TOP STORY

A team of researchers from UD-CCM and ARL has received significant media attention for their development of a novel technology that improves the protective properties of fabrics. The work has been featured by news media ranging from USA Today, Fox News, ABCnews.com, CBSnews.com, and DISCOVER to RDECOM Magazine and National Defense News.

The new technology is based on shear-thickening fluids, which become rigid upon impact and prevent penetration by objects such as fragments, ice picks, knives, and bullets. The technology was invented by UD-CCM affiliates Professor Norm Wagner (UD Chemical Engineering), and Dr. Eric Wetzel, a UD alum now working at ARL.

“This is an emerging and exciting new area with great potential,” says UD-CCM Director Jack Gillespie, “but much basic research is still needed.  Right now, we're looking for partners to team with us to commercialize the technology. We hope to identify companies that are interested in licensing the technology as well as partners willing to invest on the R&D side.” To that end, UD-CCM has set up a web site dedicated to the technology (http://www.ccm.udel.edu/STF/index.html). Visitors to the site can learn about the inventors and licensing of the technology. They can also access publications and presentations on the work and read the various media pieces that have been featured. Images and video will soon be added to the site.

“We want to make the information as readily available as possible,” says Gillespie. “Our goal is to familiarize potential licensors, collaborators, and end users with it, but, at the same time, we want the public to be aware that there is still work to be done before this technology can be routinely applied in the field. The web site will provide this information and hopefully stimulate interest on the part of potential partners.”

According to Wagner, UD Tech Corp (UDTC) is helping to license the technology based on a patent application. “We're pursuing potential applications beyond the body armor,” he says, “such as MMOD [micrometeorite and orbital debris] protection for NASA, and we're looking into applications for a broad range of civilian and industrial applications, such as motorcycle apparel and industrial work clothing and packaging.”

New Textbook by Professor Vinson

Dr. Jack R. Vinson, H. Fletcher Brown Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, the Center for Composite Materials, and the College of Marine Studies at the University of Delaware, has published a new textbook. It is titled "Plate and Panel Structures of Isotropic, Composite and Piezoelectric Materials, including Sandwich Construction," published by Springer, Dordrecht , The Netherlands. This new textbook can be used as the text for a graduate course or an undergraduate senior course, as well as a reference. This is the eighth engineering textbook that Vinson has authored or co-authored. Dr. Vinson's 40 th anniversary as a professor at the University of Delaware was celebrated last July. He is one of the founding directors of CCM.

Election of Professor Di Toro to the National Academy of Engineering

Professor Dominic M. Di Toro has been elected to membership in the National Academy of Engineering. National Academy of Engineering (NAE) President Wm. A. Wulf announced the selection of 74 new members and 10 foreign associates on February 11, 2005. Dr. Di Toro, Distinguished Professor, department of civil and environmental engineering, University of Delaware was honored for leadership in the development and application of mathematical models for establishing water-quality criteria and making management decisions.

Election to the National Academy of Engineering is among the highest professional distinctions accorded an engineer. Academy membership honors those who have made outstanding contributions to "engineering research, practice, or education, including, where appropriate, significant contributions to the engineering literature" and to the "pioneering of new and developing fields of technology, making major advancements in traditional fields of engineering, or developing/implementing innovative approaches to engineering education."

EVENTS CALENDAR

CONSORTIUM NEWS

 CCM would like to welcome Daikin America, Inc., Orangeburg , NY , to the University-Industry Consortium. United Defense Limited Partnership, Santa Clara , CA , and
V Systems Composites, Anaheim , CA , have recently renewed their memberships and continue to participate in consortium activities.

NEW PUBLICATIONS

Journals

Yoon M. K., D. Heider, J. W. Gillespie, Jr., C. P. Ratcliffe, and R. M. Crane, "Local Damage Detection Using The Two-Dimensional Gapped Smoothing Method," Journal of Sound and Vibration, 279, (1-2), pp.119-139, January 2005.

