing amorphous silicon deposited inside silica capillarymore » fibers by high-pressure chemical vapor deposition. The single-crystal fibers, up to 5.1 mm long, have a very welldefined core/cladding interface and a chemically pure silicon core that leads to very low optical losses down to ~0.47-1dB/cm at the standard telecommunication wavelength (1550 nm). Furthermore, tt also exhibits a photosensitivity that is comparable to bulk silicon. Creating such laser processing diagrams can provide a general framework for developing single-crystal fibers in other materials of technological importance.« less

Molecular modeling of the microstructure evolution during carbon fiber processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Desai, Saaketh; Li, Chunyu; Shen, Tongtong; Strachan, Alejandro

2017-12-01

The rational design of carbon fibers with desired properties requires quantitative relationships between the processing conditions, microstructure, and resulting properties. We developed a molecular model that combines kinetic Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics techniques to predict the microstructure evolution during the processes of carbonization and graphitization of polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based carbon fibers. The model accurately predicts the cross-sectional microstructure of the fibers with the molecular structure of the stabilized PAN fibers and physics-based chemical reaction rates as the only inputs. The resulting structures exhibit key features observed in electron microcopy studies such as curved graphitic sheets and hairpin structures. In addition, computed X-ray diffraction patterns are in good agreement with experiments. We predict the transverse moduli of the resulting fibers between 1 GPa and 5 GPa, in good agreement with experimental results for high modulus fibers and slightly lower than those of high-strength fibers. The transverse modulus is governed by sliding between graphitic sheets, and the relatively low value for the predicted microstructures can be attributed to their perfect longitudinal texture. Finally, the simulations provide insight into the relationships between chemical kinetics and the final microstructure; we observe that high reaction rates result in porous structures with lower moduli.

Multi-material micro-electromechanical fibers with bendable functional domains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen-Dang, Tung; Page, Alexis G.; Qu, Yunpeng; Volpi, Marco; Yan, Wei; Sorin, Fabien

2017-04-01

The integration of increasingly complex functionalities within thermally drawn multi-material fibers is heralding a novel path towards advanced soft electronics and smart fabrics. Fibers capable of electronic, optoelectronic, piezoelectric or energy harvesting functions are created by assembling new materials in intimate contact within increasingly complex architectures. Thus far, however, the opportunities associated with the integration of cantilever-like structures with freely moving functional domains within multi-material fibers have not been explored. Used extensively in the micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) technology, electro-mechanical transductance from moving and bendable domains is used in a myriad of applications. In this article we demonstrate the thermal drawing of micro-electromechanical fibers (MEMF) that can detect and localize pressure with high accuracy along their entire length. This ability results from an original cantilever-like design where a freestanding electrically conductive polymer composite film bends under an applied pressure. As it comes into contact with another conducting domain, placed at a prescribed position in the fiber cross-section, an electrical signal is generated. We show that by a judicious choice of materials and electrical connectivity, this signal can be uniquely related to a position along the fiber axis. We establish a model that predicts the position of a local touch from the measurement of currents generated in the 1D MEMF device, and demonstrate an excellent agreement with the experimental data. This ability to detect and localize touch over large areas, curved surfaces and textiles holds significant opportunities in robotics and prosthetics, flexible electronic interfaces, and medical textiles. , which features invited work from the best early-career researchers working within the scope of J. Phys. D. This project is part of the Journal of Physics series’ 50th anniversary celebrations in 2017. Fabien Sorin was selected by the Editorial Board of J. Phys. D as an emerging Leader.

What Can Year-5 Children's Drawings Tell Us about Their Primary School Experiences?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Maxwell, Tim

2015-01-01

This study describes the research process and trialling of a drawing technique for gathering pupils' views within a Personal Construct Psychology framework. Seventy-two pupils in curriculum year 5 were asked to produce two drawings of themselves in school (144 drawings), one in a "happy" situation and one in an "unhappy"…

20 years of KVH fiber optic gyro technology: the evolution from large, low performance FOGs to compact, precise FOGs and FOG-based inertial systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Napoli, Jay

2016-05-01

Precision fiber optic gyroscopes (FOGs) are critical components for an array of platforms and applications ranging from stabilization and pointing orientation of payloads and platforms to navigation and control for unmanned and autonomous systems. In addition, FOG-based inertial systems provide extremely accurate data for geo-referencing systems. Significant improvements in the performance of FOGs and FOG-based inertial systems at KVH are due, in large part, to advancements in the design and manufacture of optical fiber, as well as in manufacturing operations and signal processing. Open loop FOGs, such as those developed and manufactured by KVH Industries, offer tactical-grade performance in a robust, small package. The success of KVH FOGs and FOG-based inertial systems is due to innovations in key fields, including the development of proprietary D-shaped fiber with an elliptical core, and KVH's unique ThinFiber. KVH continually improves its FOG manufacturing processes and signal processing, which result in improved accuracies across its entire FOG product line. KVH acquired its FOG capabilities, including its patented E•Core fiber, when the company purchased Andrew Corporation's Fiber Optic Group in 1997. E•Core fiber is unique in that the light-guiding core - critical to the FOG's performance - is elliptically shaped. The elliptical core produces a fiber that has low loss and high polarization-maintaining ability. In 2010, KVH developed its ThinFiber, a 170-micron diameter fiber that retains the full performance characteristics of E•Core fiber. ThinFiber has enabled the development of very compact, high-performance open-loop FOGs, which are also used in a line of FOG-based inertial measurement units and inertial navigation systems.

All-fiber linearly polarized high power 2-μm single mode Tm-fiber laser for plastic processing and Ho-laser pumping applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scholle, K.; Schäfer, M.; Lamrini, S.; Wysmolek, M.; Steinke, M.; Neumann, J.; Fuhrberg, P.

2018-02-01

In this paper we present a high power, polarized 2 μm Thulium-doped fiber laser with high beam quality. Such laser systems are ideally suited for the processing of plastic materials which are highly transparent in the visible and 1 μm wavelength range and for the pumping of laser sources for the mid-IR wavelength region. For most applications polarized lasers are beneficial, as they can be easily protected from back reflections and combined with other laser sources or power scaled by polarization combining. The Tm-doped fiber laser is pumped in an all-fiber configuration by using a fiber coupled pump diode emitting around 790 nm. This pumping scheme allows the exploitation of the crossrelaxation process to populate the upper laser level. A compact and robust laser configuration was achieved by using an all-fiber configuration with single mode fibers and fiber Bragg gratings (FBG). Different FBG pairs with wavelength around 2 μm were tested. To achieve stable polarized output power the fibers with the FBG were 90° twisted at the splices. Stable linearly polarized output power up to 38 W with an extinction ratio of up to 50:1 was observed. With respect to the diode output power an optical-to-optical efficiency of 51 % was reached with a correspondent slope efficiency of 52 %. The emission linewidth at maximum power was measured to be < 0.3 nm which is well suitable for Ho-laser pumping. First tests of the precise processing of highly transparent plastic materials demonstrate the potentials of these laser systems.

Testing of a Fiber Optic Wear, Erosion and Regression Sensor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Korman, Valentin; Polzin, Kurt A.

2011-01-01

The nature of the physical processes and harsh environments associated with erosion and wear in propulsion environments makes their measurement and real-time rate quantification difficult. A fiber optic sensor capable of determining the wear (regression, erosion, ablation) associated with these environments has been developed and tested in a number of different applications to validate the technique. The sensor consists of two fiber optics that have differing attenuation coefficients and transmit light to detectors. The ratio of the two measured intensities can be correlated to the lengths of the fiber optic lines, and if the fibers and the host parent material in which they are embedded wear at the same rate the remaining length of fiber provides a real-time measure of the wear process. Testing in several disparate situations has been performed, with the data exhibiting excellent qualitative agreement with the theoretical description of the process and when a separate calibrated regression measurement is available good quantitative agreement is obtained as well. The light collected by the fibers can also be used to optically obtain the spectra and measure the internal temperature of the wear layer.

Optical fiber sensor technique for strain measurement

DOEpatents

Butler, Michael A.; Ginley, David S.

1989-01-01

Laser light from a common source is split and conveyed through two similar optical fibers and emitted at their respective ends to form an interference pattern, one of the optical fibers having a portion thereof subjected to a strain. Changes in the strain cause changes in the optical path length of the strain fiber, and generate corresponding changes in the interference pattern. The interference pattern is received and transduced into signals representative of fringe shifts corresponding to changes in the strain experienced by the strained one of the optical fibers. These signals are then processed to evaluate strain as a function of time, typical examples of the application of the apparatus including electrodeposition of a metallic film on a conductive surface provided on the outside of the optical fiber being strained, so that strains generated in the optical fiber during the course of the electrodeposition are measurable as a function of time. In one aspect of the invention, signals relating to the fringe shift are stored for subsequent processing and analysis, whereas in another aspect of the invention the signals are processed for real-time display of the strain changes under study.

