Ceramic Panels Research Articles

Underfloor Heating Using Ceramic Thermal Panels and Solar Thermal Panels in Public Buildings in the Mediterranean: Energy Savings and Healthy Indoor Environment

Radiant floor air conditioning systems based on capillary tube mats, in addition to offering high comfort standards, generate significant energy savings. They allow the use of renewable energies such as thermal solar panels and combine them with solar cooling systems based on lithium chloride or absorption systems with lithium bromide in summer, cooling water down to 15–16 °C through solar thermal panel energy collection. Thus, in addition to energy savings from the transport of low water flows, annual energy demand is also reduced. This research analyses the application of thermal ceramic panels (TCP)—containing polypropylene (PPR) tube capillary mats—to public buildings in the Spanish Mediterranean. A case study of the Museum of the University of Alicante (MUA) is presented. Water was distributed individually from a split system heat pump inside the building combined with a thermal solar panel system on the roof. The MUA’s annual energy demand was quantified using thermal simulation tools and was monitored during the entire one-year cycle. Simulations were conducted both for the radiant floor system and an all-air conventional convective system, as well as with solar thermal panel applications. The reduction in annual energy demand was 24.91% when TCP panels are used on the floor. This is a considerable value, but lower than others results obtained in Central Europe due to the higher values of humidity. When solar thermal panels are installed on the rooftop the energy savings can increase to 60.70%.

Determining the effect of multifunctional partitions on noise level at "Open space" offices

Multifunction partitions and their influence on noise levels were explored. It was emphasized that the existing systems of classification of building partitions explore them based on the convenience of their use, material, design, etc. At the same time, not enough attention was paid to their impact on the indicators of a decrease in noise levels in office premises. Partitions are made of different materials, having different properties; they are different in shape and enclosure of premises or workspace at different distances from the floor. In such cases, there arises a complicated problem of selecting certain types of partitions, which, as shown in the research, make it possible to solve the problem of optimizing working conditions and reduce the negative effect of noise on the health of employees. The performed research showed that the set problem of noise reduction through the use of partitions can be solved. The factors that should be especially taken into consideration include the height of a partition (degree of enclosure of the height of premises by a partition), material of partitions, existence of technological openings and the geometry of their location. It was revealed that double-layer walls, made of heavy materials (density ≈2,500 kg/m 3 ) and 100 % premises enclosure by height, can reduce the noise level by 2–3 times (from 90 dBA to 30–45 dBA). Glass partitions (glass pipes) of moderate heaviness (≈1,200 kg/m 3 ) reduce noise by 1.5–1.6 times. If enclosure of premises is not complete or there are openings, ventilation shafts, etc., the effect of influence of partitions decreases considerably, reducing it almost to zero. Significant influence of partitions takes place in the frequency range of 200–3,000 Hz at noise level of 40–60 dBA. Noise was explored in the premises of the Open space type, where various options of partitions were applied (glass pipes in metal casings, ceramic panels, foam plastic panels). The research found that partitions can have a significant impact on noise indicators, but only on condition of complete enclosure of premises by height, closed doors and construction channels in walls. It was established that the material of partitions does not affect noise indicators if the degree of premises enclosure is not complete (less than 100 %). The studies proved the relevance of scientific substantiation of partitions’ application and of determining the relations of premises enclosure with the factors that affect employees with a view to improving their working conditions. Improvement of working conditions, in turn, will make it possible to decrease professional diseases, minimize turnover, and increase work efficiency

Study on the Preparation Technology of a Ceramic Panel with a Magnetic Interlayer for an Induction Cooker

