• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.53 no.1
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• pp.115-121
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• 2024

The present paper deals with a comprehensive study about dynamic performance and educational economic assessment of nanocomposite structures, while it focuses on truncated conical shells. Advanced structure dynamic behavior has been analyzed by means of AI techniques, which allow one to predict and optimize their performances with good accuracy for different loading and environmental conditions. The incorporation of the AI method significantly enhances the computational efficiency and is a powerful tool in designing nanocomposites and for their structural analysis. Further, an educational assessment is provided in the context of cost and practicality related to such structures in engineering education. This study showcases the capabilities of AI-enabled methods with regard to cost reduction, improvement of structural efficiency, and enhancement of learning engagement for students through certain practical examples on state-of-the-art nanocomposite technology. The results also confirm a remarkable capability of artificial intelligence regarding the optimization of both dynamic and economic aspects, which could be highly valued for further development of nanocomposite structures.

• Carbon letters
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.279-284
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• 2010

Graphene is one of the most promising materials for many applications. It can be used in a variety of applications not only as a reinforcement material for polymer to obtain a combination of desirable mechanical, electrical, thermal, and barrier properties in the resulting nanocomposite but also as a component in energy storage, fuel cells, solar cells, sensors, and batteries. Recent research at Michigan State University has shown that it is possible to exfoliate natural graphite into graphite nanoplatelets composed entirely of stacks of graphene. The size of the platelets can be controlled from less than 10 nm in thickness and diameters of any size from sub-micron to 15 microns or greater. In this study we have investigated the influence of melt compounding processing on the physical properties of a polyamide 6 (PA6) nanocomposite reinforced with exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets (xGnP). The morphology, electrical conductivity, and mechanical properties of xGnP-PA6 nanocomposite were characterized with electrical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, AC impedance, and mechanical properties. It was found that counter rotation (CNR) twins crew processed xGnP/PA6 nanocomposite had similar mechanical properties with co-rotation (CoR) twin screw processed or with CoR conducted with a screw design modified for nanoparticles (MCoR). Microscopy showed that the CNR processed nanocomposite had better xGnP dispersion than the (CoR) twin screw processed and modified screw (MCoR) processed ones. It was also found that the CNR processed nanocomposite at a given xGnP content showed the lowest graphite X-ray diffraction peak at $26.5^{\circ}$ indicating better xGnP dispersion in the nanocomposite. In addition, it was also found that the electrical conductivity of the CNR processed 12 wt.% xGnP-PA6 nanocomposite is more than ten times higher than the CoR and MCoR processed ones. These results indicate that better dispersion of an xGnP-PA6 nanocomposite is attainable in CNR twins crew processing than conventional CoR processing.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.31 no.5
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• pp.529-539
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• 2019

Current paper deals with thermoelastic static and free vibrational behaviors of axisymmetric thick cylinders reinforced with functionally graded (FG) randomly oriented graphene subjected to internal pressure and thermal gradient loads. The heat transfer and mechanical analyses of randomly oriented graphene-reinforced nanocomposite (GRNC) cylinders are facilitated by developing a weak form mesh-free method based on moving least squares (MLS) shape functions. Furthermore, in order to estimate the material properties of GRNC with temperature dependent components, a modified Halpin-Tsai model incorporated with two efficiency parameters is utilized. It is assumed that the distributions of graphene nano-sheets are uniform and FG along the radial direction of nanocomposite cylinders. By comparing with the exact result, the accuracy of the developed method is verified. Also, the convergence of the method is successfully confirmed. Then we investigated the effects of graphene distribution and volume fraction as well as thermo-mechanical boundary conditions on the temperature distribution, static response and natural frequency of the considered FG-GRNC thick cylinders. The results disclosed that graphene distribution has significant effects on the temperature and hoop stress distributions of FG-GRNC cylinders. However, the volume fraction of graphene has stronger effect on the natural frequencies of the considered thick cylinders than its distribution.

• Advances in nano research
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• v.14 no.6
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• pp.541-555
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• 2023

The extensive use of polymeric matrix composites in the athletic sector may be attributed to its high strength-to-weight ratio, production economy, and a longer lifespan than conventional materials. This study explored the impact of carbon nanotubes on the properties of different composite field sports equipment components. The test specimens were fabricated using the compression molding technique. The insertion of carbon nanotubes increases mechanical properties related to the process parameters to account for an improvement in the stick sections' overall performance. The dynamic response of functionally graded reinforced nanocomposite wire structure is examined in this paper on the bases of high-order hyperbolic beam theory lined to the size-dependent nonclassical nonlocal theory under the external mechanical load due to the physical activities. Finally, the impact of different parameters on the stability of nanocomposite structures is discussed in detail.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.31-54
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• 2022

This paper is concerned with the buckling behavior of functionally graded graphene reinforced porous nanocomposite beams based on the finite element method (FEM) using two variables trigonometric shear deformation theory. Both Young's modulus and material density of the FGP beam element are simultaneously considered as grading through the thickness of the beam. The finite element approach is developed using a nonlocal strain gradient theory. The governing equations derived here are solved introducing a 3-nodes beam element, and then the critical buckling load is calculated with different porosity distributions and GPL dispersion patterns. After a convergence and validation study to verify the accuracy of the present model, a comprehensive parametric study is carried out, with a particular focus on the effects of weight fraction, distribution pattern of GPL reinforcements on the Buckling behavior of the nanocomposite beam. The effects of various structural parameters such as the dispersion patterns for the graphene and porosity, thickness ratio, boundary conditions, and nonlocal and strain gradient parameters are brought out. The results indicate that porosity distribution and GPL pattern have significant effects on the response of the nanocomposite beams, and the results allows to identify the most effective way to achieve improved buckling behavior of the porous nanocomposite beam.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.733-742
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• 2020

Vibration analysis in nanocomposite plate with smart layer is studied in this article. The plate is reinforced by carbon nanotubes where the Mori-Tanaka law is utilized for obtaining the effective characteristic of structure assuming agglomeration effects. The nanocomposite plate is located in elastic medium which is simulated by spring element. The motion equations are derived based on first order shear deformation theory and Hamilton's principle. Utilizing Navier method, the frequency of the structure is calculated and the effects of applied voltage, volume percent and agglomeration of Carbon nanotubes, elastic medium and geometrical parameters of structure are shown on the frequency of system. Results indicate that with applying negative voltage, the frequency of structure is increased. In addition, the agglomeration of carbon nanotubes reduces the frequency of the nanocomposite plate.