Three-Axis Distributed Fiber Optic Strain Measurement in 3D Woven Composite Structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Castellucci, Matt; Klute, Sandra; Lally, Evan M.; Froggatt, Mark E.; Lowry, David

2013-01-01

Recent advancements in composite materials technologies have broken further from traditional designs and require advanced instrumentation and analysis capabilities. Success or failure is highly dependent on design analysis and manufacturing processes. By monitoring smart structures throughout manufacturing and service life, residual and operational stresses can be assessed and structural integrity maintained. Composite smart structures can be manufactured by integrating fiber optic sensors into existing composite materials processes such as ply layup, filament winding and three-dimensional weaving. In this work optical fiber was integrated into 3D woven composite parts at a commercial woven products manufacturing facility. The fiber was then used to monitor the structures during a VARTM manufacturing process, and subsequent static and dynamic testing. Low cost telecommunications-grade optical fiber acts as the sensor using a high resolution commercial Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometer (OFDR) system providing distributed strain measurement at spatial resolutions as low as 2mm. Strain measurements using the optical fiber sensors are correlated to resistive strain gage measurements during static structural loading. Keywords: fiber optic, distributed strain sensing, Rayleigh scatter, optical frequency domain reflectometry

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ji, Xiaoyu; Lei, Shiming; Yu, Shih -Ying

Semiconductor core optical fibers with a silica cladding are of great interest in nonlinear photonics and optoelectronics applications. Laser crystallization has been recently demonstrated for crystallizing amorphous silicon fibers into crystalline form. Here we explore the underlying mechanism by which long single-crystal silicon fibers, which are novel platforms for silicon photonics, can be achieved by this process. Using finite element modeling, we construct a laser processing diagram that reveals a parameter space within which single crystals can be grown. Utilizing this diagram, we illustrate the creation of single-crystal silicon core fibers by laser crystallizing amorphous silicon deposited inside silica capillarymore » fibers by high-pressure chemical vapor deposition. The single-crystal fibers, up to 5.1 mm long, have a very welldefined core/cladding interface and a chemically pure silicon core that leads to very low optical losses down to ~0.47-1dB/cm at the standard telecommunication wavelength (1550 nm). Furthermore, tt also exhibits a photosensitivity that is comparable to bulk silicon. Creating such laser processing diagrams can provide a general framework for developing single-crystal fibers in other materials of technological importance.« less

Process for electrospinning chitin fibers from chitinous biomass solution

DOEpatents

Swatloski, Richard P.; Barber, Patrick S.; Opichka, Terrance; Bonner, Jonathan R.; Gurau, Gabriela; Griggs, Christopher Scott; Rogers, Robin D.

2017-06-20

Disclosed are methods for electrospinning chitinous biomass solution to form chitin fibers, using ionic liquids or other ion-containing liquids as solvent. Chitin fibers produced thereby and articles containing such chitin fibers are also disclosed. The chitin fiber thus obtained has very high surface area and improved strength over currently commercially available chitin materials.

Kenaf bast cellulosic fibers hierarchy: a comprehensive approach from micro to nano.

PubMed

Karimi, Samaneh; Tahir, Paridah Md; Karimi, Ali; Dufresne, Alain; Abdulkhani, Ali

2014-01-30

Cellulosic fibers from kenaf bast were isolated in three distinct stages. Initially raw kenaf bast fibers were subjected to an alkali pulping process. Then pulped fibers undergone a bleaching process and finally both pulped and bleached fibers were separated into their constituent nanoscale cellulosic fibers by mechanical shearing. The influence of each treatment on the chemical composition of fibers was investigated. Moreover morphology, functional groups, crystallinity, and thermal behavior of fiber hierarchy at different stages of purification were studied using scanning and transmission electron microscopies, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), respectively. Microscopy studies revealed that applied procedures successfully isolated nanoscale cellulosic fibers from both unbleached and bleached pulps. Chemical composition analysis and FTIR spectroscopy showed that lignin and hemicellulose were almost entirely removed by the applied treatments. XRD and TGA analyses demonstrated progressive enhancement of properties in fibers, hierarchically, in going from micro to nano scale. Interestingly no significant evolution was observed between obtained data of characterized ubnleached and bleached nanofibers. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Determination of depth and size of defects in carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic with different methods of pulse thermography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Popow, Vitalij; Gurka, Martin

2018-03-01

The main advantage of high performance composite material is its exceptional light-weight capability due to individual tailoring of anisotropic fiber lay-up. Its main draw-back is a brittle and complex failure behavior under dynamic loading which requires extensive quality assurance measures and short maintenance intervals. For this reason efficient test methods are required, which not only generate good and reliable results, but are also simple in handling, allow rapid adaptation to different test situations and short measuring times. Especially the knowledge about size and position of a defect is necessary to decide about acceptance or rejection of a structure under investigation. As a promising method for contactless in-line and off-line inspection we used pulsed thermography. For the determination of the depth of the defects we used logarithmic peak second derivative, a widely accepted method. Alternatively an analytical model, describing the adiabatic heating of a solid plate by an instantaneous pulse, was fitted directly to the measurement data. For the determination of defect size four different approaches were investigated and compared with exact values. The measurements were done with continuous carbon-fiber reinforced materials.

Succinate Functionalization of Hyperbranched Polyglycerol-Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles as a Draw Solute During Forward Osmosis.

PubMed

Yang, Hee-Man; Choi, Hye Min; Jang, Sung-Chan; Han, Myeong Jin; Seo, Bum-Kyoung; Moon, Jei-Kwon; Lee, Kune-Woo

2015-10-01

Hyperbranched polyglycerol-coated magnetic nanoparticles (SHPG-MNPs) were functionalized with succinate groups to form a draw solute for use in a forward osmosis (FO). After the one-step synthesis of hyperbranched polyglycerol-coated magnetic nanoparticles (HPG-MNPs), the polyglycerol groups on the surfaces of the HPG-MNPs were functionalized with succinic anhydride moieties. The resulting SHPG-MNPs showed no change of size and magnetic property compared with HPG-MNPs and displayed excellent dispersibility in water up to the concentration of 400 g/L. SHPG-MNPs solution showed higher osmotic pressure than that of HPG-MNPs solution due to the presence of surface carboxyl groups in SHPG-MNPs and could draw water from a feed solution across an FO membrane without any reverse draw solute leakage during FO process. Moreover, the water flux remained nearly constant over several SHPG-MNP darw solute regeneration cycles applied to the ultrafiltration (UF) process. The SHPG-MNPs demonstrate strong potential for use as a draw solute in FO processes.

Smart assembly of polymer fibers: lessons from major ampullate spider silk

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Viney, Christopher

1996-02-01

Studies of major ampullate silk (MAS), especially the secretions and fibers produced by the spider Nephila clavipes (golden orb weaver), have yielded several results of potential value to the materials scientist/engineer. There are lessons to be learned about synthesis, processing and microstructural design of high-tensile polymer fibers. The 'smart' aspect of silk production in nature concerns the ability of the spider to rapidly process a concentrated, viscous aqueous solution of silk protein (stored in the gland) into water-insoluble fiber on demand. This process centers on the assembly of a shear-sensitive supramolecular liquid crystalline phase by aggregation of the solubilized globular protein molecules.

Continuous fiber-reinforced titanium aluminide composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mackay, R. A.; Brindley, P. K.; Froes, F. H.

1991-01-01

An account is given of the fabrication techniques, microstructural characteristics, and mechanical behavior of a lightweight, high service temperature SiC-reinforced alpha-2 Ti-14Al-21Nb intermetallic-matrix composite. Fabrication techniques under investigation to improve the low-temperature ductility and environmental resistance of this material system, while reducing manufacturing costs to competitive levels, encompass powder-cloth processing, foil-fiber-foil processing, and thermal-spray processing. Attention is given to composite microstructure problems associated with fiber distribution and fiber-matrix interfaces, as well as with mismatches of thermal-expansion coefficient; major improvements are noted to be required in tensile properties, thermal cycling effects, mechanical damage, creep, and environmental effects.

Development of a Process for the Spinning of Synthetic Spider Silk

DOE PAGES

Copeland, Cameron G.; Bell, Brianne E.; Christensen, Chad D.; ...

2015-06-05

Spider silks have unique mechanical properties but current efforts to duplicate those properties with recombinant proteins have been unsuccessful. Here, this study was designed to develop a single process to spin fibers with excellent and consistent mechanical properties. As-spun fibers produced were brittle, but by stretching the fibers the mechanical properties were greatly improved. A water-dip or water-stretch further increased the strength and elongation of the synthetic spider silk fibers. Given the promising results of the water stretch, a mechanical double-stretch system was developed. Both a methanol/water mixture and an isopropanol/water mixture were independently used to stretch the fibers withmore » this system. We found that the methanol mixture produced fibers with high tensile strength while the isopropanol mixture produced fibers with high elongation.« less

Utilization of Food Processing By-products as Dietary, Functional, and Novel Fiber: A Review.

PubMed

Sharma, Satish Kumar; Bansal, Sangita; Mangal, Manisha; Dixit, Anil Kumar; Gupta, Ram K; Mangal, A K

2016-07-26

Fast growing food processing industry in most countries across the world, generates huge quantity of by-products, including pomace, hull, husk, pods, peel, shells, seeds, stems, stalks, bran, washings, pulp refuse, press cakes, etc., which have less use and create considerable environmental pollution. With growing interest in health promoting functional foods, the demand of natural bioactives has increased and exploration for new sources is on the way. Many of the food processing industrial by-products are rich sources of dietary, functional, and novel fibers. These by-products can be directly (or after certain modifications for isolation or purification of fiber) used for the manufacture of various foods, i.e. bread, buns, cake, pasta, noodles, biscuit, ice creams, yogurts, cheese, beverages, milk shakes, instant breakfasts, ice tea, juices, sports drinks, wine, powdered drink, fermented milk products, meat products and meat analogues, synthetic meat, etc. A comprehensive literature survey has been carried on this topic to give an overview in the field dietary fiber from food by-products. In this article, the developments in the definition of fiber, fiber classification, potential sources of dietary fibers in food processing by-products, their uses, functional properties, caloric content, energy values and the labelling regulations have been discussed.