In order to expand the range of pot materials for induction cookers, a kind of sandwich structural composite ceramic panel that consists of an Al2O3 ceramic substrate, magnetic heating interlayer, and ZrO2 ceramic substrate was developed by combining the tape casting process and the screen printing process. In this research, the slurry composition of the functional phase, glass powder, and organic carrier was optimized for preparing the heating interlayer with excellent electromagnetic properties. The influences of the glass powder content and the magnetic layer structure on the thermal shock resistance of the composite ceramic panel were studied. The finite element model of the composite ceramic panel under thermal load was established through ANSYS software. In the range of 0.1–0.3 mm thickness of a magnetic heating interlayer, the temperature field and the macroscopic stress field of the composite ceramic panel were simulated, and the influence of the magnetic layer structure on the thermal stress distribution of the composite ceramic panel was analyzed. The experimental results showed that the magnetic layer had the best quality when the amount of glass powder added was 9 wt%. The ANSYS simulation revealed that the gradient structure of the magnetic layer could reduce the stress between the alumina layer and the magnetic layer from 308 to 192 MPa, which significantly improved the thermal shock resistance of the composite ceramic panel. Therefore, the gradient structure of the magnetic layer could ensure the stability of the composite ceramic panel after five cycles of electromagnetic heating.

Multilayered architectured ceramic panels with weak interfaces: energy absorption and multi-hit capabilities

Combining high strength and high toughness still remains a challenge in engineered materials. With the aim of improving the toughness of high-strength ceramics, multilayered architectured ceramic panels were developed inspired by natural materials such as nacre and conch shell. These panels were manufactured by stacking laser-engraved architectured ceramic tiles and commercial monomer Surlyn or Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) resins. The mechanics of the multilayered architectured ceramics was investigated both numerically and experimentally by subjecting them to out-of-plane quasi-static and impact loads. Digital image correlation (DIC), computed radiography technique, micro-CT scanning and 3D laser scanning microscopy were used for multiscale damage assessment during and after loading. The finite element analysis was performed using ANSYS LS-DYNA to model the quasi-static and impact responses and to investigate the effects of architectural parameters on the energy absorption and multi-hit capabilities of architectured ceramic panels. It was found that the multilayered ceramic panels with optimized architectures showed up to 20% and 48% improvements in energy absorption performance in quasi-static testing and impact loading, respectively, with only a 5–10% stiffness reduction compared to plain ceramics. The deformation analysis showed localized failure in the architectured ceramics (opposed to the plain ones) and improved impact resistance of architectured ceramics originating mostly from the energy dissipation due to the plastic deformation in adhesives (up to 35%) as well as the frictional energy dissipation (up to 55%) upon sliding of the tiles, mechanisms that are absent in plain ceramics.

The Tradition of Applications by Ceramic Panels on the Banks Facades in Nizhny Novgorod

The Tradition of Applications by Ceramic Panels on the Banks Facades in Nizhny Novgorod

Arte e Medicina como Instrumentos do Poder: considerações em torno de um painel cerâmico de Manuel Lima para o Hospital do Ultramar em Lisboa (1973)

Este texto pretende abordar o painel cerâmico realizado por Manuel Lima (1911-1991), em 1973, para decoração do então ampliado Hospital do Ultramar, em Lisboa (actual Hospital Egas Moniz). A análise da composição considera a conjuntura sociopolítica de então, cruzando-a com as opções iconográficas tomadas pelo artista e com a integração no espaço arquitectónico para o qual o painel foi concebido. É objetivo deste artigo contribuir para uma reflexão acerca da apropriação das artes plásticas pelo poder político para veiculação de mensagens ideológicas, concretamente no período do Estado Novo.

