1992-93 Research Excellence Fund (REF)

The Research Excellence Fund (REF) is a State of Michigan program designed to focus resources on a limited number of specific basic and applied research proposals of outstanding quality which will contribute to economic development and job creation within the State of Michigan. The REF monies are intended to provide support to start new and novel research efforts, encourage new multi-investigator, interdisciplinary efforts and attract external funding in support of faculty research which will contribute to the long-term economic vitality of the State of Michigan as stated in the REF objectives. Each project undertaken by an institution must be in a field where quality and institutional commitment are already strong. Composite materials and processing has been designated as a major thrust area at MSU.

In response to the 1992/93 Research Excellence Fund call for proposals in the composite materials and processing area, forty-three (43) proposals with a total requested funding amount of $1,991,140 were received for REF funding for the period, October 1, 1992 to June 30, 1993. The amount of funding available was approximately $750,000. The following proposals were selected for funding:

THRUST AREA 1. REDUCED COST AND/OR RECYCLED COMPOSITE MATERIALS

Engineering and design of new composite matrix alloys using reclaimed thermoplastics - $20,000-Renewed

Principal Investigator: Dr. Ramani Narayan, Chemical Engineering

Beneficial utilization of industrial by-products and recycled waste materials in concrete composites - $49,000-Renewed

Principal Investigator: Dr. Parviz Soroushian, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Feasibility study for sorting mixed thermoplastics using hydrocyclone classifiers - $40,129-New

Principal Investigator: Dr. Eric A. Grulke, Chemical Engineering

Co-Investigator: Dr. Charles A. Petty, Chemical Engineering

Co-Investigator: Dr. Susan E. Selke, Packaging

THRUST AREA 2. NEW HIGH PERFORMANCE COMPOSITE MATERIALS

A new technique for making continuous fiber metal matrix composites - $17,384-Renewed

Principal Investigator: Dr. Thomas R. Bieler, Materials Science and Mechanics

Characterization of FED processed FeAl/Al2O3 intermetallic matrix composite - $19,384-Renewed

Co-Principal Investigators: Dr. Martin A. Crimp and Dr. Melissa J. Crimp, Materials Science and Mechanics

Analysis and synthesis of composite laminates with improved damping characteristics - $22,492-New

Principal Investigator: Dr. Philip M. Fitzsimmons, Mechanical Engineering

A revolutionary class of intelligent ultra-advanced materials for automotive defense and aerospace applications - $46,703-Renewed

Principal Investigators: Dr. Mukesh V. Gandhi and Dr. Brian S. Thompson, Mechanical Engineering

Modification of metal-matrix compostie reinforcements for control of interface reactions by ion enhanced deposition - $32,525-Renewed

Principal Investigator: Dr. David S. Grummon, Materials Science and Mechanics

Chemistry of protective coatings for fiber-reinfoced composites - $18,183-Renewed

Principal Investigator: Dr. Jeffrey S. Ledford, Chemistry

Fabrication of textured high temperature superconductor/silver-layered composites by laser melting - $20,018-Renewed

Principal Investigator: Dr. Kali Mukherjee, Materials Science and Mechanics

Diamond film characterization by nanoindentor and sonic resonance measurements on diamond diaphragms - $16,931-Renewed

Principle Investigator: Dr. Eldon D. Case, Materials Science and Mechanics

Thermal and mechanical fatigue of ceramic composites as a function of volume fraction reinforcement - $25,000-New

Co-Principal Investigators: Drs. Eldon D. Case, Melissa J. Crimp, Gary L. Cloud, Materials Science and Mechanics

THRUST AREA 3. LOW-COST, FAST PROCESSING COMPOSITE FABRICATION METHODS

Batch and continuous microwave processing of composite materials - $27,862-Renewed

Principal Investigator: Dr. Martin Hawley, Chemical Engineering

Co-Investigator: Dr. Jes Asmussen, Jr., Chemical Engineering

Reactive processing of polypropylene and chopped fiber compostites - $13,931-Renewed

Principal Investigator: Dr. K. Jayaraman, Chemical Engineering

Resin transfer molding - $27,862-Renewed

Principal Investigator: Dr. K. Jayaraman, Chemical Engineering

Co-Investigator: Dr. C. A. Petty, Chemical Engineering

Laser machining and joining of metal-matrix composites - $18,018-Renewed

Principal Investigator: Dr. Kali Mukherjee, Materials Science and Mechanics

Simultaneous radical and cationic polymerizations of novel polymer composites - $18,000-New