Multifunctional Textured Surfaces with Enhanced Friction and Hydrophobic Behaviors Produced by Fiber Debonding and Pullout.

PubMed

Rizvi, Reza; Anwer, Ali; Fernie, Geoff; Dutta, Tilak; Naguib, Hani

2016-11-02

Fiber debonding and pullout are well-understood processes that occur during damage and failure events in composite materials. In this study, we show how these mechanisms, under controlled conditions, can be used to produce multifunctional textured surfaces. A two-step process consisting of (1) achieving longitudinal fiber alignment followed by (2) cutting, rearranging, and joining is used to produce the textured surfaces. This process employs common composite manufacturing techniques and uses no reactive chemicals or wet handling, making it suitable for scalability. This uniform textured surface is due to the fiber debonding and pullout occurring during the cutting process. Using well-established fracture mechanics principles for composite materials, we demonstrate how different material parameters such as fiber geometry, fiber and matrix stiffness and strength, and interface behavior can be used to achieve multifunctional textured surfaces. The resulting textured surfaces show very high friction coefficients on wet ice (9× improvement), indicating their promising potential as materials for ice traction/tribology. Furthermore, the texturing enhances the surface's hydrophobicity as indicated by an increase in the contact angle of water by 30%. The substantial improvements to surface tribology and hydrophobicity make fiber debonding and pullout an effective, simple, and scalable method of producing multifunctional textured surfaces.

A Novel, High-Resolution, High-Speed Fiber-Optic Temperature Sensor for Oceanographic Applications

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-05-11

attached to the endface of a cleaved single-mode fiber using UV curable glue . A novel signal processing method has also been developed for the...thick Si wafer was bonded onto the tip of a single mode optical fiber using UV -curable glue . In addition to the sensor shown in Fig. 1(b), sensor...we developed a process to introduce much thicker silicon pieces onto the optical fiber tip. UV curable glue was first attached to the endface of

Oxidation-induced contraction and strengthening of boron fibers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dicarlo, J. A.; Wagner, T. C.

1981-01-01

An investigation was conducted to measure and understand the physical and mechanical effects that occur in boron fibers during and after thermal treatment in a controlled oxygen argon gaseous mixture. Of principal concern was the optimization of this treatment as a secondary processing method for significantly improving fiber tensile strength. Strengthening was accomplished by an oxidation induced axial contraction of the fiber and a resulting axial compression of strength limiting flaws within the fiber's tungsten boride core. Various physical observations were used to develop mechanistic models for oxidation, contraction, and flow formation. Processing guidelines are discussed for possibly exceeding the 5.5 GN/sq m strength limit and also for achieving fiber strengthening during application of boron containing diffusion barrier coatings.

Advanced Engineering Fibers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Edie, Dan D.; Dunham, Michael G.

1987-01-01

Describes Clemson University's Advanced Engineered Fibers Laboratory, which was established to provide national leadership and expertise in developing the processing equipment and advance fibers necessary for the chemical, fiber, and textile industries to enter the composite materials market. Discusses some of the laboratory's activities in…

New definitions for cotton fiber maturity ratio

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Cotton fiber maturity affects fiber physical, mechanical, and chemical properties, as well as the processability and qualities of yarn and fabrics. New definitions of cotton fiber maturity ratio are introduced. The influences of sampling, sample preparation, measurement method, and correlations am...

Using tablets as tools for learner-generated drawings in the context of teaching the kinetic theory of gases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lehtinen, A.; Viiri, J.

2014-05-01

Even though research suggests that the use of drawings could be an important part of learning science, learner-generated drawings have not received much attention in physics classrooms. This paper presents a method for recording students’ drawings and group discussions using tablets. Compared to pen and paper, tablets offer unique benefits, which include the recording of the whole drawing process and of the discussion associated with the drawing. A study, which investigated the use of drawings and the need for guidance among Finnish upper secondary school students, is presented alongside ideas for teachers on how to see drawing in a new light.

Modified Process For Formation Of Silicon Carbide Matrix Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Behrendt, Donald R.; Singh, Mrityunjay

1996-01-01

Modified version of process for making SiC-fiber/SiC-matrix composite material reduces damage to SiC (SCS-6) fibers and to carbon-rich coatings on fibers. Modification consists of addition of second polymer-infiltration-and-pyrolysis step to increase carbon content of porous matrix before infiltration with liquid silicon or silicon alloy.

Strain of optic-fiber/giant magnetostrictive film structure in magnetic field by finite element analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Jiafei; Pan, Mengchun; Xin, Jianguang; Chen, Dixiang

2008-12-01

The magnetostrictive transducer is the most important part of the optic-fiber magnetic field sensor, and the optic-fiber/giant magnetostrictive(GMS) film coupled structure is a novel coupling form of the magnetostrictive transducer. Always we analyze the coupled structure based on the entire coupled structure being sputtered GMS material without tail-fibers. In practical application, the coupled structure has tail-fibers without films at two ends. When the entire coupled structure is immersed in the detected magnetic field, the detected magnetic field causes the GMS film strain then causing optic-fiber strain. This strain transmission process is different from it in the coupled structure entirely with GMS films without tail-fibers. The strain transmission relationship can be calculated theoretically in the coupled structure without tail-fibers, but it's complicated to theoretically calculate the strain transmission relationship in the coupled structure with tail-fibers. After large numbers of calculations and analyses by ANSYS software, we figure out some relationships of the two strain transmission processes in the respective structures and the stress distribution in the tail-fibers. These results are helpful to the practical application of the optic-fiber/ GMS film coupled structure.

Numerical approach of the injection molding process of fiber-reinforced composite with considering fiber orientation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nguyen Thi, T. B., E-mail: thanhbinh.skku@gmail.com, E-mail: yokoyama@kit.ac.jp; Yokoyama, A., E-mail: thanhbinh.skku@gmail.com, E-mail: yokoyama@kit.ac.jp; Ota, K., E-mail: kei-ota@toyobo.jp, E-mail: katsuhiro-kodama@toyobo.jp, E-mail: katsuhisa-yamashita@toyobo.jp, E-mail: yumiko-isogai@toyobo.jp, E-mail: kenji-furuichi@toyobo.jp, E-mail: chisato-nonomura@toyobo.jp

2014-05-15

One of the most important challenges in the injection molding process of the short-glass fiber/thermoplastic composite parts is being able to predict the fiber orientation, since it controls the mechanical and the physical properties of the final parts. Folgar and Tucker included into the Jeffery equation a diffusive type of term, which introduces a phenomenological coefficient for modeling the randomizing effect of the mechanical interactions between the fibers, to predict the fiber orientation in concentrated suspensions. Their experiments indicated that this coefficient depends on the fiber volume fraction and aspect ratio. However, a definition of the fiber interaction coefficient, whichmore » is very necessary in the fiber orientation simulations, hasn't still been proven yet. Consequently, this study proposed a developed fiber interaction model that has been introduced a fiber dynamics simulation in order to obtain a global fiber interaction coefficient. This supposed that the coefficient is a sum function of the fiber concentration, aspect ratio, and angular velocity. The proposed model was incorporated into a computer aided engineering simulation package C-Mold. Short-glass fiber/polyamide-6 composites were produced in the injection molding with the fiber weight concentration of 30 wt.%, 50 wt.%, and 70 wt.%. The physical properties of these composites were examined, and their fiber orientation distributions were measured by micro-computed-tomography equipment μ-CT. The simulation results showed a good agreement with experiment results.« less

Exposures to nanoparticles and fibers during injection molding and recycling of carbon nanotube reinforced polycarbonate composites.

PubMed

Boonruksa, Pongsit; Bello, Dhimiter; Zhang, Jinde; Isaacs, Jacqueline A; Mead, Joey L; Woskie, Susan R

2017-07-01

In this study, the characteristics of airborne particles generated during injection molding and grinding processes of carbon nanotube reinforced polycarbonate composites (CNT-PC) were investigated. Particle number concentration, size distribution, and morphology of particles emitted from the processes were determined using real-time particle sizers and transmission electron microscopy. The air samples near the operator's breathing zone were collected on filters and analyzed using scanning electron microscope for particle morphology and respirable fiber count. Processing and grinding during recycling of CNT-PC released airborne nanoparticles (NPs) with a geometric mean (GM) particle concentration from 4.7 × 10 3 to 1.7 × 10 6 particles/cm 3 . The ratios of the GM particle concentration measured during the injection molding process with exhaust ventilation relative to background were up to 1.3 (loading), 1.9 (melting), and 1.4 (molding), and 101.4 for grinding process without exhaust ventilation, suggesting substantial NP exposures during these processes. The estimated mass concentration was in the range of 1.6-95.2 μg/m 3 . Diverse particle morphologies, including NPs, NP agglomerates, particles with embedded or protruding CNTs and fibers, were observed. No free CNTs were found during any of the investigated processes. The breathing zone respirable fiber concentration during the grinding process ranged from non-detectable to 0.13 fiber/cm 3 . No evidence was found that the emissions were affected by the number of recycling cycles. Institution of exposure controls is recommended during these processes to limit exposures to airborne NPs and CNT-containing fibers.

