Dong Wang , Lin Chen , Shaohua Ji , Hua Cao , Meirong Xiong , Changchun Wang , Ju Qiu
{"title":"Optimal selection of composite layup considering the fuselage crashworthiness","authors":"Dong Wang , Lin Chen , Shaohua Ji , Hua Cao , Meirong Xiong , Changchun Wang , Ju Qiu","doi":"10.1016/j.jcomc.2025.100574","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcomc.2025.100574","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper will introduce four main sections of content. Firstly, starting from the crashworthiness simulation analysis and test of simple columns, this paper examines the convergence of dynamic simulation models and the rationality of the selection of dynamic parameters. Secondly, after the multi-objective optimization analysis of the fuselage skin layer model, the optimal selection of skin layers is carried out. Under the condition of meeting the static working condition requirements, the Double-double (DD) layer has better dynamic characteristics and lighter mass. Thirdly, the verification of the crashworthiness analysis of the middle fuselage shows that the DD layer still has better dynamic characteristics, lighter mass, and better stability under the condition of meeting the static working condition requirements. Fourthly, by analyzing the constitutive relationship of the fuselage skin and programming analysis, the composite skin with the same quality has a higher bending-torsion stiffness and bending-torsion coupling stiffness with DD layers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34525,"journal":{"name":"Composites Part C Open Access","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100574"},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143527313","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Planar fibre winding for topological optimized composite structures","authors":"O. Döbrich, S. Steiner, P. Böhler, R. Radis","doi":"10.1016/j.jcomc.2024.100545","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcomc.2024.100545","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Conventional manufacturing techniques for composites are constrained by the shell design realized from laminated materials. The layer-wise architecture limits their use in complex 3D geometries and leads to uneven structural performance in multi-axial load scenarios. This study introduces a novel planar fibre-winding process for manufacturing topologically optimized composite structures. The proposed method utilizes a continuous process where a carbon fibre roving is wound onto a complex 3D printed winding core. This approach enables the creation of a truss-like structure that closely follows the optimal load paths. The winding process is automated using a 3-axis gantry system, allowing precise fibre placement to form spatially complex structures. The mechanical performance of a complex wound structures was evaluated against traditionally milled aluminium parts. Tensile testing of dry rovings and composite samples provide insights into the effects of process-induced damage on the mechanical performance of the composites. Significant performance improvements compared to conventional metal component design is achieved. The composite structures showed a 55 % reduction in weight compared to milled aluminium components, while achieving a 160 % increase in specific stiffness in out-of-plane bending tests. The process also demonstrates high reproducibility and minimized material waste. The advanced fibre-winding process offers a promising composite manufacturing technique.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34525,"journal":{"name":"Composites Part C Open Access","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100545"},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143510808","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"High elastic modulus GFRP rebar: A guide to manufacture and design of the influencing parameters","authors":"Omar Alajarmeh , Allan Manalo , Dmitry Yatsenko","doi":"10.1016/j.jcomc.2025.100576","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcomc.2025.100576","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars are increasingly used as internal reinforcement to concrete infrastructures exposed to harsh environment. A wide range of GFRP bars are commercially available but with high discrepancy in properties due to the inconsistent selection of the manufacturing and design parameters. In contrast to steel bars, producing structural GFRP bars requires a bigger actual than nominal bar diameter claiming higher modulus of elasticity. For the first time, this study reviews the current practice of designing the GFRP bar diameter and reasons behind the discrepancy (lower-upper bound of allowable diameter). It also describes the critical manufacturing parameters through pultrusion process. Moreover, it provides a practical demonstration on systematic design and manufacturing procedures of new GFRP bars both theoretically and experimentally. The guidance provided in this study will be valuable to GFRP manufacturers in consistently producing high modulus GFRP bars (Grade III) without varying much from the nominal diameter.