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Development of a composite with an inherent function of visualization of a mechanical action

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Mechanics of Composite Materials Aims and scope

A concept of a composite possessing a biomimetic function of visual response in the form of a “bruise” to an external mechanical action has been developed. The concept is implemented by creating a model layered epoxy composite. Methods for creating a sensitive layer, containing microcapsules with a leuco dye and particles of a developer, and a composite including this layer are described. The threshold of a visual response, i.e., the sensitivity of the composite to a local indentation load is controlled by means of a protective epoxy coating of various thickness. Series of mechanical tests with a gradually increasing load and subsequent digital image analyses were carried out. The data obtained were used to determine the required thickness of the epoxy coating in relation to the desirable threshold of visual response to an indentation load. The Hertz theory was used to analyze the resulting stresses in the coating in the elastic approximation. The experimental results allowed us to determine the normal threshold pressure causing the action of a sensitive layer embedded into the epoxy composite.

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Acknowledgments

The authors express their gratitude to M. Horn and C. Jurish (Papierfabrik August Koehler AG) for consultations and the technical help in using the leuco dye, as well as to V. P. Novikov and R. Chatys for the assistance in carrying out the vacuum formation of composites. We are grateful to S. B. Sapozhnikov from the South Ural State University for valuable advices and discussions while writing this paper. This paper was prepared within the framework of the Project ERDF 2010/0201/2DP/2.1.1.2.0/10/APIA/VIAA/005.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Polymer Mechanics, University of Latvia, Riga, LV-1006, Latvia

    S. Vidinejevs, O. Strekalova, A. Aniskevich & S. Gaidukov

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  1. S. Vidinejevs
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  2. O. Strekalova
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  3. A. Aniskevich
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  4. S. Gaidukov
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Correspondence to S. Vidinejevs.

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Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 49, No. 1, pp. 113-124, January-February, 2013.

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Vidinejevs, S., Strekalova, O., Aniskevich, A. et al. Development of a composite with an inherent function of visualization of a mechanical action. Mech Compos Mater 49, 77–84 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11029-013-9323-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11029-013-9323-9

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