The relationship of cell morphology, density, and mechanical properties in a rigid polyurethane foam
Award Date
1-1-2003
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Mechanical Engineering
First Committee Member
Brendan O'Toole
Number of Pages
229
Abstract
Polyurethane foam, used as a supporting or insulating material, is sometimes formed in complex molds with significant variations in geometry and size. This work investigates the relationships between cell morphology, density, and mechanical properties in a molded polyurethane material using relatively small cylindrical molds. Understanding these relationships will help mechanical designers analyze and predict the responses of foam components accurately; Three mold sizes are used to study changes in cell morphology (cell area, cell diameter, aspect ratio, cell angle, cell edge length, cell face thickness, and cell edge thickness), density, and mechanical properties (Young's modulus, peak yield, and collapse stress) with respect to vertical and radial positions. In addition, five time periods (1-day, 2-days, 7-days, 30-days, and 90-days) are used to determine aging effects on density and compressive mechanical properties of small diameter molds. Finally, theoretical equations are used to compare the experimental and theoretical density and mechanical properties.
Keywords
Cell; Density; Foam; Mechanical; Morphology; Polyurethane; Properties; Relationship; Rigid
Controlled Subject
Mechanical engineering; Materials science; Polymers; Polymerization; Chemistry; Plastics
File Format
File Size
12707.84 KB
Degree Grantor
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Language
English
Permissions
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Repository Citation
Nelson, Michelle Cameron, "The relationship of cell morphology, density, and mechanical properties in a rigid polyurethane foam" (2003). UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations. 1605.
http://dx.doi.org/10.25669/zb4u-7ua4
Rights
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