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34525,"journal":{"name":"Composites Part C Open Access","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100576"},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143527324","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Comparative analysis of shear behavior in continuous low-strength RC beams strengthened with BFRP and CFRP: An experimental and numerical investigation","authors":"Mu'tasim Abdel-Jaber , Rawand Al-Nsour , Aseel Almahameed , Ahmed Ashteyat","doi":"10.1016/j.jcomc.2025.100575","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcomc.2025.100575","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The integration of Basalt Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (BFRP) materials marks a significant advancement in sustainable construction. This study evaluates the impact of externally bonded BFRP and Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) sheets and laminates on the shear strength of reinforced concrete (RC) beams with a compressive strength of 20 MPa. Seven full-scale, two-span RC beams, each four meters in length, were tested, with identical strengthening patterns applied to both BFRP and CFRP sheets to allow for a direct comparison. One beam served as a control sample to assess the effectiveness of the strengthening techniques. Results showed that CFRP improved the shear capacity of the beams by 38.3 % to 46.6 %, while BFRP provided an increase of 9.7 % to 32.5 %, demonstrating substantial gains in load-carrying capacity for both materials, though CFRP showed a higher performance boost while BFRP materials are an economical alternative for CFRP materials, and the most effective strengthening configuration for both fiber types is full side coverage, as it offers superior confinement of the concrete. These findings were well-aligned with Finite Element Modeling predictions and theoretical expectations, closely matching ACI 440.2R-08 guidelines.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34525,"journal":{"name":"Composites Part C Open Access","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100575"},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143520750","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Narinderjit Singh Sawaran Singh , Ali B.M. Ali , Shahram Babadoust , Rasha Abed Hussein , Soheil Salahshour , Sh. Baghaei , S. Mohammad Sajadi
{"title":"Mechanical performance of aluminum/copper/aluminum nanocomposite at different temperatures using molecular dynamics simulation","authors":"Narinderjit Singh Sawaran Singh , Ali B.M. Ali , Shahram Babadoust , Rasha Abed Hussein , Soheil Salahshour , Sh. Baghaei , S. Mohammad Sajadi","doi":"10.1016/j.jcomc.2025.100572","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcomc.2025.100572","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>With the expansion of science and technology, the application and importance of composites in various industries increased. Aluminum /copper metal layer composites are widely used for their fracture toughness, corrosion resistance, and high electrical conductivity. This research simulated an Aluminum /copper/Aluminum tri-layer nanocomposite to investigate the effects of different temperatures (T = 300, 350, 375, 400, 450, and 500 K) on its mechanical properties. The stress, strain rate, yield strength, and ultimate strength values were recorded. The results indicate that the physical stability of the sample remained unaffected as temperature increased, while the attraction force among different particles was observed. Furthermore, the simulation results suggest that the mechanical strength of aluminum/copper/aluminum tri-layer nanocomposite decreased with rising initial temperature in the computational box. Specifically, the ultimate strength and Young's modulus of nanocomposites reduced to 2.186 GPa and 12.727 GPa, respectively, at 500 K. Aluminum /copper/Aluminum tri-layer nanocomposite showed promising potential for real-world applications, particularly in sectors requiring materials with enhanced mechanical properties. It is expected that these composites will be utilized in advanced engineering fields, such as aerospace and automotive industries, where their high strength-to-weight ratio and thermal stability can significantly improve performance and efficiency.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34525,"journal":{"name":"Composites Part C Open Access","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100572"},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143510210","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M A Shadab Siddiqui , M S Rabbi , Radif Uddin Ahmed , Fahad Alam , M A M Hossain , Shamim Ahsan , Nur Mohammad Miah