Principal Investigator: Dr. Alec B. Scranton, Chemical Engineering

THRUST AREA 4. NON-DESTRUCTIVE INSPECTION

Nondestructive evaluation of composite materials and structures by ultrasonics - $28,246-Renewed

Principal Investigator: Dr. Bong Ho, Electrical Engineering

Co-Investigator: Dr. Roland Zapp, Electrical Engineering

THRUST AREA 5. TESTING AND DESIGN

Measurement of electromagnetic properties of composite materials - $16,624-Renewed

Principal Investigator: Dr. Kun-Mu Chen, Electrical Engineering

Testing and optimum design of vibration isolation mounts - $18,268-Renewed

Principal Investigator: Dr. Alan G. Haddow, Mechanical Engineering

Non-linear random vibration of structural systems made of composite materials - $13,931-Renewed

Principal Investigator: Dr. Ronald S. Harichandran, Civil and Environmental Engineering

The effect of interface on the thermo-mechanical properties of composite materials - $14,931-Renewed

Principal Investigator: Dr. Iwona Jasiuk, Materials Science and Mechanics

Elastic properties of random composite materials - $30,362-Renewed

Principal Investigator: Dr. Iwona M. Jasiuk, Materials Science and Mechanics

Co-Investigator: Dr. Michael F. Thorpe, Physics and Astronomy

A refined theory for composite design - $15,431-Renewed

Principal Investigator: Dr. Dahsin Liu, Materials Science and Mechanics

Central and axial impact in composite laminates - $18,431-Renewed

Principal Investigator: Dr. Dahsin Liu, Materials Science and Mechanics

Instability studies in nonlinearly elastic composite materials - $31,911-Renewed

Principal Investigator: Dr. Thomas J. Pence, Materials Science and Mechanics

Design and testing of advanced piezoelectric panels for structural acoustics applications - $23,473-Renewed

Principal Investigator: Dr. Clark Radcliffe, Mechanical Engineering

Optimization of metal-ceramic bonding to enhance mechanical properties of ceramic matrix composite - $14,500-Renewed

Principal Investigator: Dr. K. N. Subramanian, Materials Science and Mechanics

A micromechanics-based failure criterion for progressive failure analysis of composites - $15,000-New

Principal Investigator: Dr. Ronald C. Averill, Materials Science and Mechanics

A novel fastening system for composites - $15,000-New

Principal Investigator: Dr. Gary L. Cloud, Materials Science and Mechanics

Disorder and mechanical failure: applicatin to ceramic composites - $18,935-New

Principal Investigator: Dr. P. M. Duxbury, Physics and Astronomy

Co-Investigator: Dr. M. Ostoja-Starzewski, Materials Science and Mechanics

THRUST AREA 6. ADVANCED DETECTION AND CONTROL METHODS FOR IMPROVING COMPOSITE PROCESSING AND PERFORMANCE

Dynamic light microscopy of fiber orientation distribution in thermoplastic injection molding - $15,431-Renewed

Principal Investigator: Dr. J. J. McGrath, Mechanical Engineering

Control of liquid composite molding using an anytime algorithm - $14,590-New

Principal Investigator: Dr. W. F. Punch, Computer Science

Co-Investigator: Dr. K. Jayaraman, Chemical Engineering

THRUST AREA 7. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF COMPOSITE PERFORMANCE

Making water sorption in polyamides to design material blends for improved environmental performance - $13,350-New

Principal Investigator: Dr. R. J. Hernandez, Packaging

Co-Investigator: Dr. E. A. Grulke, Chemical Engineering

Moisture induced deformation and fracture behavior of fiber reinforced resin matrix composites - $15,000-New

Principal Investigator: Dr. James P. Lucas, Materials Science and Mechanics

Wood Fiber Reinforced Cement Composites

By Dr. Parviz Soroushian (Associate Professor, Civil Engineering), Dr. Shashidhara Marikunte (Graduate Student, Civil Engineering)

Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture

Worldwide, the asbestos cement industry has been searching for an alternative reinforcing fiber owing to the health risk asociated with asbestos. Wood fiber has emerged as the prime substitute for asbestos in thin-sheet cement products. The broad acceptance of wood fiber-cement composites can be attributed to their desirable strength and toughness characteristic in view of the low cost of wood fibers and their compatibility with the processing techniques commonly used with thin cement products. The applications of these composites range from major components in industrial manufactruing to uses in commercial, residential and agricultural construction. Some typical uses of wood fiber reinforced composites are flat and corrugated roofing elements, interior and exterior wall panelling, substrate for tiles, and cladding panels.