Gama, B. A.,S. Mahdi, C. Cichanowski, S. Yarlagadda, and J. W. Gillespie, Jr., "Static and Dynamic Strength of Scarf-Repaired Thick-Section Composite Plates," Joining and Repair of Composite Structures, ASTM STP 1455, pp 95-109, K. T. Kedward and H. Kim, Eds., ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2005.

Xiao, J. R., B. A. Gama, J. W. Gillespie, Jr., "An Analytical Molecular Structural Mechanics Model for the Mechanical Properties of Carbon Nanotubes," International Journal of Solids and Structures, 42(11-12), pp.3075-3092, 2005.

Norton, D. G., and D. G. Vlachos, “Hydrogen Assisted Self-Ignition of Propane/Air Mixtures in Catalytic Microburners,” Proc. Combust. Inst.. , 30 , pp. 2473-2480, 2005.

Thostenson, E. T., C. Li, and T-W. Chou, “Nanocomposites in Context,” Composites Science and Technology, 65 (3-4), pp. 491-516, 2004.

Thostenson, E. T., and T-W. Chou, “Nanotube Buckling in Aligned Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotube Composites,” Carbon , 42 (14), pp. 3015-3018, 2004.

Li, C., and T-W. Chou, “Strain and Pressure Sensing Using Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes,” Nanotechnology, 15 (11), pp.1493-1496, 2004.

Li, C., and T-W. Chou, “Modeling of Elastic Buckling of Carbon Nanotubes by Molecular Structural Mechanics Approach,” Mechanics of Materials, 36 (11), pp. 1047-1055, 2004.

Li, C., and T-W. Chou, “Mass Detection using Carbon Nanotube-Based Nanomechanical Resonators,” Applied Physics Letters, 84 (25) pp. 5246-5248, 2004.

Li, C., and T-W. Chou, “ Elastic Properties of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes in Transverse Direction,” Physical Review B, 69 (7), Art. No. 073401, 2004.

Li, C., and T-W. Chou, “Vibrational Behaviors of Multiwalled-Carbon-Nanotube-Based Nanomechanical Resonators,” Applied Physics Letters, 84 (1), pp. 121-123, 2004.

Correia, N. C., F. Robitaille, A. C. Long, C. D. Rudd, P. Simacek, and S. G. Advani, “Use of Resin Transfer Modling Simulation to Predict Flow, Saturation, and Compaction in the VARTM Process,” Journal of Fluids Engineering, Transactions of the ASME, 126 (2), pp. 210-214, March 2004.

Hsiao, K-T., M. Devillard, and S. G. Advani, “Simulation Based Flow Distribution Network Optimization for Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Moudling Process,” Modelling and Simulation in Materials, Science and Engineering, 12, pp. S175-S190, May 2004.

Simacek, P, and S. G. Advani, “Gate Elements at Injection Locations in Numerical Simulations of Flow Through Porous Media: Applications to Mold Filling,” International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering, 61 (9), pp. 1501-1519, November 2004.

Lawrence, J. M., M. Devillard, and S. G. Advani, “Design and Testing of a New Injection Approach for Liquid Composite Molding,” Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites, 23 (15), pp. 1625-1638, 2004.

Lawrence , J. M., J. Barr, R. Karmakar, and S. G. Advani, “Characterization of Preform Permeability in the Presence of Race Tracking, “ Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 35, pp. 1393-1405, 2004.

Gokce, A., and S. G. Advani, “Vent Location Optimization Using Map-Based Exhaustive Search in Liquid Composite Molding Processes,” Materials and Manufacturing Processes, 19 (3), pp.523-548, 2004.

Dimitrovova, Z., and S. G. Advani, “Free Boundary Viscous Flows at Micro and Mesolevel During Liquid Composites Moulding Process,” Int. J. Numer. Meth. Fluids, 46, pp. 435-455, 2004.

Simacek, P., and S. G. Advani, “Desirable Features in Mold Filling Simulation for Liquid Molding Processes,” Polymer Composites, 25, pp. 355-367, 2004.

Dimitrovova, Z., and S. G. Advani, “Mesolevel Analysis of the Transition Region Formation and Evolution During the Liquid Composite Molding Process,” Computers & Structures, 82, pp. 1333-1347, 2004.

