Deflagration tests were conducted with two kinds of autoclaves. Parameter studies were carried out concerning the gas atmosphere and substances used. Deflagration tests were performed in different pressure regions. Furthermore, deflagration test results of different substances were compared to the corresponding DSC results. Previous findings concerning vacuum conditions could be approved for a greater range of substances. In addition, investigations in nitrogen atmosphere were performed in order to investigate the deflagration behaviour. Experiments up to 161 bar could be utilized. An acceleration of deflagration velocity with increasing pressure was observed in a large pressure interval.
A four-litre-autoclave was used to perform deflagration tests in a closed vessel. The aim was to investigate the suitability of this autoclave and to evaluate different parameters influencing the deflagration.
The validation of test results showed that the autoclave is suited for the performance of deflagration tests. In comparison to tests performed in an open system according to VDI 2263-1 the results are in good agreement. In the closed vessel same characteristics as in the open test were determined. In addition, pressure rise and rate of pressure rise have been determined and used to characterise deflagrations.
The influence of sample weight, tube diameter, bulk density, initial pressure and temperature was investigated. Furthermore, the emerging gas amount and the rate of gas evolution were determined and compared with pressure curves. The use of a four-litre-autoclave for performing deflagration tests offers several advantages in comparison to an open test.
The results of autoclave tests according to DIN EN ISO 13438 (method C) and conventional oven tests in line with DIN EN 14575 are presented for the evaluation of the resistance to oxidation of geosynthetic barriers GBR-P based on polyethylene. These GBR-P products are used as a barrier layer against water in road and railway tunnels. The residual mechanical stability of the exposed materials was determined by tensile testing. The remaining activity of the stabiliser was investigated using the OIT method. The results of both accelerating test methods are discussed and compared in detail. Based on autoclave tests at three temperatures (e.g. 60, 70 and 80 °C) and 50 bar oxygen pressure, and additionally two more measurements at 80 °C and 10 and 20 bar oxygen pressure, a modified Arrhenius extrapolation is used for an assessment of the expected service time of one of the GBR-P products.
Autoclave methods are commonly used when pressure progress under thermal stress is of interest. One of them is the mini-autoclave method by Kühner AG. To test the robustness of the equipment under powerful exposure, two known high energetic materials, DNT and TNT, were investigated. The sample mass was increased stepwise in the range from 0.25 g to 1.0 g. For one test (1 g TNT), gas burners instead of the usually employed 2-zone heating block, were used to intensify the test conditions. Results showed the expected slower pressure generation of DNT in comparison to TNT. The mechanical robustness of the apparatus could be approved in all runs. Pressure data were used to calculate the energy release of decomposition. The values were in good agreement with the heat of decomposition, estimated by DSC.
Carbon fibre prepregs have found widespread application in lightweight constructions. They are based on a carbon-fibre fabric impregnated with reactive epoxy resin. DMA measurements under temperature conditions similar to an autoclave programme were carried out using commercially available prepreg material with a high glass transition temperature. The characteristic of the temperature programme was a dynamic heating segment at 1.5 K/min followed by a longer isothermal segment at 180 °C. The courses of the storage modulus E', loss modulus E'' and tanδ were recorded. The measuring frequency was varied between 1 Hz and 33.3 Hz. Gelation and vitrification are assigned. The influence of the measuring frequency on the time to vitrification and the correlation with DSC are discussed. The reaction does not end even after 10 h curing at 180 °C, which is interpreted as the slow cessation of the reaction caused by vitrification.
Non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of composites: using ultrasound to monitor the curing of composites
(2013)
Typical composite materials for lightweight construction consist of a fibre (glass or carbon) reinforced thermosetting matrix. The impregnation of the fabric is made with liquid resin – usually epoxy resin or unsaturated polyester resin are used. The main processing methods are resin transfer moulding (RTM) and prepreg technology often used in combination with autoclave curing. After shaping, the resin must be cured. The final properties of the produced parts depend on the curing degree and the final glass transition temperature. Analytical methods and the use of ultrasound for online cure monitoring in the manufacturing process are introduced. Examples for the application of ultrasonic cure monitoring for the production of composite parts for traffic systems are also covered.