[The importance of drawing in adolescence].

PubMed

Titia Rizzi, Alice

Teenagers like to draw. A drawing is a fundamental object of creativity in the process of re-construction and change typical of this period. However, theoretical approaches often consider that the evolution of the stages of drawing come to an end in adolescence. It is important to consider the practical and clinical benefit of drawing and to develop expression-based activities which can be carried out with this population. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Methods for producing and using densified biomass products containing pretreated biomass fibers

DOEpatents

Dale, Bruce E.; Ritchie, Bryan; Marshall, Derek

2015-05-26

A process is provided comprising subjecting a quantity of plant biomass fibers to a pretreatment to cause at least a portion of lignin contained within each fiber to move to an outer surface of said fiber, wherein a quantity of pretreated tacky plant biomass fibers is produced; and densifying the quantity of pretreated tacky plant biomass fibers to produce one or more densified biomass particulates, wherein said biomass fibers are densified without using added binder.

Controlled core removal from a D-shaped optical fiber.

PubMed

Markos, Douglas J; Ipson, Benjamin L; Smith, Kevin H; Schultz, Stephen M; Selfridge, Richard H; Monte, Thomas D; Dyott, Richard B; Miller, Gregory

2003-12-20

The partial removal of a section of the core from a continuous D-shaped optical fiber is presented. In the core removal process, selective chemical etching is used with hydrofluoric (HF) acid. A 25% HF acid solution removes the cladding material above the core, and a 5% HF acid solution removes the core. A red laser with a wavelength of 670 nm is transmitted through the optical fiber during the etching. The power transmitted through the optical fiber is correlated to the etch depth by scanning electron microscope imaging. The developed process provides a repeatable method to produce an optical fiber with a specific etch depth.

Rapid and repeatable fabrication of high A/R silk fibroin microneedles using thermally-drawn micromolds.

PubMed

Lee, JiYong; Park, Seung Hyun; Seo, Il Ho; Lee, Kang Ju; Ryu, WonHyoung

2015-08-01

Thermal drawing is a versatile rapid prototyping method that can freely form microneedle (MN) structures with ultra-high aspect ratio without relying on any complex and expensive process. However, it is still challenging to repeatedly produce MNs with identical shapes using this thermal drawing due to small fluctuations in processing conditions such as temperatures, drawing speeds, drawing heights, or parallelism in the drawing setup. In addition, thermal drawing is only applicable to thermoplastic materials and most natural biomaterials are incompatible with this method. Thus, we propose use of thermal drawing to fabricate master molds with high aspect ratios and replicate the shape by micromolding. In this work, high A/R MNs with various body profiles were fabricated by thermal drawing and replicated to silk fibroin (SF) MNs multiple times using micromolding. The original MN shape was precisely copied to the SF MNs. Methanol treatment enhanced the mechanical strength of SF MNs up to about 113% more depending on the treatment duration. We also demonstrated that methanol exposure time could effectively control drug release rates from SF MNs. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Optical Fiber On-Line Detection System for Non-Touch Monitoring Roller Shape

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Y.; Wang, Y. T.

2006-10-01

Basing on the principle of reflective displacement fiber-optic sensor, a high accuracy non-touch on-line optical fiber measurement system for roller shape is presented. The principle and composition of the detection system and the operation process are expatiated also. By using a novel probe of three optical fibers in equal transverse space, the effects of fluctuations in the light source, reflective changing of target surface and the intensity losses in the fiber lines are automatically compensated. Meantime, an optical fiber sensor model of correcting static error based on BP artificial neural network (ANN) is set up. Also by using interpolation method and value filtering to process the signals, effectively reduce the influence of random noise and the vibration of the roller bearing. So enhance the accuracy and resolution remarkably. Experiment proves that the accuracy of the system reach to the demand of practical production process, it provides a new method for the high speed, accurate and automatic on line detection of the mill roller shape.

Electrical property of macroscopic graphene composite fibers prepared by chemical vapor deposition.

PubMed

Sun, Haibin; Fu, Can; Gao, Yanli; Guo, Pengfei; Wang, Chunlei; Yang, Wenchao; Wang, Qishang; Zhang, Chongwu; Wang, Junya; Xu, Junqi

2018-07-27

Graphene fibers are promising candidates in portable and wearable electronics due to their tiny volume, flexibility and wearability. Here, we successfully synthesized macroscopic graphene composite fibers via a two-step process, i.e. first electrospinning and then chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Briefly, the well-dispersed PAN nanofibers were sprayed onto the copper surface in an electrified thin liquid jet by electrospinning. Subsequently, CVD growth process induced the formation of graphene films using a PAN-solid source of carbon and a copper catalyst. Finally, crumpled and macroscopic graphene composite fibers were obtained from carbon nanofiber/graphene composite webs by self-assembly process in the deionized water. Temperature-dependent conduct behavior reveals that electron transport of the graphene composite fibers belongs to hopping mechanism and the typical electrical conductivity reaches 4.59 × 10 3 S m -1 . These results demonstrated that the graphene composite fibers are promising for the next-generation flexible and wearable electronics.

Study on structure and morphology (Boehmeria nivea) in the irregular and regular parts of the fiber after biodegumming

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wulandari, A. P.; Septarini, D.; Zainuddin, A.

2017-05-01

Ramie is a natural fiber that is very potential to be developed in Indonesia. Decorticated-fiber which has been known as china grass produce different structures irregular part but shows a long straight section in the middle. This study aims to determine differences in chemical components, morphology and microstructure of two different parties after biodegumming process. China grass has been processed to remove gum using pectinolytic fungus. The microstructure of the treated was further tested by Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The FTIR study indicated that during the biodegumming process, chemical bonding of non-cellulose components most removed by the activity of pectinase from the fungus. XRD analysis reflects an increase in the crystallinity of the fiber after biodegumming. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to confirm a reduction in the size of the fiber after biodegumming either in the irregular and regular part of the fiber after biodegumming.

Process for preparing tapes from thermoplastic polymers and carbon fibers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chung, Tai-Shung (Inventor); Furst, Howard (Inventor); Gurion, Zev (Inventor); McMahon, Paul E. (Inventor); Orwoll, Richard D. (Inventor); Palangio, Daniel (Inventor)

1986-01-01

The instant invention involves a process for use in preparing tapes or rovings, which are formed from a thermoplastic material used to impregnate longitudinally extended bundles of carbon fibers. The process involves the steps of (a) gas spreading a tow of carbon fibers; (b) feeding the spread tow into a crosshead die; (c) impregnating the tow in the die with a thermoplastic polymer; (d) withdrawing the impregnated tow from the die; and (e) gas cooling the impregnated tow with a jet of air. The crosshead die useful in the instant invention includes a horizontally extended, carbon fiber bundle inlet channel, means for providing melted polymer under pressure to the die, means for dividing the polymeric material flowing into the die into an upper flow channel and a lower flow channel disposed above and below the moving carbon fiber bundle, means for applying the thermoplastic material from both the upper and lower channels to the fiber bundle, and means for withdrawing the resulting tape from the die.

Multifilament cellulose/chitin blend yarn spun from ionic liquids.

PubMed

Mundsinger, Kai; Müller, Alexander; Beyer, Ronald; Hermanutz, Frank; Buchmeiser, Michael R

2015-10-20

Cellulose and chitin, both biopolymers, decompose before reaching their melting points. Therefore, processing these unmodified biopolymers into multifilament yarns is limited to solution chemistry. Especially the processing of chitin into fibers is rather limited to distinctive, often toxic or badly removable solvents often accompanied by chemical de-functionalization to chitosan (degree of acetylation, DA, <50%). This work proposes a novel method for the preparation of cellulose/chitin blend fibers using ionic liquids (ILs) as gentle, removable, recyclable and non-deacetylating solvents. Chitin and cellulose are dissolved in ethylmethylimidazolium propionate ([C2mim](+)[OPr](-)) and the obtained one-pot spinning dope is used to produce multifilament fibers by a continuous wet-spinning process. Both the rheology of the corresponding spinning dopes and the structural and physical properties of the obtained fibers have been determined for different biopolymer ratios. With respect to medical or hygienic application, the cellulose/chitin blend fiber show enhanced water retention capacity compared to pure cellulose fibers. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fabrication and properties of aluminum silicate fibrous materials with in situ synthesized K2Ti6O13 whiskers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Hao; Wei, Nan; Wang, Zhou-fu; Wang, Xi-tang; Ma, Yan

2017-11-01

To improve their mechanical and thermal insulation properties, aluminum silicate fibrous materials with in situ synthesized K2Ti6O13 whiskers were prepared by firing a mixture of short aluminum silicate fibers and gel powders obtained from a sol-gel process. During the preparation process, the fiber surface was coated with K2Ti6O13 whiskers after the fibers were subjected to a heat treatment carried out at various temperatures. The effects of process parameters on the microstructure, compressive strength, and thermal conductivity were analyzed systematically. The results show that higher treatment temperatures and longer treatment durations promoted the development of K2Ti6O13 whiskers on the surface of aluminum silicate fibers; in addition, the intersection structure between whiskers modulated the morphology and volume of the multi-aperture structure among fibers, substantially increasing the fibers' compressive strength and reducing their heat conduction and convective heat transfer at high temperatures.

Hollow fiber optics with improved durability for high-peak-power pulses of Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers.

