Improving Erosion Resistance of Polymer Reinforced Composites

Abstract

This article reports on solid particle erosion tests performed on glass fiber reinforced polyphenylene sulphide (PPS) for use on an all-composite ice-protection system for aircraft structures. The idea was introduced to use a metal mesh as a convenient way of toughening the surface layer thereby increasing erosion resistance. The erosion rates of the composites were evaluated at different impingement angles and with different erodent particle size. An aircraft-grade aluminium sheet was also used to provide a comparison for the composites. It was found that the erosion rate of the composites drastically reduced upon the introduction of an impregnated mesh onto the surface of the baseline glass/PPS laminate, to values similar to that of the aluminium sheet. In addition, the erosion rate was found to be dependent not only on the volume fraction of the matrix on the surface, but also the properties of the metal used for the mesh. The solution to use a metal mesh was shown to have multifunctional uses for composite based ice-protection system.

A Simulation of Operational Damage for Wind Turbine Blades

“…However, the erosion mechanism associated with composite matrix materials used for wind turbine blades 56,57 typically shows maximum erosion rate for θ in the range of 45-55 deg. [58][59][60] In general, composite matrix materials have different erosion constants K and n compared with the outer coating.…”

“…However, the peak of erosion rate for core matrix materials occurs at θ ≈ 45-55 deg. 54,[58][59][60] In such conditions, the peak of E shifts to s-locations closer to the stagnation line of the blade, causing further damage at that location.…”

Toolbox for optimizing anti‐erosion protective coatings of wind turbine blades: Overview of mechanisms and technical solutions

“…For instance, Gohardani et al explored the effect of CNT reinforcement in resins on the erosion under multiple liquid impact and did not observe sufficient improvement of CNT reinforced resin as compared with pure resin. According to previous studies, pure thermoplastic matrices show better erosion resistance compared with those reinforced with brittle fibres, especially at higher impingement angles. Further, according to Barkoula and Karger‐Kocsis, brittle inclusions reduce the erosion resistance of ductile thermoplastic polymers.…”

“…Ahmed et al proposed introducing an impregnated metal mesh composed of fine wires woven into an open plain weave for toughening the surface layer. In this way, the ductility of the polymer matrix will enhance the erosion resistance at high impingement angles, while the embedded mesh will improve erosion properties of the composite at low impingement angles.…”

“…Ahmed et al proposed adding a thicker layer of matrix at the surface of the laminate to improve erosion behaviour of composites.…”