Advance Composite Materials for Structures Assignment-2 Max Marks: 40 Due on: 16/8/2011

Note: Answer all the questions in the formatted table as provided below. Use separate sheets, if necessary. Appropriate marks will be awarded based on the weight of the questions and approach employed. QUESTION 1. What are the physical and structural characteristics of NEFMACTM grids? For what kind of structural applications, these grids are mostly used? 2. What is the main advantage of 3-D FRP reinforced panels? 3. Which kind of tendon is recommended for unbonded or external prestressing but not for pretensioning application? 4. Give two examples of thermosetting and thermo-plastic resins. 5. What is the primary difference in the thermo-plastic and thermo-setting resins? 6. How the matrix of an FRP influences the quality of FRP products? 7. Define glass transition temperature of a matrix? What is its significance in field application of the polymeric matrix ? 8. What is the major obstacle of thermoplastic matrix in viable FRP production process? 9. Define a polymer. State different forms of polymers and their characteristics. 10. Define specific gravity and specific weight of FRP materials. 11. Define Shelf-life. Which kinds of resin have higher shelf-life? 12. What are the major disadvantages of thermosetting matrices? 13. What are the major advantages of thermoplastic matrices? 14. In some applications of FRP productions, fillers are used? Can you state why fillers are added to the thermosetting and thermoplastic polymers? ANSWER

15. Give an example of a hardener used with epoxy resin. 16. State major advantages of epoxy in comparison to polyester resin. 17. State major disadvantages of epoxy in comparison to polyester resin. 18. What are the major factors affecting the performance of the fiber matrix composite? 19. Many fiber-reinforced composites exhibit high internal damping properties. This leads to better vibrational energy absorption within the material and reduces transmission to adjacent structures. Give examples of civil infrastructures where this aspect of composite behavior may be relevant. 20. In the case of a complex part, it may be necessary to resort to shorter fibers to reinforce the molding effectively in three dimensions. In this way, quasi-isotropic properties can be achieved in the composite. Can you suggest other way to obtain the quasi-isotropic laminate/composite?