Site: Doshisha University
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Kyoto 602, Japan

Date Visited: December 9, 1992

Report Author: V. Karbhari

ATTENDEES

JTEC:

V. Karbhari
D. Wilkins
HOSTS:

Dr. Toru Fuji

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES

Fatigue of polymer matrix composites

• Investigation of joints using a special rubber toughened epoxy
• Effects of biaxial loading in fatigue on specimens with a hole
• Fatigue of a woven glass composite with investigations on microstructure at the unit cell level
• Effects of loading and unloading durations
• Investigation of repeated tension-torsion loadings

Development of CVT belts

• Use of composites in continuous variable transmission belts

Investigation of environmental effects

• Acid rain -- specimens immersed in synthetic acid-rain-simulating bath and tested in fatigue -- results suggest that effect is insignificant.
• Effects of vacuum, dry air and oxygen rich environment on fiber strength -- results indicate that a pure oxygen environment significantly decreases S2 glass strength.
• Effects of marine environment on performance -- the main aim is to establish accelerated testing methods. Tests are in progress, pressure being the main variable being considered.

Tension/torsion testing of tubes

• Fabricated by a wet rolling type process followed by grinding. Tests are for marine type applications.

Automotive transmission belts

• Fatigue testing of belts reinforced with aramid layers

SUMMARY

Dr. Fuji switched completely from ceramic matrix composites to polymer matrix composites in the last two to three years because of increased industrial support and because of the need to obtain specimens. His research is heavily supported by Honda, Nitta, JSR, Teijin, Shin Caterpillar Mitsubishi, and other companies and organizations that lend him equipment for tests as well as fund his research. Composite materials are supplied by courtesy of Dai-Nippon Ink & Chemicals, Asahi Fiber Glass, Toray, and other companies.