The affinity of wood fibers to moisture and their long-term performance in cement-based matrixes have led to concerns regarding the moisture sensitivity and longevity of wood fiber reinforced cement products. In this research the main thrust was to establish the mechanisms of moisture and ageing effects in wood fiber reinforced cement composites in order to contribute to the development of refined composites with improved stability under moisture and weathering effects. The experiment was conducted in three phases:

High moisture contents were observed to reduce the flexural strength and increase the flexural toughness of wood fiber reinfoced cement composites. Microsturctural investigations showed the adverse effects of moisture on fiber-to-matrix bond are the main factors contirbuting to the moisture-sensitivity of composites. Pozzolanic admixtures (silca fume and fly ash) were found effective in reducing the moisture-sensitivity of composites.

Wood fiber reinforced cement composites when subjected to natural weathering and accelerated wetting-drying cycles showed reduced toughness characteristics while strength and stiffness were slightly improved. Microstructural studies indicated that the precipitation of cement hydration products within wood fiber cores (petrification) and at interface zones is the key deterioration mechanism in composites. Cellulose fiber reinforced cement composites performed desirably under repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Work is in progress to mitigate the detected mechanisms of aging in wood fiber reinforced cement composites.

Faculty Position

The College of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan is seeking applicants for a new faculty position. They are seeking someone in for a teaching position in Metallurgy/Materials with a strong emphasis on non-metals.

The responsibilities include teaching and developing courses in materials, metallurgy, manufacturing process, and supporting areas such as statics, strength of materials, and thermo-fluid dynamics. Exact assignment will depend on the background of the successful candidate compared to the strengths of current faculty. Research in a related area is also required. Other duties may include student advising, committee activity and similar supporting functions.

Applicants must possess a Ph.D. in engineering of an appropriate technical area. Industrial experience is desired. Applicant must demonstrate capabilities to operate and improve hands-on laborities. Teaching experience and P.E. registration are also desired.

Individuals should respond directly to Dr. Ari-Guir at (616) 387-6515 or FAX (616) 387-4024.

A Course in Polymer Chemistry

A large portion of the chemical industry is involved in synthesizing, processing and modifying polymers, copolymers, blends, and composite materials. For this reason, CEM 956, Polymer Chemistry, will be taught again this spring semester. In this course, the methods available for synthesizing polymers will be surveyed as well as some of the physical methods and concepts important for their characterization. Some of the topics to be covered include:

This course is designed for seniors and graduate students. Those planning to take the course should have completed undergraduate organic and physical chemistry. No prior study in polymer science is assumed. The text used will be Odian's Principles of Polymerization, 3rd edition. This will be supplemented by class handouts.

The course will be taught by Gregory L. Baker, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 4:10 - 5:30, in room 517. If your have any questions about the course, please call the Chemistry office at 353-9715, ext. 160.

Experimental Determination of Parameters for Processing of FeAl2O3 Intermetallic Matrix Composites Using Advanced Electrodeposition Methods

By C.J. Suydam (Graduate Assistant, Materials Science & Mechanics), J. Ambriz (Graduate Assistant, Materials Science & Mechanics), B.A. Wilson (Graduate Assistant, Materials Science & Mechanics), M.J. Crimp (Assistant Professor, Materials Science & Mechanics), M.A. Crimp (Assistant Professor, Materials Science & Mechanics)

Funded by the Research Excellence Fund

The purpose of this research project i to develop a process for producing continuous fiber reinforced intermetallic matrix composite materials (MC's) without the use of binders. This "binder-less" adhesion of the powdered FeAl matrix to the continuous Al2O3 fiber will be produced by implementing a process known as Fiber Electrophoretic Deposition (FED). The FED process takes advantage of existing colloidal forces to provide adhesion of a powdered matrix to continuous multi-strand fiber. By eliminating the use of a binder, contamination and excessive production costs can be avoided.