PubMed

Matsuura, Yuji; Tsuchiuchi, Akio; Noguchi, Hiroshi; Miyagi, Mitsunobu

2007-03-10

To improve the damage threshold of hollow optical waveguides for transmitting Q-switched Nd:YAG laser pulses, we optimize the metallization processes for the inner coating of fibers. For silver-coated hollow fiber as the base, second, and third Nd:YAG lasers, drying silver films at a moderate temperature and with inert gas flow is found to be effective. By using this drying process, the resistance to high-peak-power optical pulse radiation is drastically improved for fibers fabricated with and without the sensitizing process. The maximum peak power transmitted in the fiber is greater than 20 MW. To improve the energy threshold of aluminum-coated hollow fibers for the fourth and fifth harmonics of Nd:YAG lasers, a thin silver film is added between the aluminum film and the glass substrate to increase adhesion of the aluminum coating. By using this primer layer, the power threshold improves to 3 MW for the fourth harmonics of a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser light.

The effect of nozzle-exit-channel shape on resultant fiber diameter in melt-electrospinning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Esmaeilirad, Ahmad; Ko, Junghyuk; Rukosuyev, Maxym V.; Lee, Jason K.; Lee, Patrick C.; Jun, Martin B. G.

2017-01-01

In recent decades, electrospinning using a molten poly (ε-caprolactone) resin has gained attention for creating fibrous tissue scaffolds. The topography and diameter control of such electrospun microfibers is an important issue for their different applications in tissue engineering. Charge density, initial nozzle-exit-channel cross-sectional area, nozzle to collector distance, viscosity, and processing temperature are the most important input parameters that affect the final electrospun fiber diameters. In this paper we will show that the effect of nozzle-exit-channel shape is as important as the other effective parameters in a resultant fiber diameter. However, to the best of our knowledge, the effect of nozzle-exit-channel shapes on a resultant fiber diameter have not been studied before. Comparing rectangular and circular nozzles with almost the same exit-channel cross-sectional areas in a similar processing condition showed that using a rectangular nozzle resulted in decreasing final fiber diameter up to 50%. Furthermore, the effect of processing temperature on the final fiber topography was investigated.

Exploring the effects of electrospinning processing protocols on fiber surface morphology and polymer chain conformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stephens, Jean S.

Electrospinning is a fiber formation technique that uses electrostatic forces to create continuous, nanometer diameter fibers. The work presented here focuses on the continuing efforts to build a stronger fundamental understanding of electrospinning by exploring structure/property/process relationships by investigating the effects of process protocols on fiber surface morphology and polymer chain conformation. By varying the processing parameters it has been possible to produce fibers with unique surface features, microtextured/nanoporous fibers and nanowebs. In the microtextured/nanoporous fiber studies, changing the solution concentration, solvent volatility, and relative humidity was found to alter the size, shape, and distribution of pores on the fiber surface. The mechanisms that can explain the pore formation and texturing on the surface of the fibers are phase separation (aggregation into polymer rich and polymer lean regions) and breath figures (evaporative cooling and vapor condensation). Through a judicious choice of the electrospinning processing parameters we have also been able to create "web" like structures of nanofibers (5--25 nm) from collagen, dragline silk analog, nylon, and denatured collagen. Electrostatic repulsion and thin film dewetting are thought to be responsible for the formation of the nanowebs. These unique structures were characterized using FESEM, TEM, OM, and AFM. Raman spectroscopy, initially developed as a "real time" characterization technique to study electrospun fiber formation, has also been used to investigate the effect of electrospinning on the chain conformation of bioinspired polymers. Comparing the spectrum of the bulk material to that of the electrospun material identified conformational changes in nylon 6 and dragline silk analog. The conformational change in nylon 6 (alpha-form to gamma-form) results from the stresses induced on the electrospinning jet during fiber formation, whereas the conformational change in the silk analog (beta-sheet to alpha-helical) result from electric field assembling of the charged a-helical segments of the protein polymer in solution. The investigations described here have allowed us to build a virtual database of the processing conditions needed to create materials for tissue engineering constructs. Electrospun collagen membranes have been used in preliminary cell attachment studies. From the trials it was observed that the cells migrated into the membranes indicating that the membranes are suitable for tissue engineering scaffolds.

Modeling and Simulation of Compression Molding Process for Sheet Molding Compound (SMC) of Chopped Carbon Fiber Composites

DOE PAGES

Li, Yang; Chen, Zhangxing; Xu, Hongyi; ...

2017-01-02

Compression molded SMC composed of chopped carbon fiber and resin polymer which balances the mechanical performance and manufacturing cost presents a promising solution for vehicle lightweight strategy. However, the performance of the SMC molded parts highly depends on the compression molding process and local microstructure, which greatly increases the cost for the part level performance testing and elongates the design cycle. ICME (Integrated Computational Material Engineering) approaches are thus necessary tools to reduce the number of experiments required during part design and speed up the deployment of the SMC materials. As the fundamental stage of the ICME workflow, commercial softwaremore » packages for SMC compression molding exist yet remain not fully validated especially for chopped fiber systems. In this study, SMC plaques are prepared through compression molding process. The corresponding simulation models are built in Autodesk Moldflow with the same part geometry and processing conditions as in the molding tests. The output variables of the compression molding simulations, including press force history and fiber orientation of the part, are compared with experimental data. Influence of the processing conditions to the fiber orientation of the SMC plaque is also discussed. It is found that generally Autodesk Moldflow can achieve a good simulation of the compression molding process for chopped carbon fiber SMC, yet quantitative discrepancies still remain between predicted variables and experimental results.« less

Modeling and Simulation of Compression Molding Process for Sheet Molding Compound (SMC) of Chopped Carbon Fiber Composites

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, Yang; Chen, Zhangxing; Xu, Hongyi

Compression molded SMC composed of chopped carbon fiber and resin polymer which balances the mechanical performance and manufacturing cost presents a promising solution for vehicle lightweight strategy. However, the performance of the SMC molded parts highly depends on the compression molding process and local microstructure, which greatly increases the cost for the part level performance testing and elongates the design cycle. ICME (Integrated Computational Material Engineering) approaches are thus necessary tools to reduce the number of experiments required during part design and speed up the deployment of the SMC materials. As the fundamental stage of the ICME workflow, commercial softwaremore » packages for SMC compression molding exist yet remain not fully validated especially for chopped fiber systems. In this study, SMC plaques are prepared through compression molding process. The corresponding simulation models are built in Autodesk Moldflow with the same part geometry and processing conditions as in the molding tests. The output variables of the compression molding simulations, including press force history and fiber orientation of the part, are compared with experimental data. Influence of the processing conditions to the fiber orientation of the SMC plaque is also discussed. It is found that generally Autodesk Moldflow can achieve a good simulation of the compression molding process for chopped carbon fiber SMC, yet quantitative discrepancies still remain between predicted variables and experimental results.« less

Production of continuous mullite fiber via sol-gel processing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tucker, Dennis S.; Sparks, J. Scott; Esker, David C.

1990-01-01

The development of a continuous ceramic fiber which could be used in rocket engine and rocket boosters applications was investigated at the Marshall Space Flight Center. Methods of ceramic fiber production such as melt spinning, chemical vapor deposition, and precursor polymeric fiber decomposition are discussed and compared with sol-gel processing. The production of ceramics via the sol-gel method consists of two steps, hydrolysis and polycondensation, to form the preceramic, followed by consolidation into the glass or ceramic structure. The advantages of the sol-gel method include better homogeneity and purity, lower preparation temperature, and the ability to form unique compositions. The disadvantages are the high cost of raw materials, large shrinkage during drying and firing which can lead to cracks, and long processing times. Preparation procedures for aluminosilicate sol-gel and for continuous mullite fibers are described.

Primary Manufacturing Processes for Fiber Reinforced Composites: History, Development & Future Research Trends

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tapan Bhatt, Alpa; Gohil, Piyush P.; Chaudhary, Vijaykumar

2018-03-01

Composite Materials are becoming more popular gradually replacing traditional material with extra strength, lighter weight and superior property. The world is exploring use of fiber reinforced composites in all application which includes air, land and water transport, construction industry, toys, instrumentation, medicine and the list is endless. Based on application and reinforcement used, there are many ways to manufactures parts with fiber reinforced composites. In this paper various manufacturing processes have been discussed at length, to make fiber reinforced composites components. The authors have endeavored to include all the processes available recently in composite industry. Paper first highlights history of fiber reinforced composites manufacturing, and then the comparison of different manufacturing process to build composites have been discussed, to give clear understanding on, which process should be selected, based on reinforcement, matrix and application. All though, there are several advantages to use such fiber reinforcement composites, still industries have not grown at par and there is a lot of scope to improve these industries. At last, where India stands today, what are the challenges in market has been highlighted and future market and research trend of exploring such composite industries have been discussed. This work is carried out as a part of research project sanctioned by GUJCOST, Gandhinagar.

Characterization of exposure and dose of man made vitreous fiber in experimental studies.

