Key Engineering Materials Vol. 893

Abstract: This work shows the mechanical design and the FE analyses performed for an innovative naval Antenna Unit for signal interception application: more than twenty electromagnetic sensors operating from HF up to Ka band and microwave modules are integrated in a unique structure designed for a top mast installation (i.e. for naval platform). The number of constraints in terms of weight and electromagnetic transparency calls for the employment of composite materials such as glass, aramidic and carbon epoxy prepregs. Primary structures was modelled by using FE codes: both orthotropic and isotropic models have been implemented as well as non-linear contacts and bolted joints. The mast-mounted installation requires high mechanical stiffness and strength but the exposure to saline environment needs many manufacturing issues to be respected. In particular, the selection process of suitable materials and the sealing manufacturing procedures to protect them from the external agents was reported. Another key feature of the presented design concerns the electromagnetic compatibility requirement: to avoid electromagnetic emissions (EMC) generated by antenna’s internal units and to protect antenna sensors by external platform’s emitters, an appropriate stacking sequence was chosen for composite laminates with a prepreg copper mesh.

Abstract: This review study, presented at the 2^nd World Conference on Advanced Materials for Defense (AuxDefense 2020), focuses on skin as sensory interface and explores the latest discoveries in bioelectronic science. The work analyzes at what extent invisibility is possible by emulating nature, and if military applications can really benefit from technology that combines epidermal systems and virtual reality — and from next generation of wearable textile computing technologies.

Abstract: The intrinsic hardness, high abrasive wear resistance, and corrosion properties of hard chrome coatings have resulted in their wide industrial application. However, chrome plating involves hazards associated with chrome 6+ which affect human health and drive the need to identify viable alternatives. This study investigated the addition of Cirrus alumina Dopant™ to a low phosphorus electroless nickel bath to evaluate the performance of the resulting nanocomposite coating as a potential replacement for hard chrome. A comprehensive comparison for the performance of coatings for alumina doped electroless nickel and a pure low electroless nickel coating were investigated. Results showed that Cirrus doped electroless nickel possessed a minimum hardness of 850HV_0.1, high corrosion resistance, excellent abrasive wear resistance, and a Taber Wear Index of 2.25mg/1000 cycles. These attributes suggest Cirrus Dopant™ for electroless nickel may offer an outstanding candidate to replace hard chrome coatings in many applications.