A theoretical examination of the FeAl/Al2O3 system was coupled with experimental results to determine optimum processing conditions for maximum FeAl adhesion to Al2O3 fibers (heterocoagulation) and minimum attration of FeAl and Al2O3 fibers to themselves (homocoagulation). Optimizing the processing conditions leads to a more uniform composite without matrix or reinforcement zones. The theoretical examination consisted of applying a model using traditional colloidal theory which accounted for the use of a multicomponent composite system. The simulation uses the properties of the aqueous suspension such as particle size, surface potentials and processing coditions in order to calculate the ideal processing parameters. This model describes the interaction potentials of the suspension components and the stability of and between the components of the system interms of a stability ratio, W. The optimum processing conditions were found by determining the conditions under which the calculated values of the stability ratio were ideal.

The most important controlling parameter for the FED process is the pH value of the aqueous powder suspension. The ideal value was theoretically determined using acoustophoretic measurements to calculate the zeta potential curves for each of the systems components. By coupling the stability prediction with the calculated zeta potential values for the maximum attractive forces, a suitable pH was determined. This pH value was then implemented and Al2O3 fibers were coated using an aqueous suspension of FeAl powder.

Combining both the experimentally collected zeta potential results with the computer predictions for stability generates a processing scheme which allows for the production of a continuous fiber composite which has no existing attractive forces between the fibers and maximum, uniform adhesion of the matrix particles to the fiber surface. By implementing this process, more uniform green composites are possible. Consolidation studies along with upgrading the process to include the use of a continuous fiber tow winding system is currently underway.

Courses to be Offered at Michigan Molecular Institute in 1993

Michigan Molecular Institute will be offering a variety of classes in the composites field. Auditors should register directly through MMI. MMI courses can also be taken for credit through Central Michigan University, Michigan Technological University, and Saginaw Valley State University. To receive credit, first marticulate with your cognizant educational institution. For further information, contact your graduate advisor. It is recommended for every hour of lecture time, approximately three hours of study will be needed to develop proficiency in the subject.

It is necessary to register one week in advance of the course date. To receive a registration form, please call (517) 832-5555. All classes will be $175 (with the exception of course 1021) for one credit hour, plus an extra $85 for each credit hour per course for auditors. Students takig a course for credit will pay the appropriate graduate credit hour from their institution.

The Turner Alfey Professorship, or course 1021 does not require a course fee for auditors taking the course if they are members of organizaitons participating in the Turner Alfey Professorship Program. These organizations include: Dow Chemical, Dow Corning, Saginaw Valley State University, Central Michigan University, Michigan State University, and the Midland Chapter of the American Chemical Society.

Here is a list of the classes:

For more information on the lecturers, please contact the Composite Materials and Structures Center at 353-5466.

The BFGoodrich Collegiate Inventors Program

The BFGoodrich Collegiate Inventors Program was introduced in May, 1990. It is a national competition designed to encourage college students active in science, technology an creative invention, while stimulating their problem-solving abilities. This prestigious competition recognizes the working relationship between a student and his or her advisor who are involved in projects leading to inventions that can be patented. The program seeks to stimulate excitement and interest in technology and economic leadership.

Students enrolled full-time in any college or university within the 50 United States are eligible to participate. Only one entry per student or team will be accepted, however, there are no limits on how many entries are submitted from a college or university or in departments. The National Invention Center will not accept any potentially dangerous devices, prototypes or materials.

The invention, a reduced-to-practice idea or workable model, must be the work of a student or team of students with his or her universtiy advisor. If it is a machine, it must be operable. If it is a chmical, it must be complete with evidence of successful application of the idea. If it is a new plant, color photographs or slides must be included in the submission. If a new or original ornamental design for an article of manufacture is submitted, the entire design must be included in the application. In addition, the invention should be reproducible. The ideas mut be original and not available to the public through a publication, patent, or a commercial product or process.

Each student or student team must submit the completed student/advisor application and release form by 5:00 p.m., February 16, 1993, to the National Invention Center, 80 W. Bowery Street, Suite 201, Akron, Ohio 44308. The application must be delivered by first class mail or a courier service. The application must include labeled photographs, slides, diagrams, or illustrations of the invention, a detailed description of the invention (not to exceed 1,000 words), the advisor's application (not to exceed 500 words) and the signed release form.