PubMed Central

Hamilton, R D; Miiller, W C; Christensen, D R; Anderson, R; Hesterberg, T W

1994-01-01

The use of fibrous test materials in in vivo experiments introduces a number of significant problems not associated with nonfibrous particulates. The key to all aspects of the experiment is the accurate characterization of the test material in terms of fiber length, diameter, particulate content, and chemistry. All data related to fiber properties must be collected in a statistically sound manner to eliminate potential bias. Procedures similar to those outlined by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) or the World Health Organization (WHO) must be the basis of any fiber characterization. The test material to which the animal is exposed must be processed to maximize the amount of respirable fiber and to minimize particulate content. The complex relationship among the characteristics of the test material, the properties of the delivery system, and the actual dose that reaches the target tissue in the lung makes verification of dose essential. In the case of man-made vitreous fibers (MMVF), dose verification through recovery of fiber from exposed animals is a complex task. The potential for high fiber solubility makes many of the conventional techniques for tissue preservation and digestion inappropriate. Processes based on the minimum use of aggressive chemicals, such as cold storage and low temperature ashing, are potentially useful for a wide range of inorganic fibers. Any processes used to assess fiber exposure and dose must be carefully validated to establish that the chemical and physical characteristics of the fibers have not been changed and that the dose to the target tissue is completely and accurately described. PMID:7882912

High efficiency pump combiner fabricated by CO2 laser splicing system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Gongwen

2018-02-01

High power combiners are of great interest for high power fiber lasers and fiber amplifiers. With the advent of CO2 laser splicing system, power combiners are made possible with low manufacturing cost, low loss, high reliability and high performance. Traditionally fiber optical components are fabricated with flame torch, electrode arc discharge or filament heater. However, these methods can easily leave contamination on the fiber, resulting inconsistent performance or even catching fire in high power operations. The electrodes or filaments also degrade rapidly during the combiner manufacturing process. The rapid degradation will lead to extensive maintenance, making it unpractical or uneconomic for volume production. By contrast, CO2 laser is the cleanest heating source which provides reliable and repeatable process for fabricating fiber optic components including high power combiners. In this paper we present an all fiber end pumped 7x1 pump combiner fabricated by CO2 laser splicing system. The input pump fibers are 105/125 (core/clad diameters in μm) fibers with a core NA of 0.22. The output fiber is a 300/320 fiber with a core NA of 0.22. The average efficiency is 99.4% with all 7 ports more than 99%. The process is contamination-free and highly repeatable. To our best knowledge, this is the first report in the literature on power combiners fabricated by CO2 laser splicing system. It also has the highest reported efficiency of its kind.

The Secretory Response of Rat Peritoneal Mast Cells on Exposure to Mineral Fibers.

PubMed

Borelli, Violetta; Trevisan, Elisa; Francesca, Vita; Zabucchi, Giuliano

2018-01-10

Exposure to mineral fibers is of substantial relevance to human health. A key event in exposure is the interaction with inflammatory cells and the subsequent generation of pro-inflammatory factors. Mast cells (MCs) have been shown to interact with titanium oxide (TiO₂) and asbestos fibers. In this study, we compared the response of rat peritoneal MCs challenged with the asbestos crocidolite and nanowires of TiO₂ to that induced by wollastonite employed as a control fiber. Rat peritoneal MCs (RPMCs), isolated from peritoneal lavage, were incubated in the presence of mineral fibers. The quantities of secreted enzymes were evaluated together with the activity of fiber-associated enzymes. The ultrastructural morphology of fiber-interacting RPMCs was analyzed with electron microscopy. Asbestos and TiO₂ stimulate MC secretion. Secreted enzymes bind to fibers and exhibit higher activity. TiO₂ and wollastonite bind and improve enzyme activity, but to a lesser degree than crocidolite. (1) Mineral fibers are able to stimulate the mast cell secretory process by both active (during membrane interaction) and/or passive (during membrane penetration) interaction; (2) fibers can be found to be associated with secreted enzymes-this process appears to create long-lasting pro-inflammatory environments and may represent the active contribution of MCs in maintaining the inflammatory process; (3) MCs and their enzymes should be considered as a therapeutic target in the pathogenesis of asbestos-induced lung inflammation; and (4) MCs can contribute to the inflammatory effect associated with selected engineered nanomaterials, such as TiO₂ nanoparticles.

Assessment of different dietary fibers (tomato fiber, beet root fiber, and inulin) for the manufacture of chopped cooked chicken products.

PubMed

Cava, Ramón; Ladero, Luis; Cantero, V; Rosario Ramírez, M

2012-04-01

Three dietary fibers (tomato fiber [TF], beet root fiber [BRF], and inulin) at 3 levels of addition (1%, 2%, and 3%) were assessed for the manufacture of chopped, cooked chicken products and compared with a control product without fiber added. The effect of fiber incorporation on (i) batters, (ii) cooked (30 min at 70 °C), and (iii) cooked and stored (for 10 d at 4 °C) chicken products were studied. The addition of the fiber to chicken meat products reduced the pH of chicken batters in proportional to the level of fiber addition. Fiber incorporation increased water-holding capacity but only the addition of TF reduced cook losses. The color of batters and cooked products was significantly modified by the type and level of fiber added. These changes were more noticeable when TF was added. Texture parameters were affected by the incorporation of TF and BRF; they increased the hardness in proportional to the level of addition. The addition of tomato and BRF to chicken meat products reduced lipid oxidation processes. These changes were dependent on the level of fiber added. The reduction of lipid oxidation processes was more marked in TF meat products than in products with other types of fibers. In contrast, the addition level of inulin increased TBA-RS numbers in chicken meat products. Although the addition of TF increased the redness of the meat products, the use of this fiber was more suitable as it reduced the extent of lipid oxidation processes. INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION: Nowadays, the reduction of fat and the increase of fiber content in meat products is one of the main goals of meat industry. Numerous sources of fiber can be added to the meat products; however, before that it is necessary to study their technological effect on raw and cooked meat products in order to evaluate their suitability for meat products manufacture. In addition, some of them could have beneficial effect on meat products conservation that could also increase their shelf life. © 2012 Institute of Food Technologists®

Large-scale and highly efficient synthesis of micro- and nano-fibers with controlled fiber morphology by centrifugal jet spinning for tissue regeneration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Liyun; Pandit, Vaibhav; Elkin, Joshua; Denman, Tyler; Cooper, James A.; Kotha, Shiva P.

2013-02-01

PLLA fibrous tissue scaffolds with controlled fiber nanoscale surface roughness are fabricated with a novel centrifugal jet spinning process. The centrifugal jet spinning technique is a highly efficient synthesis method for micron- to nano-sized fibers with a production rate up to 0.5 g min-1. During the centrifugal jet spinning process, a polymer solution jet is stretched by the centrifugal force of a rotating chamber. By engineering the rheological properties of the polymer solution, solvent evaporation rate and centrifugal force that are applied on the solution jet, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) composite fibers with various diameters are fabricated. Viscosity measurements of polymer solutions allowed us to determine critical polymer chain entanglement limits that allow the generation of continuous fiber as opposed to beads or beaded fibers. Above a critical concentration at which polymer chains are partially or fully entangled, lower polymer concentrations and higher centrifugal forces resulted in thinner fibers. Etching of PVP from the PLLA-PVP composite fibers doped with increasing PVP concentrations yielded PLLA fibers with increasing nano-scale surface roughness and porosity, which increased the fiber hydrophilicity dramatically. Scanning electron micrographs of the etched composite fibers suggest that PVP and PLLA were co-contiguously phase separated within the composite fibers during spinning and nano-scale roughness features were created after the partial etching of PVP. To study the tissue regeneration efficacy of the engineered PLLA fiber matrix, human dermal fibroblasts are used to simulate partial skin graft. Fibers with increased PLLA surface roughness and porosity demonstrated a trend towards higher cell attachment and proliferation.PLLA fibrous tissue scaffolds with controlled fiber nanoscale surface roughness are fabricated with a novel centrifugal jet spinning process. The centrifugal jet spinning technique is a highly efficient synthesis method for micron- to nano-sized fibers with a production rate up to 0.5 g min-1. During the centrifugal jet spinning process, a polymer solution jet is stretched by the centrifugal force of a rotating chamber. By engineering the rheological properties of the polymer solution, solvent evaporation rate and centrifugal force that are applied on the solution jet, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) composite fibers with various diameters are fabricated. Viscosity measurements of polymer solutions allowed us to determine critical polymer chain entanglement limits that allow the generation of continuous fiber as opposed to beads or beaded fibers. Above a critical concentration at which polymer chains are partially or fully entangled, lower polymer concentrations and higher centrifugal forces resulted in thinner fibers. Etching of PVP from the PLLA-PVP composite fibers doped with increasing PVP concentrations yielded PLLA fibers with increasing nano-scale surface roughness and porosity, which increased the fiber hydrophilicity dramatically. Scanning electron micrographs of the etched composite fibers suggest that PVP and PLLA were co-contiguously phase separated within the composite fibers during spinning and nano-scale roughness features were created after the partial etching of PVP. To study the tissue regeneration efficacy of the engineered PLLA fiber matrix, human dermal fibroblasts are used to simulate partial skin graft. Fibers with increased PLLA surface roughness and porosity demonstrated a trend towards higher cell attachment and proliferation. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr33423f

Friction and wear of TPS fibers: A study of the adhesion and friction of high modulus fibers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bascom, Willard D.; Lee, Ilzoo

1990-01-01

The adhesional and frictional forces between filaments in a woven fabric or felt, strongly influenced the processability of the fiber and the mechanical durability of the final product. Even though the contact loads between fibers are low, the area of contact is extremely small giving rise to very high stresses; principally shear stresses. One consequence of these strong adhesional and frictional forces is the resistance of fibers to slide past each other during weaving or when processed into nonwoven mats or felts. Furthermore, the interfiber frictional forces may cause surface damage and thereby reduce the fiber strength. Once formed into fabrics, flexural handling and manipulation of the material again causes individual filaments to rub against each other resulting in modulus, brittle fibers such as those used in thermal protection systems (TPS). The adhesion and friction of organic fibers, notably polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers, have been extensively studied, but there has been very little work reported on high modulus inorganic fibers. An extensive study was made of the adhesion and friction of flame drawn silica fibers in order to develop experimental techniques and a scientific basis for data interpretation. Subsequently, these methods were applied to fibers of interest in TPS materials.

