Plenary Lecture
Minimizing Uncertainty of Mechanical Properties of Composite Material
Assistant Professor Stella B. Bondi
Civil Engineering Technology
Old Dominion University
212-C Kaufman Hall
Norfolk, VA 23529
USA
Ε-mail: SBondi@odu.edu
Abstract: New technology emerged in super composites such as Kevlar® that supported experimental and theoretical studies in measuring the response to simulated heavy-ion cosmic radiation. Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) and Kevlar® material combined are excellent space radiation shielding materials in comparison with polyethylene, Lucite (PMMA), and aluminum. Among other useful properties, FRP and composites are non-magnetic and corrosion resistant, making them viable and sustainable space materials. By testing and analyzing various types of material, it provided a better understanding in terms of protection from radiation in both space and during exposure to radioactive situations. In addition, producing inflatable yet durable structures by analyzing the mechanical properties of FRP and other composites could potentially yield substantial benefits to support International Space Station’s (ISS) missions. This ongoing research provided more exploration into the failure modes necessary to utilize FRP and various composites to their fullest potential and to minimize uncertainty. This research further expanded the FRP and composites knowledge base by identifying material strengths and weaknesses through conducting experimental versus theoretical studies. Based on an overview of these results, simplified criteria or standards can be developed. The application of these criteria or standards will be demonstrated through practical analysis and design examples.
Brief Biography of the Speaker: Stella B. Bondi was born in Athens, Greece in 1955. She obtained her undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering and graduated from Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA in 1999. She continued her studies at Old Dominion University where she earned a Master’s in Engineering Management in 2003 and a PhD in Engineering Management in 2007. She is a tenure track Assistant Professor at Frank Batten College of Engineering & Technology at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia (USA). Before she became an Assistant Professor, Dr. Bondi had worked for over 22 years in the consulting engineering industry. She is currently conducting extensive research in composite materials further exploring the effects of reliability and uncertainty.