Abstract

This thesis presents analytical, experimental and modeling studies of the shape recovery behavior of electrically activated Carbon Nanopaper (CNP) Shape Memory Polymer (SMP)composite. The composite structure studied consists of a CNP layer sandwiched by two SMP layers where the CNP layer acts as a flexible electrical heater when a voltage difference is applied. The behavior of CNP/SMP composite presents a coupled electrical - thermal - structural problem. The governing equations for the multiphysics behavior are derived. Derived parameters as a result of multiphysics analysis and effects of these parameters on the shape recovery behavior are investigated. The mechanical properties of the carbon nanopaper and viscoelastic properties of the shape memory polymer are characterized. A nonlinear, fully coupled electrical -thermal-structural finite element model is developed, and shape recovery experiments are carried out to validate multiphysics analysis and finite element model of the shape recovery of the CNP/SMP composite. Finite element model captures the general behavior of shape recovery, but overpredicts shape fixity and shape recovery rate.

Notes

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Graduation Date

2019

Semester

Summer

Advisor

Kwok, Kawai

Degree

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (M.S.M.E.)

College

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Department

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Degree Program

Mechanical Engineering; Mechanical Systems

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

CFE0007700

URL

http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/CFE0007700

Language

English

Release Date

August 2019

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Open Access)

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