Improved process robustness by using closed loop control in deep drawing applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barthau, M.; Liewald, M.; Christian, Held

2017-09-01

The production of irregular shaped deep-drawing parts with high quality requirements, which are common in today’s automotive production, permanently challenges production processes. High requirements on lightweight construction of passenger car bodies following European regulations until 2020 have been massively increasing the use of high strength steels substantially for years and are also leading to bigger challenges in sheet metal part production. Of course, the more and more complex shapes of today’s car body shells also intensify the issue due to modern and future design criteria. The metal forming technology tries to meet these challenges by developing a highly sophisticated layout of deep drawing dies that consider part quality requirements, process robustness and controlled material flow during the deep or stretch drawing process phase. A new method for controlling material flow using a closed loop system was developed at the IFU Stuttgart. In contrast to previous approaches, this new method allows a control intervention during the deep-drawing stroke. The blank holder force around the outline of the drawn part is used as control variable. The closed loop is designed as trajectory follow up with feed forward control. The used command variable is the part-wall stress that is measured with a piezo-electric measuring pin. In this paper the used control loop will be described in detail. The experimental tool that was built for testing the new control approach is explained here with its features. A method for gaining the follow up trajectories from simulation will also be presented. Furthermore, experimental results considering the robustness of the deep drawing process and the gain in process performance with developed control loop will be shown. Finally, a new procedure for the industrial application of the new control method of deep drawing will be presented by using a new kind of active element to influence the local blank holder pressure onto part flange.

Influence of fiber treatment on dimensional stabilities of rattan waste composite boards

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zuraida, A.; Insyirah, Y.; Maisarah, T.; Zahurin, H.

2018-01-01

The main drawback of using natural fibers in composite boards is its hydrophilic properties which absorb a high volume of moisture. This results in low dimensional stability of the produced composite boards. Hence, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of fibers’ treatment processes of the rattan waste fibers on the dimensional stabilities of composite boards. The collected fibers underwent two types of retting processes, namely a water treatment and alkaline treatment retting processes; where the fibers were soaked in water and a 1% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution, respectively. The fibers were dried and mixed with poly(lactic) acid (PLA) pellets with ratio of 30% fibers: 70% matrix; before being fabricated into composite boards via a hot-pressing process and were labelled as RF/PLA, WRF/PLA, CRF/PLA for untreated rattan, rattan treated by water retting, rattan treated by chemical retting, respectively. The produced composite boards were cut and soaked in water for 24 hours for dimensional stability in terms of water absorption and thickness swelling tests. The results showed that WRF/PLA has the lowest water absorption (3.2%), and the CRF/PLA had the highest water absorption (23.2%). The thickness swelling showed a similar trend as water absorption. The presence of void contents and fibers damaged the insides of the boards, which contributed to low dimensional stabilities of the composite boards. It can be concluded that water retting facilitated in improving dimensional stability of the produced composite board.

Assessment of Current Process Modeling Approaches to Determine Their Limitations, Applicability and Developments Needed for Long-Fiber Thermoplastic Injection Molded Composites

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nguyen, Ba Nghiep; Holbery, Jim; Smith, Mark T.

2006-11-30

This report describes the status of the current process modeling approaches to predict the behavior and flow of fiber-filled thermoplastics under injection molding conditions. Previously, models have been developed to simulate the injection molding of short-fiber thermoplastics, and an as-formed composite part or component can then be predicted that contains a microstructure resulting from the constituents’ material properties and characteristics as well as the processing parameters. Our objective is to assess these models in order to determine their capabilities and limitations, and the developments needed for long-fiber injection-molded thermoplastics (LFTs). First, the concentration regimes are summarized to facilitate the understandingmore » of different types of fiber-fiber interaction that can occur for a given fiber volume fraction. After the formulation of the fiber suspension flow problem and the simplification leading to the Hele-Shaw approach, the interaction mechanisms are discussed. Next, the establishment of the rheological constitutive equation is presented that reflects the coupled flow/orientation nature. The decoupled flow/orientation approach is also discussed which constitutes a good simplification for many applications involving flows in thin cavities. Finally, before outlining the necessary developments for LFTs, some applications of the current orientation model and the so-called modified Folgar-Tucker model are illustrated through the fiber orientation predictions for selected LFT samples.« less

Influence of twin-screw extrusion on soluble arabinoxylans and corn fiber gum from corn fiber.

PubMed

Singkhornart, Sasathorn; Lee, Seul Gi; Ryu, Gi Hyung

2013-09-01

The effect of feed moisture content and screw speed in the extrusion process with and without chemical pretreatment of corn fiber was investigated. Different chemical pretreatment methods (NaOH and H2 SO4 solution) were compared. The improvement of reducing sugar, soluble arabinoxylans (SAX) content and the yield of corn fiber gum was measured. A high reducing sugar content was obtained in the filtrate fraction from the extruded destarched corn fiber (EDCF) with H₂SO₄ pretreatment. Feed moisture content most effectively improved both reducing sugar and SAX content of filtrate. Increasing feed moisture content and screw speed resulted in a higher SAX content in the filtrate of the EDCF with NaOH pretreatment. The SAX content of the residual solid from the EDCF with NaOH pretreatment was higher compared to H₂SO₄ pretreated and unpretreated samples and significantly increased with decreasing feed moisture content. The screw speed did not have a major impact after enzyme hydrolysis. The yield of corn fiber gum was increased by 12% using NaOH pretreatment combined with extrusion process as compared to the destarched corn fiber. The results show the great potential of the extrusion process as an effective pretreatment for disruption the lignocelluloses of corn fiber, leading to conversion of cellulose to glucose and hemicelluloses to SAX and isolation of corn fiber gum. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry.

Mechanical Drawing of Gas Sensors on Paper

PubMed Central

Mirica, Katherine A.; Weis, Jonathan G.; Schnorr, Jan M.; Esser, Birgit

2012-01-01

This communication describes a simple solvent-free method for fabricating chemoresistive gas sensors on the surface of paper. The method involves mechanical abrasion of compressed powders of sensing materials on the fibers of cellulose. We illustrate this approach by depositing conductive layers of several forms of carbon (e.g., single-walled carbon nanotubes [SWCNTs], multi-walled carbon nanotubes, and graphite) on the surface of different papers (Figure 1, Figure S1). The resulting sensors based on SWCNTs are capable of detecting NH3 gas at concentrations as low as 0.5 part-per-million. PMID:23037938

Portable chemical detection system with intergrated preconcentrator

DOEpatents

Baumann, Mark J.; Brusseau, Charles A.; Hannum, David W.; Linker, Kevin L.

2005-12-27

A portable system for the detection of chemical particles such as explosive residue utilizes a metal fiber substrate that may either be swiped over a subject or placed in a holder in a collection module which can shoot a jet of gas at the subject to dislodge residue, and then draw the air containing the residue into the substrate. The holder is then placed in a detection module, which resistively heats the substrate to evolve the particles, and provides a gas flow to move the particles to a miniature detector in the module.

Demonstration of an ultra-wideband optical fiber inline polarizer with metal nano-grid on the fiber tip.

PubMed

Lin, Yongbin; Guo, Junpeng; Lindquist, Robert G

2009-09-28

Dramatic increase in the bandwidth of optical fiber inline polarizer can be achieved by using metal nano-grid on the fiber tip. However, high extinction ratio of such fiber polarizer requires high spatial frequency metal nano girds with high aspect ratio on the small area of optical fiber tip. We report the development of a nano-fabrication process on the optical fiber tip, and the design and realization of the first ultra-wideband fiber inline polarization device with Au nano gird fabricated on a single mode optical fiber end face.

An applied investigation of kenaf-based fiber/polymer composites as potential lightweight materials for automotive components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Du, Yicheng

Natural fibers have the potential to replace glass fibers in fiber-reinforced composite applications. However, the natural fibers' intrinsic properties cause these issues: (1) the mechanical property variation; (2) moisture uptake by natural fibers and their composites; (3) lack of sound, cost-effective, environment-friendly fiber-matrix compounding processes; (4) incompatibility between natural fibers and polymer matrices; and (5) low heat-resistance of natural fibers and their composites. This dissertation systematically studied the use of kenaf bast fiber bundles, obtained via a mechanical retting method, as a light-weight reinforcement material for fiber-reinforced thermoset polymer composites for automotive applications. Kenaf bast fiber bundle tensile properties were tested, and the effects of locations in the kenaf plant, loading rates, retting methods, and high temperature treatments and their durations on kenaf bast fiber bundle tensile properties were evaluated. A process has been developed for fabricating high fiber loading kenaf bast fiber bundle-reinforced unsaturated polyester composites. The generated composites possessed high elastic moduli and their tensile strengths were close to specification requirements for glass fiber-reinforced sheet molding compounds. Effects of fiber loadings and lengths on resultant composite's tensile properties were evaluated. Fiber loadings were very important for composite tensile modulus. Both fiber loadings and fiber lengths were important for composite tensile strengths. The distributions of composite tensile, flexural and impact strengths were analyzed. The 2-parameter Weibull model was found to be the most appropriate for describing the composite strength distributions and provided the most conservative design values. Kenaf-reinforced unsaturated polyester composites were also proved to be more cost-effective than glass fiber-reinforced SMCs at high fiber loadings. Kenaf bast fiber bundle-reinforced composite's water absorption properties were tested. Surface-coating and edge-sealing significantly reduced composite water resistance properties. Encapsulation was a practical method to improve composite water resistance properties. The molding pressure and styrene concentrations on composite and matrix properties were evaluated. Laser and plasma treatment improved fiber-to-matrix adhesion.

