Sharif Digital Repository

In this study, effect of MAPE (maleic anhydride polyethylene) as the compatibilizer on the mechanical properties of wood-flour polyethylene composites has been investigated by using Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA). Composites were made at 25% and 50% by weight fiber contents and 1% and 2% compatibilizer respectively. Controls were also made at the same fiber contents without the compatibilizer. Static mechanical tests including tensile and bending tests were performed. Temperature scans in the range of- 110 to +100°C was also conducted. Results indicated improvements in the mechanical properties due to the compatibilizer addition. Storage modulus values were higher in the case of coupled... 

The first-order shear deformation theory and the layerwise theory of laminated plates are employed to analyze the edge-effect problem of an antisymmetric angle-ply laminate subjected to arbitrary combinations of extensional and torsional loads. The first-order theory is used for predicting the unknown constant parameters appearing in the reduced displacement field of elasticity which, on the other hand, signify the global behavior of the laminate. A layerwise theory is then utilized to determine the local interlaminar stresses within the boundary-layer regions of laminates. In order to closely examine the behavioral characteristics of interlaminar stresses, various numerical examples are... 

A study was conducted to select the best alternative for the development of construction panels as well as investment in its manufacturing in Iran. Three alternatives are considered, cement-bonded wood composite product, substituted products (such as concrete panel) sandwich panel and a mixture of them. We apply the analytic network process (ANP) to achieve this goal. A hierarchy is designed to prioritize benefits, opportunities, costs and risks (BOCR) by using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) ratings approach. To evaluate the "control criteria" of the system, a control hierarchy is also created and prioritized by applying the Analytic Network Process (ANP). A total of four major control... 

Morus Alba or mulberry is a wood species that is broadly used in making musical instruments in Eastern countries. However, the mechanical and acoustical properties of this type of wood are not investigated properly. In this study a set of features, previously examined for other species, are applied to this wood and its acoustic quality is evaluated. Setar, a Persian musical instrument made of mulberry wood, is selected as the test case of this experiment. Different samples of wood are gathered and categorized based on their appropriateness for Setar construction. The quality of each sample is identified based on the Perceptual knowledge of professional Setar makers. The most effective... 

The objective of this research is to design a method for selection of an appropriate location to establish plywood and veneer plants in Iran. Due to the climate of this region as well as the destruction of the forests and lack of proper plantation, the supporting forests to feed this industry are limited. Thus, it is vital to optimize the other strategically factors in order to make these plants capable of competing with the foreign plants which have access to less expensive input materials. In case of improper utilization of the resources, this industry can not compete with the imported products. The decision is made within the framework of benefits, opportunities, costs and risks (BOCR).... 

Polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) nanocomposites for wood adhesives containing different amounts of colloidal silica nanoparticles (CSNs) were synthesized via in situ one-step emulsion polymerization. The adhesion strength of wood specimens bonded by PVAc nanocomposites was investigated by the tensile test. Thermal properties of PVAc nanocomposites were also characterized by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. Rheological and morphological properties of the PVAc nanocomposites were investigated using rheometric mechanical spectrometry and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), respectively. The obtaining results showed that the shear strength of PVAc... 

The advantages of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP), such as high specific strength, resistance against corrosion and formability, have made it a more acceptable alternative to conventional materials regarding repairing and retrofitting of structures. Although investigations in recent years have proved the concern of civil engineers about the environmental effects on the bond between FRP and concrete or masonry (especially moisture and temperature), only few researches have been reported on FRP-wood interfaces. This research investigated the effect of five different environments on the bond at the interface between FRP and wood. A series of pull-out tests were performed on 375 wood specimens... 

Objective: This study aimed to employ nonlinear dynamic approaches to assess trunk dynamic stability with speed, symmetry, and load during repetitive flexion-extension (FE) movements for individuals with and without nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP). Background: Repetitive trunk FE movement is a typical work-related LBP risk factor contingent on speed, symmetry, and load. Improper settings/adjustments of these control parameters could undermine the dynamic stability of the trunk, hence leading to low back injuries. The underlying stability mechanisms and associated control impairments during such dynamic movements remain elusive. Method: Thirty-eight male volunteers (19 healthy, 19 NSLBP)... 

The present study aims to analyze a combined heat and power (CHP) system with an approach towards exergy analysis and employing biomass gasification. The cycle modeling was carried out using Cycle-Tempo and the main purpose was to achieve parametric analysis of the model. The systems function was studied by categorizing alternative biomass fuels, also qualitative and quantitative analyses of the biomass fuel samples were presented and considering the trade-off points, most appropriate biomass fuel with respect to exergy efficiency and delivered power were determined. The results indicated that the bagasse and wood chips had the total exergy efficiency of 54.5 and 57.1% in trade-off point,... 

Objective: This study aimed to employ nonlinear dynamic approaches to assess trunk dynamic stability with speed, symmetry, and load during repetitive flexion-extension (FE) movements for individuals with and without nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP). Background: Repetitive trunk FE movement is a typical work-related LBP risk factor contingent on speed, symmetry, and load. Improper settings/adjustments of these control parameters could undermine the dynamic stability of the trunk, hence leading to low back injuries. The underlying stability mechanisms and associated control impairments during such dynamic movements remain elusive. Method: Thirty-eight male volunteers (19 healthy, 19 NSLBP)...