Gokce, A., and S. G. Advani, “Simultaneous Gate and Vent Location Optimization in Liquid Composite Molding Processes,” Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 35, pp. 1419-1432, 2004.

Hsiao, K-T., and S. G. Advani, “Flow Sensing and Control Strategies to Address Race-Tracking Disturbances in Resin Transfer Molding. Part I: Design and Algorithm Development, Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 35 (10), pp. 1149-1159, 2004.

Correia, N. C., F. Robitaille, A. C. Long, C. D. Rudd, P. Simacek, and S. G. Advani, “Use of Resin Transfer Molding Simulation to Predict Flow, Saturation and Compaction in the VARTM Process,” Journal of Fluid Engineering, 126, pp. 21-215, 2004.

Lopatnikov, S., P. Simacek, J. W. Gillespie, Jr., and S. G. Advani, “A Closed Form Solution to Describe Infusion of Resin Under Vacuum in Deformable Fibrous Porous Media,” Modelling and Simulation in Materials, Science and Engineering, 12, pp.S191-S204, May 2004.

Fan, Z., K-T. Hsiao, and S. G. Advani, “Experimental Investigation of Dispersion During Flow of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube/Polymer Suspension in Fibrous Porous Media,” Carbon, 42 (4), pp. 871-876, 2004.

Simacek, P., and S. G. Advani, “The Implications of Fiber Compaction and Saturation on Fully Coupled VARTM Simulation,” Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 35 (2), pp. 159-169, 2004.

La Scala, J., and R. P. Wool, “Rheology of Chemically Modified Triglycerides,” Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 95 (3), pp. 774-783, February 2005.

Wool, R. P., “Rigidity Percolation Model of Polymer Fracture,” Journal of Polymer Science Part B-Polymer Physics, 43 (2), pp.168-183, January 2005.

Lorenz, C. D., M. J. Stevens, and R. P. Wool, “Fracture Behavior of Triglyceride-Based Adhesives,” Journal of Polymer Science Part B-Polymer Physics, 42 (18), pp. 3333-3343, September 2004.

Dweib, M. A., B. Hu, and A. O'Donnell, et al., “All Natural Composite Sandwich Beams for Structural Applications,” Composite Structures, 63 (2), pp. 147-157, February 2004.

O'Donnell, A., M. A. Dweib, and R. P. Wool, “Natural Fiber Composites with Plant Oil-Based Resin,” Composites Science and Technology, 64 (9), pp. 1135-1145, July 2004.

Duan, Y., M. Keefe, T. A. Bogetti, and B. A. Cheeseman, “Modeling Friction Effects on the Ballistic Impact Behavior of a Single-Ply High-Strength Fabric,” International Journal of Impact Engineering, 31 (8), pp. 996-1012, September 2005.

Duan, Y., M. Keefe, T. A. Bogetti, and B. A. Cheeseman, “Modeling the Role of Friction During Ballistic Impact of a High-Strength Plain-Weave Fabric,” Composite Structures, 68 (3), pp. 331-337, May 2005.

Book Chapters

Advani, S. G., and K-T. Hsiao, “Transport Phenomena in Liquid Composites Molding Processes and Their Roles in Process Control and Optimization,” Chapter 14 in Handbook of Porous Media , Edited by Dr. Kambiz Vafai, Published by Marcel Dekker, Inc., 270 Mdaison Ave., NY, NY 10016, 2005.

Gokce, A., and S. G. Advani, “Modeling, Optimization and Control of Resin Flow During Manufacturing of Textile Composites with Liquid Molding,” Design and Manufacture of Textile Composites, Edited by Andrew Long, Woodhead Publishing Limited, Cambridge, UK , 2005.

Conference Proceedings

Gao, S., R. E. Jensen, and J. W. Gillespie, Jr., "A Study of the Mechanical Interlocking Effect on Polymer Composite Properties," Proceedings of the 28th Annual Meeting of Adhesion Society, February 13-16, 2005.

