properties assessment of a new hybrid composite material

Paper number

IAC-09.C2.I.2

Author

Mr. Florin Tache, Politechnic University of Bucharest, Romania

Coauthor

Ms. Alina Alexandra Chirilus, Politechnic University of Bucharest, Romania

Coauthor

Prof. Tanase Dobre, Politechnic University of Bucharest, Romania

Year

2009

Abstract

Mechanical and non-mechanical properties of a new heterogeneous material are being investigated. Among analyzed aspects are thermal and electrical behavior of the new CFRAl ({\it Carbon Fibers Reinforced Aluminum}) material, being developed at the University "POLITEHNICA" of Bucharest, Romania.
Having carbon fibers in its constitution and a mixed matrix, the hybrid composite has shown good results so far, thus encouraging further investigations, development and enhancement of the material. Prototype samples produced in the university laboratory so far possess a very low density, high specific strength and the ability to stop a 9 mm caliber bullet.
While mechanical tests like tensile strength, mechanical shock and ballistic tests have already been performed, producing good results, and some of these are still under way, attention is now paid to the thermal and 
electrical behavior of the material, namely its thermal and electrical conductivity. A laboratory experimental set-up and numerical simulations are employed to thoroughly determine these characteristics of the new material.
CFRAl is a hybrid composite that entered development in the last years at UPB, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science in cooperation with the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, being an integral part of the first author's PhD thesis. Envisaged applications of the new material vary from sports articles and common goods to 
ballistic protection systems, bomb-proof containers and space vehicles' outer hulls.

Abstract document

IAC-09.C2.I.2.pdf

Manuscript document

(absent)