• Advances in nano research
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• v.12 no.6
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• pp.593-603
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• 2022

The critical buckling temperature rise of a newly proposed piezoelectrically active sandwich plate (ASP) has been investigated in this work. This structure includes a porous polymeric layer integrated between two piezoelectric nanocomposite layers. The piezoelectric material is made of a passive polymeric material that is activated by lead-free nanowires (NWs) of zinc oxide (ZnO) embedded inside the matrix. In both nanocomposite layers and porous core, functional graded (FG) patterns have been considered for the distributions of ZnO NWs and voids, respectively. By adopting a higher-order theory of plates, the governing equations of thermal buckling are obtained. This set of equations is then treated using an extended mesh-free solution. The effects of plate dimensions, porosity states, and the nanowire parameters have been investigated on the critical buckling temperature rises of the proposed lightweight ASPs with different boundary conditions. The results disclose that the use of porosities in the core and/or mixing ZnO NWs in the face sheets substantially arise the critical buckling temperatures of the newly proposed active sandwich plates.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.51 no.5
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• pp.499-507
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• 2024

The paper delves into an emerging paradigm shift in architectural design, focusing on the development of a cutting-edge methodological framework for the artistic enhancement of nanocomposite brick facades in building construction. This innovative approach represents a fusion of art and science, harnessing the potential of advanced nanotechnology to redefine the aesthetic and functional properties of building exteriors. Central to this new methodology is the integration of state-of-the-art materials and fabrication techniques, aimed at not only elevating the visual appeal of architectural structures but also enhancing their structural robustness and environmental sustainability. By leveraging the unique characteristics of nanocomposite materials, the proposed method opens up new possibilities for pushing the boundaries of traditional brick facade design. Through a meticulous exploration of the intricacies involved in implementing this novel approach, the paper elucidates the transformative impact it can have on the architectural landscape. By marrying creativity with technical precision, the method environment for art design of nanocomposite brick facades promises to usher in a new era of sustainable, visually captivating, and structurally resilient building facades that are poised to redefine the very essence of architectural aesthetics.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2014.02a
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• pp.278.1-278.1
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• 2014

Organic materials have been explored as the gate dielectric layers in thin film transistors (TFTs) of backplane devices for flexible display because of their inherent mechanical flexibility. However, those materials possess some disadvantages like low dielectric constant and thermal resistance, which might lead to high power consumption and instability. On the other hand, inorganic gate dielectrics show high dielectric constant despite their brittle property. In order to maintain advantages of both materials, it is essential to develop the alternative materials. In this work, we manufactured nanocomposite gate dielectrics composed of organic material and inorganic nanoparticle and integrated them into organic TFTs. For synthesis of nanocomposite gate dielectrics, polyimide (PI) was explored as the organic materials due to its superior thermal stability. Candidate nanoprticles (NPs) of halfnium oxide, titanium oxide and aluminium oxide were considered. In order to realize NP concentration dependent electrical characteristics, furthermore, we have synthesized the different types of nanocomposite gate dielectrics with varying ratio of each inorganic NPs. To analyze gate dielectric properties like the capacitance, metal-Insulator-metal (MIM) structures were prepared together with organic TFTs. The output and transfer characteristics of organic TFTs were monitored by using the semiconductor parameter analyzer (HP4145B), and capacitance and leakage current of MIM structures were measured by the LCR meter (B1500, Agilent). Effects of mechanical cyclic bending of 200,000 times and thermally heating at $400^{\circ}C$ for 1 hour were investigated to analyze mechanical and thermal stability of nanocomposite gate dielectrics. The results will be discussed in detail.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.195-207
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• 2018

First-order reliability method (FORM) is enhanced based on the search direction using relaxed conjugate reliability (RCR) approach for the embedded nanocomposite beam under buckling failure mode. The RCR method is formulated using discrete conjugate map with a limited scalar factor. A dynamical relaxed factor is proposed to control instability of proposed RCR, which is adjusted using sufficient descent condition. The characteristic of equivalent materials for nanocomposite beam are obtained by micro-electro-mechanical model. The probabilistic model of nanocomposite beam is simulated using the sinusoidal shear deformation theory (SSDT). The beam is subjected to external applied voltage in thickness direction and the surrounding elastic medium is modeled by Pasternak foundation. The governing equations are derived in terms of energy method and Hamilton's principal. Using exact solution, the implicit buckling limit state function of nanocomposite beam is proposed, which is involved various random variables including thickness of beam, length of beam, spring constant of foundation, shear constant of foundation, applied voltage, and volume fraction of ZnO nanoparticles in polymer. The robustness, accuracy and efficiency of proposed RCR method are evaluated for this engineering structural reliability problem. The results demonstrate that proposed RCR method is more accurate and robust than the excising reliability methods-based FORM. The volume fraction of ZnO nanoparticles and the applied voltage are the sensitive variables on the reliable levels of the nanocomposite beams.