Ceramic panels versus aluminium in buildings: Energy consumption and environmental impact assessment with a new methodology

In the field of architecture, there is a growing awareness as to the relevance of using building materials that are produced in same geographical area as the buildings to be constructed. Important implications of these projects include environmental impact reductions deriving from less energy needed for transporting the materials, as well as the activation of the regional economy by promoting local materials. Effects are all the more significant in the case of emblematic buildings with repercussions in the media, in which aesthetic criteria are often placed before functional ones. This study examines the case of the Museu de Bellas Artes de Castellón (the Fine Arts Museum in Castellon, Spain). Cast aluminium recycled panels were used for the façade’s finishing material. Based on life cycle analysis (LCA), a comparison with the scenario of having used large-format ceramic panels, produced in the region in which the building is located, is given. A new evaluation methodology, Life Cycle Construction Assessment of Envelopes (LCCA-e) was applied, introducing the analysis of constructive improvements derived from the application of new façade materials. The reduction of derived environmental impacts was evaluated, obtaining 65.6% and 67.7% of the GER and GWP indicators in the production phase and a reduction of these indicators by 87.1% and 86.8% respectively in the complete LCA. This was also due to the reduction of energy needed for transport, as well as a reduction in annual energy demand by 8.55%, evaluated by monitoring, calibration and simulation using EnergyPlus.

Healthy Climate and Energy Savings: Using Thermal Ceramic Panels and Solar Thermal Panels in Mediterranean Housing Blocks

Radiant surface conditioning systems based on capillary tube mats not only provide high standards of comfort, but they also generate substantial energy savings. These systems allow for using renewable energies such as solar thermal panels because they function with water at moderate temperatures—lower in winter and higher in summer—compared to fan-coil systems or hot water radiator systems. Moreover, in summer, they can be combined with solar cooling systems based on lithium chloride or absorption systems based on lithium bromide, which enable the cooling of water at 15–16 °C by means of solar thermal panel energy collection. This further reduces the annual energy. The purpose of this study was to examine the application of thermal ceramic panels (TCP) containing prolipropylen (PPR) capillary tube mats, in residential buildings in the Spanish Mediterranean. The water distribution system was set up individually from a heat pump and was combined with a community system of solar thermal panels. After monitoring a home over a complete one-year cycle, the annual energy demand was quantified through simulations, based on both the radiant system and the VRV system, as well as in combination with a thermal solar panel system. TCP panels reduced the annual energy demands by 31.48%, and the additional investment cost of €11,497 could be amortized over 23.31 years. The combination of TCP panels with 18.5 m2 of solar thermal panels reduced the annual energy demand by 69.47%, and the investment of €20,534 of additional cost could be amortized over 15.67 years. The energy consumptions of installation elements were also comparatively quantified.

Large Format Ceramic Panels Versus Recycled Aluminum Casting Panels: Improvement of the Thermal Behavior of the Museum of Fine Arts of Castellón

There is a growing awareness towards the use in architecture of construction materials produced in the area in which the buildings are to be implemented. The reduction of environmental impacts derived from the lower consumption of energy in transportation is significant. In addition, the materials used in the façades have special relevance in the value of the annual energy demand. This fact becomes more important in the case of emblematic buildings with social media impact, both for the quality of their design and for the functional contributions they can make. Sometimes, even for purely aesthetic reasons, the paradox of opting for constructive solutions with worse performance, worse aging, a higher cost of maintenance operations or a higher value of annual energy demand is established. In this research the Museum of Fine Arts of Castellón is analyzed, made with cast aluminum recycled panels as a finishing material on the façade. A comparison is made with the alternative scenario, ventilated ceramic façade, of having used large format ceramic panels, produced in the region, where the ceramic sector is a very important cluster. The reduction of the value of the annual energy demand by 12% is evaluated by the improvements established in the ventilated ceramic façade.

Toughness by segmentation: Fabrication, testing and micromechanics of architectured ceramic panels for impact applications

Precise material architectures and interfaces can generate unusual and attractive combinations of mechanisms and properties. For example, the segmentation into blocks of finite size and well-defined geometries can turn brittle ceramics into tough, deformable and impact resistant material systems. This strategy, while scarcely used in engineering, has been successfully used for millions of years in biological materials such as bone, nacre or tooth enamel. In this work, the precise relationships between architecture, mechanics, and properties in architectured ceramic panels are explored using a combination of mechanical testing with stereo-imaging, 3D reconstruction, and finite-element/analytical modeling. In particular, this work shows that a fine balance of interlocking and block size generates controlled frictional sliding and rotation of blocks, minimizes damage to individual blocks and optimizes performance. These ceramic architectured panels have 1/4 to 1/2 of the strength of monolithic ceramic panels, but they can absorb 5 to 20 times more mechanical energy, making them very attractive for applications where high surface hardness or high resistance to temperature must be combined with resistance to impact and toughness.

