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Energy Absorption and Low-Velocity Impact Performance of Nanocomposites: Cones and Sandwich Structures

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Structural Nanocomposites

Part of the book series: Engineering Materials ((ENG.MAT.))

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Abstract

The increasing need for high performance structures, in the energy and transport industry, demands a continuous development of new engineering materials. Unique mechanical properties together with low specific weight can be achieved by the combination of various constituent materials into one macroscopic composite material. Coupling of the high strength reinforcement with supporting matrix creates a novel material with the improved characteristics, which could never be obtained using either of the constituents separately. These types of materials are particularly desirable in structures where a high strength to weight ratio is of great importance. In this chapter, two case studies are provided one on nanophased sandwich composites with polyurethane/layered silicate foam cores and the other on thermoplastic glass-fibre and nano-silica reinforced nanocomposites.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the European Commission financial support through the FP7 Project- CP-FP, Project Reference No.: 228536– 2. Support from Research Councils Unite Kingdom (RCUK) and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) equipment pool is also acknowledged.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Innovation, Design & Sustainability, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, AB10 7GJ, UK

    James Njuguna

  2. Cranfield University, MK43 0AL, Cranfield, Bedfordshire, UK

    Sophia Sachse & Francesco Silva

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  1. James Njuguna
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  2. Sophia Sachse
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  3. Francesco Silva
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Correspondence to James Njuguna .

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  1. Institute for Innovation, Design & Susta School of Engineering, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, United Kingdom

    James Njuguna

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Njuguna, J., Sachse, S., Silva, F. (2013). Energy Absorption and Low-Velocity Impact Performance of Nanocomposites: Cones and Sandwich Structures. In: Njuguna, J. (eds) Structural Nanocomposites. Engineering Materials. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-40322-4_8

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