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Multi-functional nanotechnology integration for aeronautical structures performance enhancement

Massimo Viscardi (Department of Industrial Engineering – Aerospace Section, Università di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy)
Maurizio Arena (Department of Industrial Engineering – Aerospace Section, Università di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy)
Liberata Guadagno (Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy)
Luigi Vertuccio (Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy)
Giuseppina Barra (Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy)

International Journal of Structural Integrity

ISSN: 1757-9864

Article publication date: 3 December 2018

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the applicative potentiality of functional/self-responsive materials in aeronautics. In particular, the study aims to experimentally validate the enhancement of structural performances of carbon fibers samples in the presence of nanofillers, as multi-walled carbon nanontubes or microcapsules for the self-healing functionality.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper opted for a mechanical study. Experimental static and dynamic tests on “blank” and modified formulations were performed in order to estimate both strength and damping parameters. A cantilever beam test set-up has been proposed. As a parallel activity, a numerical FE approach has been introduced to assess the correct modeling of the system.

Findings

The paper provides practical and empirical insights about how self-responsive materials react to mechanical solicitations. It suggests that reinforcing a sample positively affects the samples properties since they, de facto, improve the global structural performance. This work highlights that the addition of carbon nanotubes strongly improves the mechanical properties with a simultaneous slight enhancement in the damping performance. Damping properties are, instead, strongly enhanced by the addition of self-healing components. A balanced combination of both fillers could be adopted to increase electrical conductivity and to improve global performance in damping and auto-repairing properties.

Practical implications

The paper includes implications for the use of lightweight composite materials in aeronautics.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills an identified need to study new lightweight self-responsive smart materials for aeronautical structural application.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Program for research, technological development and demonstration under Grant Agreement No. 313978.

Citation

Viscardi, M., Arena, M., Guadagno, L., Vertuccio, L. and Barra, G. (2018), "Multi-functional nanotechnology integration for aeronautical structures performance enhancement", International Journal of Structural Integrity, Vol. 9 No. 6, pp. 737-752. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSI-11-2017-0060

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited

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