Gama, B. A., S. L. Lopatnikov, and J. W. Gillespie, Jr., "Recent Advancements Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) Technique," 29th International Conference on Advance Ceramics and Composites, Cocoa Beach, FL, January 23-28, 2005.

Thostenson, E. T., C. Li, and T-W. Chou, “Nanoscale Devices and Nanocomposites Based on Carbon Nanotubes, “ Proceedings of the 11 th International Conference on Composites/Nano Engineering (ICCE-11), Hilton-Head , SC , August 8-14, 2004.

Thostenson, E. T., and T-W. Chou, “Recent Advances in Processing, Characterization and Modeling of Carbon Nanotube-Reinforced Composites,” Proceedings of the 11 th US-Japan Conference on Composite Materials, September 9-11, 2004 , Yonezawa, Yamagata , Japan .

Thostenson, E. T., and T-W. Chou, “Nanotube-Reinforced Composites: Characterization and Modeling,” Proceedings of the American Society for Composites 19 th Annual Technical Conference, October 17-20, 2004, Atlanta , GA.

Xi, Z. C., T. A. Bogetti, A. Paesano, A. Yiournas, I. W. Hall, W. H. Drysdale., and J. W. Gillespie, Jr., “Metal Matrix Composite Compressive Stress-Stress Response: Correlation of Theoretical Predictions with Experimental Measurements,” Proceedings of the American Society for Composites 19 th Annual Technical Conference, Atlanta, GA, October 17-20, 2004.

Fan, Z., and S. G. Advani,  " Rheology and Orientation of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube Suspensions in Shear Flows", Proceeding of Numiform Conference, Ohio, 2004.

Lawrence, J. M., and S. G. Advani, “On-Line / Off-Line Control of Mold Filling in Liquid Composite Molding” Proceeding of 7th International Conference on Flow Processes in Composite Materials.

Lawrence, J. M., and S. G. Advani, “From Simulation to Production: Resin Transfer Molding for use in Intelligent Manufacturing of Composite Components”, SAMPE , Long Beach , CA , 2004.

Simacek, P., A. Gokce, M. Devillard, and S. G. Advani, “Use of Mold Filling Simulations for Process Control and Automation in Liquid Composites Molding,” 25th Jubilee International SAMPE Europe Conference 2004 of the Society for the Advancement of Materials and Process Engineering, pp. 337-343, 2004.

Simacek, P., and S. G. Advani, “Role of Filling Simulation in LCM Process Design,” FPCM7 International Conference on Flow Processes in Composite Materials, pp. 319-326, 2004.

Lawrence, J. M., P.Simacek, A. Gokce, K-T. Hsiao, and S. G. Advani, “From Simulation to \Production: Intelligent Manufacturing of Composite Components with Resin Transfer Molding Process, International SAMPE Technical Conference, SAMPE 2004, pp. 483-495, 2004.

Zuzana, D., and S. G. Advani  “Numerical Method to Predict Void Formation During the Liquid Composite Molding Process,” FPCM7 International Conference on Flow Processes in Composite Materials, Newark, DE .

Lee, J. H., L. Lin, and S. G. Advani, “ Preparation Of Clay/Glass Fiber/Epoxy Hybrid Nanocomposites Using VARTM,” FPCM7 International Conference on Flow Processes in Composite Materials, 2004.

Engelbart, W., M. P. Renieri, L. E. Pado, M. L. Vandernoot, P. Simacek, and S. G. Advani,
“Validation of VARTM Flow Model By Infrared (IR) Thermography,” FPCM7 International Conference on Flow Processes in Composite Materials , 2004.

Johnson, B. B., M. H. Santare, J.E. Novotny, and S. G. Advani, “ Manufacturing and Performance of Carbon Nanotube/High Density Polyethylene Composites,” FPCM7 International Conference on Flow Processes in Composite Materials , 2004.

Duan, Y., M. Keefe, T. A. Bogetti, and B. Powers, “Finite Element Analysis of Transverse Impact on a Woven Textile,” Proceedings of 2004 ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress & Exposition, Anaheim, CA, November 2004.

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