The use of composite materials in several sectors, such as aeronautics and automotive, has been gaining distinction in recent years. However, due to their high costs, as well as unique characteristics, consequences of their heterogeneity, they present challenging gaps to be studied. As a result, the finite element method has been used as a way to analyze composite materials subjected to the most distinctive situations. Therefore, this work aims to approach the modeling of composite materials, focusing on material properties, failure criteria, types of elements and main application sectors. From the modeling point of view, different levels of modeling—micro, meso and macro, are presented. Regarding properties, different mechanical characteristics, theories and constitutive relationships involved to model these materials are presented. The text also discusses the types of elements most commonly used to simulate composites, which are solids, peel, plate and cohesive, as well as the various failure criteria developed and used for the simulation of these materials. In addition, the present article lists the main industrial sectors in which composite material simulation is used, and their gains from it, including aeronautics, aerospace, automotive, naval, energy, civil, sports, manufacturing and even electronics.

The use of fiber metal laminates (FML) in aeronautics components has been increased in the last years, mainly due to the gain in mechanical properties combined with low specific mass. However, in the assembly of these materials on the structures to which they will be attached, mechanical screwing is still the main method used, which requires the performance of drilling processes. Something it is very complicated for these materials and can cause damage that compromises the performance. Therefore, this work aims to approach and summarize the evolution of the mechanical drilling process on FML developed in the last years. By the work, the main problems that occur during the drilling of these materials are punctually approached, such as delamination, burr formation, dimensional error, poor roughness, and tool wear. In addition, it is presented how these problems are affected by the machining parameters (cutting parameters, geometry, material/coating tool, and cutting environment), as well as suggestions for minimizing process problems. Thus, the article intends to provide as much information as possible available in the literature, seeking to help researchers gain a comprehensive view of the mechanical drilling of fiber metal laminates.

Production of Particleboards from Hevea brasiliensis Clones and Castor Oil-based Polyurethane Resin

The objective of this research was to study the machining of superalloy VAT32® using alumina-based ceramic tool without cutting fluid, applying different machining parameters to evaluate the surface finish of parts, vibration and main wear of tools. For this, a turning process with a linear trajectory of 30 mm was performed, in which were collected data vibration and surface roughness of the stretch, as well as wear and damage in the tools. The turning tests were performed utilizing cutting speeds of 270, 280 and 300 m/min, a feed of 0.10, 0.18 and 0.25 m/rev and a cutting depth of 0.50 mm. With results, it was identified that the feed influenced significantly both the vibration and the system, since the cutting speed influenced only the vibration. Being that the best results happened for the smaller feed and greater cutting speed. It concludes that the machining of superalloy VAT32® with ceramic tool introduced herself promising.

Bolted joints are the most common form of union of the components in an airplane, with drilling being the most used process in obtaining the holes. However, this process can cause several defects, so the parts produced can go to the assembly line with some defects. Aim of this manuscript was to analyze the influence of spindle speed and the feed in the power consumption and system vibration, during the drilling process of the composite of furfuryl resin/Carbon Nanotube/Carbon fiber, as well as the quality of the hole, the dimensional error, and the tool wear. Spindle speed of 1000 and 2000 rpm and feeds of 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 mm/rev were used. The drills used are carbide coated with Balinit Helica®, 6.5 mm in diameter. Concluded that the feed influences on the power, vibration and in the quality of the holes. The addition of nanotubes does not inhibit dimensional error but causes it to be smaller. Helica coating is not ideal for drilling composites reinforced with carbon fiber.

This work aimed to study the feasibility of using castor oil-based polyurethane (PU) resin, and rubberwood for the production of particleboards. Multilayer panels were produced using particles taken from RRIM 600 and GT1 clones of Hevea brasiliensis trees. Urea-formaldehyde (UF) and PU were used for bonding the particles. Physico-mechanical characterization was done according to the specifications of the European standards for wood-based panels. The average results were compared to values pre-established by the EN 312/2003 technical standard as well as between the above mentioned treatments. The results indicated that the use of PU and rubberwood has a great potential for particleboards production. The use of PU favors the production of boards with improved physical-mechanical characteristics.