Research and Innovation Unithttp://hdl.handle.net/11462/72023-12-30T23:55:43Z2023-12-30T23:55:43ZA Review of Methods Used to Determine the Overall Stiffness of Unitary Automotive Body StructuresMatsimbi, M.Nziu, P.K.Masu, L.M.Maringa, M.http://hdl.handle.net/11462/25012023-05-30T01:00:18Z2020-01-01T00:00:00ZA Review of Methods Used to Determine the Overall Stiffness of Unitary Automotive Body Structures
Matsimbi, M.; Nziu, P.K.; Masu, L.M.; Maringa, M.
A review of the methods that are used to determine the overall stiffness of automotive body structures was conducted. The review showed that the overall stiffness of body structures is affected by the geometry of the body structure as well as the material used to build the body structure. However, only a limited amount of literature was found that demonstrated how the stiffness behaviour of the body structure is affected by the change in geometry or material. It was also found that the deformation and applied load are directly proportional for body structures that are deformed within the elastic range. However, most of the studies have demonstrated this occurrence by considering the loads that are way less than the approximate, real-life running loads. Therefore, there is a need to study the effects of different materials as well as different geometries on the overall stiffness of body structures when considering the approximate real-life load cases, particularly during the early stages of the development of new vehicle body structures.
Article
2020-01-01T00:00:00ZExperimental Investigation of Dynamic Elastic Properties of Reinforced Coconut Shell Powder/Epoxy Resin CompositesAndezai, A.M.Masu, L.M.Maringa, M.http://hdl.handle.net/11462/25002023-05-30T01:00:17Z2020-01-01T00:00:00ZExperimental Investigation of Dynamic Elastic Properties of Reinforced Coconut Shell Powder/Epoxy Resin Composites
Andezai, A.M.; Masu, L.M.; Maringa, M.
The purpose of this study is to investigate experimentally the dynamic elastic behavior of a coconut shell powder filler reinforced epoxy resins composite of different filler sizes and volume fractions. The dynamic mechanical analysis of coconut shell powder reinforced epoxy composites was carried out with special reference to the effect of filler loading, and temperature. The result showed that the core properties of the components, morphology of the system and the nature of interface between the phases determine the dynamic mechanical properties of the composite. Below the glass transition temperature, the storage modulus was generally found to increase with increasing weight fraction of the reinforcing filler and a reverse trend as temperature rose through the glass transition temperature. The loss modulus was generally seen to decrease with decreasing filler weight fraction for temperatures below the glass transition point and vice versa. Moreover, the curves for loss modulus were seen to shift to lower temperatures with increasing filler content, signifying a decreasing glass transition temperature with increasing filler content. The damping factor was seen to decrease in magnitude with increasing content of filler, with a trend of the peak values shifting to the lower temperatures.
Article
2020-01-01T00:00:00ZInvestigating The Mechanical Properties Of Reinforced Coconut Shell Powder/Epoxy Resin CompositesAndezai, A.M.Masu, L.M.Maringa, M.http://hdl.handle.net/11462/24992023-05-30T01:00:19Z2020-01-01T00:00:00ZInvestigating The Mechanical Properties Of Reinforced Coconut Shell Powder/Epoxy Resin Composites
Andezai, A.M.; Masu, L.M.; Maringa, M.
Experimental investigations were conducted to determine the mechanical properties of coconut shell powder filled epoxy resin composites. The results obtained showed that the modulus of elasticity and hardness of the composite increased with increasing percentage weight of both the 150 μm and 212 μm CSP particle sizes. The tensile strength, percent elongation and impact toughness of the composite were all seen to decrease as the reinforcement increased. The investigations carried out showed that the addition of coconut shell powder to epoxy resin only raised the values of the specific mechanical properties of tensile stiffness and hardness. Different models were used to predict the mechanical properties of the CSP composites. The method of Nicolais-Narkis predicted values of tensile strength that depicted a decreasing trend with increasing weight fraction of the reinforcing filler, in a manner similar to that of the experimental results obtained here. Nielsen’s equation gave rise to predicted values of percentage elongation that were much less than the experimental results obtained in the present work. Einstein’s and Voigt equations predicted values of tensile stiffness that were higher than the experimental values obtained here, whilst the Reuss equation predicted values that were lower than these experimental values. The model of Guth and separately Smallwood predicted values that were closest to the experimental values obtained here.
Article
2020-01-01T00:00:00ZA Review Of The State Of Research And Utilization Of Biomaterials In The Manufacture Of Composite Materials TodateWebo, WilsonMasu, Leonard, M.Maringa, MainaNziu, Patrick, K.http://hdl.handle.net/11462/24982023-05-30T01:00:19Z2020-01-01T00:00:00ZA Review Of The State Of Research And Utilization Of Biomaterials In The Manufacture Of Composite Materials Todate
Webo, Wilson; Masu, Leonard, M.; Maringa, Maina; Nziu, Patrick, K.
Over the last four decades composite materials, plastics and ceramics have been the dominant emerging materials. The volume and number of applications of composite materials has grown steadily, penetrating and gaining acceptance in new markets. Modern composite materials constitute a significant proportion of the engineered materials market, ranging from everyday products to sophisticated niche applications. While composites have already proven their worth as weight saving materials, the current challenge is to make them cost effective. This paper presents review on the worldwide state of research of biomaterials and their utilization in the manufacture of composite materials.
Article
2020-01-01T00:00:00Z