Vertical-Axis Wind Turbines
The whole renewable energy craze has spawned lots of development with wind energy. Many windmills are popping up in the horizontal-axis orientation, much like the traditional Dutch windmills of old. The technology has been updated to gigantic and very expensive windmills at heights in the 300-500 foot range. This of course are very expensive, and have many hurdles to overcome on each installation.
Many inventors have worked to make smaller-scale windmills. Vertical-axis equipment seems to rule the day with this scale of equipment. The smaller vertical-axis wind turbines for home use are less expensive, less intrusive, and have fewer moving parts.
I found a great video from arturomoises64 of a demonstration of some vertical wind turbines in Santiago, Dominican Republic.
The author’s description is as follows:
These wind turbines are moved by low winds and even at high speed winds they will not go out of control. They are very high torque and very efficient. They measure 6 feet height by 11 feet wide and are made out of fiberglass and steel. This design is very safe for birds and do not need to be installed as high as other types of wind turbines. They are completely silent and are esthetically pleasing, a hypnotic blend of science and sculpture
The construction of the blades utilizes a composite material molded into a complex shape to catch the wind and turn the axis, which is undoubtedly connected to an electrical generator of some sort. Simple design, great application for composite materials!
Composite Guitar Cases
Not being a musician, I had not been familiar with instrument cases, specifically for guitars. Many of them are made of composite materials, both fiberglass and carbon fiber.
The advantages of composites align well with requirements for handling musical instruments. Composites are strong and lightweight, as well as impact resistant. Composites are also not affected by moisture.
I came across an interesting video by WallyUpdabungenstein who does a comparison of a Calton deluxe fiberglass guitar case as compared to a Hoffee carbon fiber guitar case.
He does a great job comparing the actual fit and handling of the guitar in the case. He does not discuss the construction materials of the cases, but does look at the important aspects of them. Any item that is intended for a primary purpose such as protecting musical instruments needs to do a good job at this primary purpose.
UK Promotes Composites Manufacturers
I ran across an interesting video demonstrating case studies of composite manufacturers in the United Kingdom. This video paints a very pretty picture of companies that use these materials to manufacture a wide range of items including: aerospace, bicycles, bridges, auto racing parts, etc.
This video has some great video footage of automated composite manufacturing using advanced composites materials. Automating these processes has long been a challenge and hurdle to using composite materials for commercial applications.
This video seems to be done by a UK government agency called the “Department of Business Innovation & Skills” promoting a national strategy for composites industry growth. It supposedly demonstrates companies working together to develop new composites technology.
Non-Destructive Testing with Ultrasound
Composite materials can become damaged in many different ways. There can also be flaws in the original manufacturing process. Many times it is necessary to identify any damaged areas within the composites layers that cannot be detected with the eye.
Inspection of composites fiberglass and carbon fiber structures may be required for advanced critical applications of composites materials. Identifying any potential problems with the composites structure is extremely important.
Of course problems can be identified through destructive testing-drilling holes, making cuts, etc. It also may be necessary to do testing in a non-destructive manner, i.e. not cutting into the laminate that is being tested.
One method of accomplishing non-destructive testing of composites laminates is using ultrasound. This Youtube video demonstrates the use of this method.
As you can see, the damage is found in this carbon fiber laminate. This information is a flag that can be used to decide whether to make a repair or replace the structure.
Delamination within the fiberglass or carbon fiber part will result in a much weaker structure than the design intended. Other areas of the composites part will be further strained by weaknesses in other areas and may also fail.
This ultrasonic test can help to identify otherwise invisible problems with either the original manufacturing process or damage during the life cycle of the composite part.
Chrome Plated Fiberglass
Fiberglass Composite materials can be coated to show many different finished effects. I ran across a neat Youtube video demonstrating a spray on chrome process with a fiberglass grill shell.
It is pretty cool to see the change in appearance as the coating is applied. I am amazed at how wet the part is sprayed. Definitely not a traditional spray application method. The coating is just dripping off of the part. My guess is that the spraying with an air nozzle is working to help remove any runs and wrinkles in the surface finish.
This coating process will act like a painted surface more than a part that has been subjected to a hardened plating process. Surface adhesion will be very important to test the durability of the finished look.
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