Composite Materials: Identification, Control, Synthesis

Abstract

A new methodology for research into the development of composites is analysed as a set of methods designed to study the properties and structure of the material as a whole. It is noted that in the traditional approach the composite is considered as an unstructured medium, and in the case of a system approach, it is structured: in essence, a paradigm shift takes place in construction materials science. It is shown that the main feature of the system approach is the presence of the dominant role of the whole over the particular, complex over the simple; the more complex the system, the greater the effect of applying a systemic holistic approach. The properties of a composite material as a system object are given. It is assumed that there is a complete, integrative property of the system. The synthesis of composites takes into account the paradoxes of integrity (evaluation and analysis of composite materials should be based on the consideration of the material as an integral and unified system, on the other hand - the study of the material is impossible without analysing its parts) and hierarchy (description of the composite material as a system is possible only if its description as an element of the super system and vice versa). In accordance with the polystructural theory, a hierarchical structure of the radiation-protective composite is developed. It is shown that with strictly ordered criteria, the synthesis of the material reduces to a lexicographic optimization problem with the possibility of obtaining not only optimal strategies (the choice of prescription and technological parameters), but also the ordering of all strategies according to the degree of their preference. In the lexicographic optimization problem, an arbitrarily small increment of a more important criterion is assumed, due to any losses with respect to the remaining less important criteria. With conflicting criteria, the direct reduction of the optimization problem to lexicographic is not possible or not expedient. Here we use a not so rigorous ranking of criteria, as in the lexicographical case. One of the possible ways of synthesizing the material is given - the method of successive concessions. Realization of a method at synthesis of a composite of a special purpose is given. An approach is proposed for solving multicriteria problems on the basis of constructing Pareto sets (in informal analysis, those solutions that are obviously bad are excluded); is realized at multicriteria synthesis of epoxy composite of increased density for protection from radiation. High mobility of the obtained concrete mixes makes it possible to make piece products, building structures of any configuration and containers for transportation of radioactive materials. The dense structure of superheavy concrete allows it to be used for lining the enclosing structures of underground and ground bunkers, cemeteries and storage facilities for radioactive solid, liquid and gaseous wastes. Low porosity guarantees high values of brands for frost resistance, water and gas tightness.