Studying the effect of multifunctional partitions on temperature indicators at offices of the open space type

Existing partitions used in offices and at enterprises were considered, an analysis of use of partitions to ensure comfortable working conditions was performed and supplements to the classification system were systematized and introduced. Attention was drawn to the fact that the existing classification systems consider partitions based on the convenience of their use, material and design missing their influence on meteorological factors. As a rule, partitions are made from one or two layers of materials having different properties. They separate rooms or a working space at various heights from the floor. It was shown in the work that incorrectly arranged partitions made of expensive building materials can bring to naught the planned objectives of improvement of working conditions. In premises with high ceilings, conditions of irrational heating are likely to be created, both in the premises in general and concrete working zones. The studies have shown that this is solved by installation of partitions that direct and retain heat. It was found in the course of the study that temperature indicators in separated rooms are not significantly affected by the partition material type but the degree of room separation with partition by height is of paramount importance. As a result of temperature studies in premises of open space type where various partitions (glass pipes in a metal frame, ceramic panels, expanded polystyrene) were installed, it was established that partitions can significantly influence the temperature indicators but only if the room is completely separated in height. It was established that the material of partition does not affect the temperature indicators if separation is not complete (less than 100 %). The studies have proved the prospects of the scientific substantiation of the use of partitions and definition of connection between room separation and the factors affecting worker’s performance capability

Evaluation of a novel miniaturised microwave resonating igniter: The Flat Panel Igniter

This study evaluates the ignition performance of a new miniaturised igniter that operates based on microwave resonance phenomenon. This igniter, named Flat Panel Igniter (FPI), consists of a flat ceramic panel with a metal strip inlay on the top surface acting as a resonance cavity. The FPI and a standard spark plug is used to ignite air–propane mixtures at various equivalence ratio inside a constant volume chamber. The results show that FPI requires much less ignition energy than spark plug at any given equivalence ratio. Furthermore, at the same energy, ignition with FPI results in a faster ignition delay and a shorter burnt duration. FPI ignition also allows for better lean limit as the ignition energy increases. Observation at non-reactive condition shows that the plasma from FPI is a lot larger than that of the spark plug, most likely due to the enhancement by MW energy. Via optical spectroscopy, FPI spectrum is also shown to be much more intense than the spark plug, with a higher level of OH* radicals and slightly higher temperature. Schlieren images of the combustion shows a more spherical appearance of the resulting flame, suggesting that the design of the FPI will induce less heat loss to the early flame kernel and hence facilitate faster flame growth. The igniters were also tested under the influence of cross flow by injecting an air stream across the plasma location. Due to its geometry the FPI plasma has a longer stretch distance compared to the spark discharge from spark plug and interestingly, the FPI does not suffer from blow-off even at high flow speed where spark plug suffers from very early blow-off and restrikes. Overall, the FPI has been shown to be a promising igniter that outperforms the traditional spark plug to enable further advancement in engine design.

