A combined experimental and multiscale modeling approach for the investigation of lab-scale fluidized bed reactors

We show the potential of coupling numerical and experimental approaches in the fundamental understanding of catalytic reactors, and in particular fluidized beds. The applicability of the method was demonstrated in a lab-scale fluidized bed reactor for the platinum-based catalytic oxidation of hydrogen. An experimental campaign has been...

Multilayer blue-green roofs as nature-based solutions for water and thermal insulation management

Green roofs have been widely recognized as sustainable nature-based solutions to mitigate floods in urban areas, which, in the last decades, are increasing due to the combination of intense worldwide urbanization and climate change. Besides flood mitigation, green roofs provide additional benefits for the urban environment (e.g., reducing the...

The mechanical effects of kissing bonding defects in hybrid metal-composite laminates

Fibre metal laminates (FML) are hybrid materials perspective for wind-turbine, containers and marine objects, besides the aerospace industry. During the manufacturing process some faults can occur and can be hazardous for the reliability of FML structures. One of the most critical defects are kissing bonding due to their lack of detectability...

Design analysis for thermoforming of thermoplastic composites: Prediction and machine learning-based optimization

The correct prediction of a composite parts’ final performance is of paramount importance during the initial design phase of the manufacturing process. To this end the correct evaluation of the most effective process parameters and their influence on the parts performance is key for the success of the manufacturing process. Our aim with this...

Cure-induced residual stresses for warpage reduction in thermoset laminates

The paper addresses the role played by the cure stage of a vacuum assisted resin transfer molding process in residual stresses generation. The Airstone 780E epoxy resin and Hardener 785H system broadly used in the wind turbine blade industry has been used in this study. The viscous–elastic properties of the resin have been characterized and...

Optimization of multistep forming process for thermoplastic composite parts: Process parameters and simulation

Press forming of Fibre Reinforced Thermoplastics (FRTP) is a widely used manufacturing process. However, in order to boost innovation in FRTP production, new manufacturing strategies have to be implemented. In this context, the multistep forming process represents a promising concept for achieving a higher level of performances by means of...

Non-destructive testing investigation of gaps in thin Glare laminates

The manufacturing of Fibre Metal Laminates, consisting of alternating layers of pre-preg fibre and metal is complex, and defects can be introduced during manufacturing. The automation of the manufacturing steps is vital for future Glare production, and specific defects have to be considered. Among them, gaps between pre-preg plies represent a...

Detection and Evaluation of Pre-Preg Gaps and Overlaps in Glare Laminates

Gaps and overlaps between pre-preg plies represent common flaws in composite materials that can be introduced easily in an automated fibre placement manufacturing process and are potentially detrimental for the mechanical performances of the final laminates. Whereas gaps and overlaps have been addressed for full composite material, the topic...

Experimental Investigation of the Effects of Pre-Preg Gaps for the Automated Production of Fiber Metal Laminates

Gaps in pre-preg plies, in a case when adjacent plies do not align perfectly, may represent a significant issue in an automated fibre placement manufacturing process and can be detrimental to the properties of the final laminates. In order to tackle the consequences of gaps in the composite material, a comprehensive research has to be performed....

Effect of prepreg gaps and overlaps on mechanical properties of fibre metal laminates

During the automated manufacturing of fibre reinforced laminates, defects can be produced. Gaps and overlaps between adjacent prepreg layers can be produced in composites during the tape-layup process. However, the topic is not yet studied for hybrid materials, in which metal sheets and thin prepreg layers lead to different effects due to the...