{"title":"Bioinspired composite structures: A comprehensive review of natural materials, fabrication methods, and engineering applications","authors":"M A Shadab Siddiqui , M S Rabbi , Radif Uddin Ahmed , Fahad Alam , M A M Hossain , Shamim Ahsan , Nur Mohammad Miah","doi":"10.1016/j.jcomc.2025.100578","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcomc.2025.100578","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Biomimetic materials have emerged as a promising alternative to synthetic materials due to their potential to mimic biological architecture across multiple scales, from nanofibrous architectures to macroscopic gradients. Natural materials, such as bone, wood, spider silk, and mollusk shells, have remarkable mechanical properties owing to their complex hierarchical structure. They process a unique combination of organic and inorganic components. Inspired by these biological composites, advanced synthetic materials with improved strength, toughness, and functionality have been developed. This review highlights the multifaceted approaches to creating scaffolds that mimic extracellular matrix (ECM) and tissue hierarchies across multiple length scales. Among these, nacre, mollusk shells, and eggshells exhibit remarkable versatility in their adaptation to various fabrication methods, suggesting their promising role in future biomimicry. Also, various fabrication techniques for biomimetic composite scaffolds are explored, including 3D printing, electrospinning, and self-assembly methods. The strong focus on biomedical applications highlights the natural synergy between bioinspired materials and medical innovations, particularly in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. This overview of current strategies and future directions in the field will be of interest to researchers in materials science, tissue engineering, as well as biomedicine. The paper presents the possibility of biomimetic composites changing the way many applications, from biomedical implants to sustainable engineering solutions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34525,"journal":{"name":"Composites Part C Open Access","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100578"},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143629535","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Data-driven prediction of failure loads in low-cost FRP-confined reinforced concrete beams","authors":"Shabbir Ali Talpur , Phromphat Thansirichaisree , Weerachai Anotaipaiboon , Hisham Mohamad , Mingliang Zhou , Ali Ejaz , Qudeer Hussain , Panumas Saingam , Preeda Chaimahawan","doi":"10.1016/j.jcomc.2025.100579","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcomc.2025.100579","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates the application of machine learning (ML) models to predict the ultimate failure load of reinforced concrete (RC) beams confined with low-cost fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP), relatively underexplored area. A dataset of 100 samples, including beams designed to fail in flexure and shear, was compiled from literature and experimental testing. Four ML models—XGBoost, Random Forest (RF), Neural Network (NN), and Decision Tree (DT)—were evaluated using k-fold cross-validation with performance metrics such as Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Mean Squared Error (MSE), Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), and R². XGBoost outperformed the other models, achieving the highest R² of 0.96 and the lowest RMSE of 12.81, while SHAP analysis identified beam height, bottom rebar strength, and beam width as key predictors. These results highlight the effectiveness of ensemble methods for predicting failure loads in RC beams and provide insights into the most influential features affecting structural performance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34525,"journal":{"name":"Composites Part C Open Access","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100579"},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143610165","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Surface tailored spent coffee ground derived carbon reinforced waste HDPE composites for 3D printing application","authors":"Sushrisangita Sahoo, Abhinav Yadav, Vijaya Rangari","doi":"10.1016/j.jcomc.2025.100570","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcomc.2025.100570","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The serious impact of plastic waste on environmental pollution and climate change led to new strategies like recycle, reuse, reduce concept. This work presents a unique sustainable approach of developing filament composites with improved thermal and mechanical properties by mixing the plastic waste (i.e. waste Walmart bag, High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)) and surface engineered spent coffee ground (SCG) waste derived carbon. Carbon as filler materials were obtained by pyrolyzing the SCG waste. As the biomass derived carbon generally has inert surface properties, it causes poor compatibility between the filler and polymer matrix yielding inferior thermal and mechanical properties of the composites. So, the properties of pyrolyzed carbon in the present work were tailored by SF<sub>6</sub> plasma treatment at different time durations. The surface functionalization of carbon materials and optimized plasma treatment time were analyzed from different characterizations. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) reveals 15 min plasma treatment carbon is the optimized one with highest fluorination and semi-ionic C-F bonding. Due to the highest fluorination, the I<sub>D</sub>/I<sub>G</sub> ratio i.e. the defect density is found to be maximum for 15 min plasma treated carbon from the Raman spectra. The 15 min plasma treated carbon with highest fluorine functionalization as a filler exhibits 33.8 % and 13.97 % improvement in tensile modulus and tensile strength in comparison to neat HDPE matrix. The feasibility test of filament composites for 3D printing suggests its application potentiality in Material extrusion (MEX) 3D printing.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34525,"journal":{"name":"Composites Part C Open Access","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100570"},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143488303","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Less is more: Optimised fire performance in glass fibre-reinforced polybutylene terephthalate laminates with concentrated flame retardant top layer","authors":"Weronika Tabaka, Bernhard Schartel","doi":"10.1016/j.jcomc.2025.100577","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcomc.2025.100577","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To achieve optimum fire performance while maintaining mechanical integrity, flame retardants (FR) were strategically concentrated in the surface layer of a two-layer glass fibre-reinforced polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) laminate structure. Three potentially synergistic FR systems were selected to improve the fire performance of glass fibre-reinforced PBT: boehmite (AlOOH) with melamine polyzinc phosphate (MPZnP), aluminium diethyl phosphinates (AlPi) with melamine cyanurate (MC), and expandable graphite (EG) with melamine polyphosphate (MPP). Limited Oxygen Index (LOI) and UL-94 testing highlighted the influence of laminate architecture on flammability. The cone calorimeter results showed that increasing the FR concentration in the top layer significantly reduced both the peak heat release rate (PHRR) and the maximum average rate of heat emission (MARHE), with improvements depending on the specific FR system used. The laminate L-PBT/GF/AlOOH/MPZnP with a 2:2 thickness ratio showed outstanding performance, achieving a 45 % reduction in MARHE compared to composites with uniform FR distribution. This result showcases the superior thermal barrier properties and synergistic behaviour of AlOOH and MPZnP. The fire performance of laminates containing AlPi and MC was strongly influenced by the distribution and concentration of AlPi/MC. The EG/MPP system was found to be highly effective, forming a protective intumescent layer that significantly reduced both HRR and MARHE, demonstrating the effectiveness of strategically concentrating FR in the top layer.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34525,"journal":{"name":"Composites Part C Open Access","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100577"},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143487775","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Enhanced thermal insulation performance of silica aerogel composites through infrared opacifier integration for high-temperature applications","authors":"Beatriz Merillas , Cláudio M.R. Almeida , Tomás Enrique Gómez Álvarez-Arenas , Miguel Ángel Rodríguez-Pérez , Luisa Durães","doi":"10.1016/j.jcomc.2025.100573","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcomc.2025.100573","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The inclusion of different fillers in silica aerogels reinforced by a reticulated polyurethane skeleton, allows for the development of a strategy to obtain composites with superior characteristics. Different fillers (TiO<sub>2</sub>, GO, SiC) and contents (0.2, 0.5 and 1.0 wt.%) were explored, analyzing their effects on the porous structures, mechanical stiffness and thermal conductivity of the composites. These exhibited low densities, reduced shrinkage, and high specific surface areas of approximately 550 m<sup>2</sup>/g. The incorporated fillers were homogeneously dispersed, leading to a general decrease in the mean pore size. Despite observing a slight reduction in the elastic modulus with respect to the non-doped composite, the benefits of this strategy are twofold; the composites can withstand strains above 80 % without breaking, significantly improving the mechanical stability when compared to non-reinforced silica aerogels, and while achieving high resilience. Additionally, enhanced thermal insulating performance was found for some materials. After analyzing the heat transfer contributions, the optimum particle contents for an improved thermal insulation were identified (1.0 wt.% TiO<sub>2</sub> and 0.2 wt.% SiC), leading to an effective reduction of the radiation term and reaching overall reductions of 10 and 6.5 % at 100 °C. Therefore, the silica aerogel-based composites herein produced represent a step forward in their usability and versatility for cutting-edge applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34525,"journal":{"name":"Composites Part C Open Access","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100573"},"PeriodicalIF":5.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143445481","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}