Experimental and numerical investigations of VO2‐UHMWPE polymer composite plates across phase change temperature

Abstract

AbstractIn the present study, experimental and numerical investigations are carried out on Vanadium dioxide (VO2)‐UHMWPE composite plates while considering the temperature across phase change. VO2 is known for semiconducting to metallic transition along with structural changes from monoclinic to tetragonal during heating above 68°C, which enhances structural stiffness. For the experimentation, VO2‐UHMWPE composite samples are fabricated by employing the Hot‐Press method. These samples are further utilized to perform the compression test in order to find Young's moduli at room temperature (RT) and 75°C (temperature across phase change) using a Universal Testing Machine (UTM). Based on the experimentally computed Young's moduli, the numerical investigations in terms of free vibration and bending analyses, are performed. For structural kinematics, a C0‐continuous higher‐order shear deformation theory (HSDT) is employed, and the governing equations are derived using the Lagrange model. The numerical results, that is, natural frequencies and center deflection, are assessed using the finite element method (FEM). The convergence and comparison studies are accomplished to ensure the performance and competence of the present numerical model within the framework of MATLAB and ABAQUS. The influence of temperature, thickness ratio, boundary conditions, etc. on the frequency and deflection of the bare UHMWPE polymer and VO2‐UHMWPE plates, is discussed in detail. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the VO2 reinforcement to the UHMWPE polymer improves structural stiffness at a temperature of 75°C. Moreover, VO2‐UHMWPE composite can be utilized for structural applications, wherein lightweight and high‐temperature resistive material is desired.Highlights The fabrication of the VO2‐UHMWPE composite samples is accomplished through the Hot‐Press method. Young's moduli of the VO2‐UHMWPE composites at RT and 75°C are assessed utilizing UTM. The finite element method is employed to analyze the behavior of the bare UHMWPE polymer and VO2‐UHMWPE plates in free vibration and bending. The effect of influencing parameters such as temperature, thickness ratio, boundary conditions, etc., on natural frequency and deflection of the plates are explored.