Facts about Styrene Exposure
Styrene, a chemical used in the manufacture of composite parts made of polyester and vinylester, has been getting a bad name as of late. There has been much debate as to how carcinogenic this chemical is to humans.
From the video description:
This video is part of ACMA’s Risk Communication Program. ACMA’s Risk Communication Program is designed to give owners and managers the tools they need to inform and reassure their employees and plant neighbors about chemical health risks.
The ACMA is the American Composites Manufacturer’s Association is the world’s largest trade organization serving the composites industry.
Styrene is an important component of many products used in the world around us to make strong, lightweight, composite materials. There are many wonderful uses of this chemical and it is an important ingredient in many raw materials. It can be safely used with proper precautions to protect human health.
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!
1992 GM Ultralite Concept Car
I found a very interesting video demonstrating the 1992 GM Ultralite Concept Car. What a blast from the past!
This project, like all concept cars, was well before its time. They had some cutting-edge engineering that went into this vehicle to work towards several goals.
Reducing vehicle weight was important, so carbon fiber materials were utilized to decrease the weight of the body/chassis. Efficient drive-train options were also developed, including the use of two-cycle engines and battery power. Designing for great aerodynamics was also considered.
Many years have passed by, and some things were right on, some were not. Aerodynamics have been improved. Lighter weight materials have been used as composites have been working their way into vehicles, though it has been SMC/BMC reinforced with Fiberglass rather than Carbon Fiber.
Gull-wing doors have not been adopted for family cars, and I am not sure if I am disappointed or not.
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.
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.
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