Up to three entries submitted for the 1993 competition will receive cash prizes of $5,000. The three advisors for the winning entries will also receive cash prizes of $2,500 each. The institutions represented by winning students may receive at their discretion a workshop on the patent system to be given on campus.

For a copy of the application, please call the Composite Materials and Structures Center, at 353-5466.

48th Annual Conference & EXPO '93

The Composites Institute's 48th Annual Conference and EXPO '93, the premier event of U.S. composites industry, will take place February 8-11, 1993, at the Cincinnati Convention Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. The conference opens on Monday, February 8, with Composites Forum. "Introducation to Composites" has been revised into a fast-paced three-hour program addressing the materials, fabrication processes and markets of the fiber-polymer composites industry. In addition to "Introduction to Composites", the institute has developed part II of a seminar entitled "Growing Your Composites Business - Proven Technologies for Market Application Development". This session will review the highlights of last year's seminar, adding CI's growing experience and results with market development, including the Marine/Waterfront Task Group accomplishments, the demonstration project at U.S. Navy facility, CI's Technology Transfer Forum Initiative and the importance of inter-agency/group cooperation.

EXPO '93, the exhibit portion of the conference, will cover more than 50,000 square feet, with more than 80 exhibitors showcasing innovative products and technical advances in composites.

The marketing/technical program will begin on Tuesday, February 9, and will run through Thursday, February 11. Twenty marketing/technical sessions will feature 104 papers covering corrosion, pultrusion, regulatory, materials, SMC/BMC, marine and construction.

In addition to these sessions, the institute is sponsoring an "International Composites Recycling" session on Wednesday, February 10. This session will include presentations from Japan, Canada, Germany, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States on composites recycling programs and technologies.

In conjunction with the conference, the institute will again sponsor the University Program. Under this program, you will receive five free registrations for one faculty and four students (preferably graduate students or promising seniors) to be chosen according to your own criteria. These registrations include admission to the marketing/technical sessions, Composites Forum, EXPO '93, and a copy of the proceedings book, containing printed copies of all marketing/technical presentations.

The deadline for registration forms is January 8, 1993. If you wish to attend this conference, please contact the Composite Materials and Structures Center at 353-5466 for a copy of the registration forms.

Palace Knight Air Force Training and Development Program

In an effort to increase the number of civilian Ph.D.'s to staff it's laboratories, the United States Air Force has implemented an exceptional empolyment program called Palace Knight. This unique training program for civilian scientists and engineers is a combination of paid education and work experience in research and development. Positions are limited to U.S. citizens able to obtain security clearances. B.S. applicants should be within six months of graduation and have applied or been accepted to an accredited university for graduate studies. Applicants with completed M.S. degrees, or are persuing M.S. or Ph.D. studies are also eligible to apply. A 3.25 G.P.A. in undergraduate studies is desired. Graduate Record Examination (G.R.E.) results are also required. A combined score for the verbal and quantitative protions of 1,000 is desired. For program consideration, applicants must submit the following:

1. Current resume together with a completed Palace Knight resume addendum
2. Palace Knight resume identifier
3. All college transcripts leading to the conferred degree(s)
4. Two recommendations from faculth members assessing potential for Ph.D.
5. G.R.E. results

Selectees enter the program as civilian empolyees of the air force with full benefits and salary. The air force will pay tuition, books, and appropriate fees and travel allowances. B.S. grades will proceed to a M.S. program, which depending on degree and background, will normally be completed in 12 to 18 months. After degree requirements are met, participant will relocate to the home base to commence work experience for a 12 to 30 month period.

The deadline for submitting applications is January 29, 1993. For a copy of the application forms, please contact the Composite Materials and Structures Center at 353-5466.

Calendar of Events

December

December 28 - Begin registration for classes held at MMPI.

January

January 8 - Last day of registration for 48th Annual Conference & EXPO '93.

January 18-19 - Tooling for Composites '93 and Composites in Manufacturing '93 Conferences, held at the Pasadena Center in Pasadena, CA. For more information, please contact the Composite Materials and Structures Center at 353-5466.

January 29 - Deadline for submitting applications for Palace Knight Airforce Training Program.

February

February 8-11 - 48th Annual Conference & EXPO '93 held at the Cincinnati Convention Center in Cincinnati, Ohio.

February 16 - Deadline for entry into the BFGoodrich Collegiate Inventors Program.

Composite Materials and Structures Center
College of Engineering
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824-1326

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