Rapid Prototyping of Slot Die Devices for Roll to Roll Production of EL Fibers

PubMed Central

Bellingham, Alyssa; Bromhead, Nicholas; Fontecchio, Adam

2017-01-01

There is a growing interest in fibers supporting optoelectrical properties for textile and wearable display applications. Solution-processed electroluminescent (EL) material systems can be continuously deposited onto fiber or yarn substrates in a roll-to-roll process, making it easy to scale manufacturing. It is important to have precise control over layer deposition to achieve uniform and reliable light emission from these EL fibers. Slot-die coating offers this control and increases the rate of EL fiber production. Here, we report a highly adaptable, cost-effective 3D printing model for developing slot dies used in automatic coating systems. The resulting slot-die coating system enables rapid, reliable production of alternating current powder-based EL (ACPEL) fibers and can be adapted for many material systems. The benefits of this system over dip-coating for roll-to-roll production of EL fibers are demonstrated in this work. PMID:28772954

Effect of polishing conditions on terminating optical connectors with spherical convex polished ends

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Samuel I.-En

2002-01-01

Increased demand for fiber-optic technology has created significant growth in the sales of interconnection devices such as fiber-optic connectors, cable assemblies, and adapters. To ensure good connector performance during actual use, several process parameters related to geometric and optical characteristics of the connector must be thoroughly understood during the manufacturing stage. The experimental design has been used here to see the influence of applied pressure and time on the fiber end geometry as well as optical performance. The mathematical model is also applied to explain the phenomena of the present fiber undercut-reflectance relation. By a proper choice of polishing film grit size and processing conditions, it is possible to obtain fiber connectors with less fiber undercut and better return loss. Influences of film grit size and rubber-pad thickness on the reflectance and the fiber undercut are also presented.

Rapid Prototyping of Slot Die Devices for Roll to Roll Production of EL Fibers.

PubMed

Bellingham, Alyssa; Bromhead, Nicholas; Fontecchio, Adam

2017-05-29

There is a growing interest in fibers supporting optoelectrical properties for textile and wearable display applications. Solution-processed electroluminescent (EL) material systems can be continuously deposited onto fiber or yarn substrates in a roll-to-roll process, making it easy to scale manufacturing. It is important to have precise control over layer deposition to achieve uniform and reliable light emission from these EL fibers. Slot-die coating offers this control and increases the rate of EL fiber production. Here, we report a highly adaptable, cost-effective 3D printing model for developing slot dies used in automatic coating systems. The resulting slot-die coating system enables rapid, reliable production of alternating current powder-based EL (ACPEL) fibers and can be adapted for many material systems. The benefits of this system over dip-coating for roll-to-roll production of EL fibers are demonstrated in this work.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li Hong.

A new technique was developed and demonstrated for combining carbon fibers with aromatic thermoplastic matrices to form a high-quality towpreg. The developed technique utilizes an in-situ electrochemical process (Electrochemical polymerization - ECP) to create the entire polymer matrix surrounding the fiber array by direct polymerization of monomer. Poly-paraxylylene (PPX) and derivatives are successfully polymerized in-situ on carbon fiber surfaces through ECP. A PPX/carbon-fiber towpreg with 40 vol % of matrix is achieved in a fairly short reaction time with a high polymer-coating efficiency. Vapor deposition polymerization (VDP) was also studied. PPX and carbon-fiber towpreg were made successfully by this process.more » A comparison between ECP and VDP was conducted. A study on electrochemical oxidation (ECO) of carbon fibers was also performed. The ECO treatment may be suitable for carbon fibers incorporated in composites with high-temperature curing resins and thermoplastic matrices.« less

Contributed Review: A review of the investigation of rare-earth dopant profiles in optical fibers.

PubMed

Sidiroglou, F; Roberts, A; Baxter, G

2016-04-01

Rare-earth doped optical fibers have captivated the interest of many researchers around the world across the past three decades. The growth of this research field has been stimulated primarily through their application in optical communications as fiber lasers and amplifiers, although rare-earth doped optical fiber based devices are now finding important uses in many other scientific and industrial areas (for example, medicine, sensing, the military, and material processing). Such wide commercial interest has provided a strong incentive for innovative fiber designs, alternative glass compositions, and novel fabrication processes. A prerequisite for the ongoing progress of this research field is developing the capacity to provide high resolution information about the rare-earth dopant distribution profiles within the optical fibers. This paper constitutes a comprehensive review of the imaging techniques that have been utilized in the analysis of the distribution of the rare-earth ion erbium within the core of optical fibers.

System to continuously produce carbon fiber via microwave assisted plasma processing

DOEpatents

White, Terry L; Paulauskas, Felix L; Bigelow, Timothy S

2014-03-25

A method for continuously processing carbon fiber including establishing a microwave plasma in a selected atmosphere contained in an elongated chamber having a microwave power gradient along its length defined by a lower microwave power at one end and a higher microwave power at the opposite end of the elongated chamber. The elongated chamber having an opening in each of the ends of the chamber that are adapted to allow the passage of the fiber tow while limiting incidental gas flow into or out of said chamber. A continuous fiber tow is introduced into the end of the chamber having the lower microwave power. The fiber tow is withdrawn from the opposite end of the chamber having the higher microwave power. The fiber to is subjected to progressively higher microwave energy as the fiber is being traversed through the elongated chamber.

Novel thermal annealing methodology for permanent tuning polymer optical fiber Bragg gratings to longer wavelengths.

PubMed

Pospori, A; Marques, C A F; Sagias, G; Lamela-Rivera, H; Webb, D J

2018-01-22

The Bragg wavelength of a polymer optical fiber Bragg grating can be permanently shifted by utilizing the thermal annealing method. In all the reported fiber annealing cases, the authors were able to tune the Bragg wavelength only to shorter wavelengths, since the polymer fiber shrinks in length during the annealing process. This article demonstrates a novel thermal annealing methodology for permanently tuning polymer optical fiber Bragg gratings to any desirable spectral position, including longer wavelengths. Stretching the polymer optical fiber during the annealing process, the period of Bragg grating, which is directly related with the Bragg wavelength, can become permanently longer. The methodology presented in this article can be used to multiplex polymer optical fiber Bragg gratings at any desirable spectral position utilizing only one phase-mask for their photo-inscription, reducing thus their fabrication cost in an industrial setting.

Method of development of the program of forming of parametrical drawings of details in the AutoCAD software product

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alshakova, E. L.

2017-01-01

The program in the AutoLISP language allows automatically to form parametrical drawings during the work in the AutoCAD software product. Students study development of programs on AutoLISP language with the use of the methodical complex containing methodical instructions in which real examples of creation of images and drawings are realized. Methodical instructions contain reference information necessary for the performance of the offered tasks. The method of step-by-step development of the program is the basis for training in programming on AutoLISP language: the program draws elements of the drawing of a detail by means of definitely created function which values of arguments register in that sequence in which AutoCAD gives out inquiries when performing the corresponding command in the editor. The process of the program design is reduced to the process of step-by-step formation of functions and sequence of their calls. The author considers the development of the AutoLISP program for the creation of parametrical drawings of details, the defined design, the user enters the dimensions of elements of details. These programs generate variants of tasks of the graphic works performed in educational process of "Engineering graphics", "Engineering and computer graphics" disciplines. Individual tasks allow to develop at students skills of independent work in reading and creation of drawings, as well as 3D modeling.

Tracking cotton fiber quality throughout a stipper harvester: Part II

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Cotton fiber quality begins to degrade naturally with the opening of the boll and mechanical harvesting processes are perceived to exacerbate fiber degradation. Previous research indicates that stripper harvested cotton generally has lower fiber quality and higher foreign matter content than picker ...

Oxidation of Al2O3 continuous fiber-reinforced/NiAl composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Doychak, J.; Nesbitt, J. A.; Noebe, R. D.; Bowman, R. R.

1992-01-01

The 1200 C and 1300 C isothermal and cyclic oxidation behavior of Al2O3 continuous fiber-reinforced/NiAl composites were studied. Oxidation resulted in formation of Al2O3 external scales in a similar manner as scales formed on monolithic NiAl. The isothermal oxidation of an Al2O3/NiAl composite resulted in oxidation of the matrix along the fiber/matrix interface near the fiber ends. This oxide acted as a wedge between the fiber and the matrix, and, under cyclic oxidation conditions, led to further oxidation along the fiber lengths and eventual cracking of the composite. The oxidation behavior of composites in which the Al2O3 fibers were sputter coated with nickel prior to processing was much more severe. This was attributed to open channels around the fibers which formed during processing, most likely as a result of the diffusion of the nickel coating into the matrix.