A self-setting particle-stabilized porous ceramic panel prepared from commercial cement and loaded with carbon for potential radar'absorbing applications

A self-setting particle-stabilized porous ceramic panel prepared from commercial cement and loaded with carbon for potential radar'absorbing applications

A self-setting particle-stabilized porous ceramic panel prepared from commercial cement and loaded with carbon for potential radar-absorbing applications

Porous ceramic materials are in a current research focus because of their outstanding thermal stability, chemical stability and lightweight. Recent research has widened the range of applications to radar absorption to utilize the advantages of porous ceramic materials. There has been long-standing interest in the development of lightweight radar-absorbing materials for military applications such as camouflaging ground-based facilities against airborne radar detection. Therefore, in this study, a novel lightweight radar-absorbing material for X-band frequencies was developed using a self-setting particle-stabilized porous ceramic panel composited with carbon. The panel was prepared using a commercial calcium aluminate cement (as a self-setting matrix), zeolite 13X particles with propyl gallate (as a particle-stabilized pore former) and carbon (as a radar-absorbing material). The panel contained macropores approximately 200 to 400 ?m in size formed by zeolite 13X particles that are irreversibly adsorbed at liquid-gas interfaces. The self-setting particle-stabilized porous ceramic panels were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, mercury porosimetry, physisorption analysis, capillary flow porosimetry and network analysis. When 0.2 wt.% carbon was added to a selfsetting particle-stabilized porous ceramic panel to fabricate a composite 7mm thick, the maximum reflection loss was ?11.16 dB at 12.4GHz. The effects of the amount of added carbon and the thickness variation of a self-setting particle-stabilized porous ceramic panel on the radar-absorbing properties remain important issues for further research.

Ceramic wall panels in architecture within the scope of the study named "Evrenim"

From past to present, caves are accepted as the first residential areas that mankind used to live in. These units that helped protect the humans from dangers like harsh natural conditions and wild animal, and helped them survive are seen as the first examples of the contemporary spaces. These areas developed to fulfill physiological needs, security needs and later on to carry out other functions and activities, formed the basis of architecture and created the space concept by improving and progressing over time. These areas where the resident performs actions to survive (cooking, cleaning, resting etc.) are architecturally valuable. Correct functionalizing, meeting the psychological and aesthetic needs in the relation between the human and space as well as meeting the physiological conditions are the reasons behind this. The role is of great importance in this context. Art makes great contributions to fulfilling these needs ranging from concrete to abstract as well as cognitive and aesthetic issues and improving oneself. A person showing a great progress in becoming an individual starts to plan custom spaces where he can effectively fulfill not only his physiological but also aesthetic needs. These custom spaces can become more meaningful with artworks a nd this can strengthen the bond with its resident. To strengthen this bond, space is expected to be customized, have an identity, support his resident emotionally and satisfy his needs. Ceramic panels applied to make good use of the architecture surface are important in terms of fulfilling these needs. If it is to be preferred, the artworks that are to be applied with the utmost coordination between the architect and the artist will provide significant contributions to the identity of the structure. The ceramic application must begin at the start of the project and it must be made sure that the surface reserved for the artwork meets the requirements such as circulation, light, and viewing distance. Correct interdisciplinary relations and collaborations are known to be rare and valuable in terms of contemporary architecture and ceramic art. In this study, the Ceramic panel called "Evrenim", designed and applied to the Chief Physician Building in Ankara Numune Hospital in 2016 by Hüseyin ÖZÇELİK, is given as an example.The design is completely subjective, and the application and installation stages were shared with the student group. Keywords: Wall ceramics, architecture, ceramics, artwork, space, design

Thermal Ceramic Panels and Passive Systems in Mediterranean Housing: Energy Savings and Environmental Impacts

This research examines the benefits of designing a living space in a basement, as a method of passive temperature control in summer, combined with thermal ceramic panels (TCP) on some walls. These panels incorporate a capillary system of polypropylene tubes which work with cold water. We studied a detached house on the coast of Alicante, where the moderate temperature of the ground tempered interior conditions of comfort using the flow of air from the basement, significantly reducing energy demand and environmental impacts. This reduction was quantified through simulations using the Design Builder tool, having previously monitored the state of the building, on scenarios of a house without a basement, a house with a basement and an all-air system, and a house with a basement and radiant surfaces, using TCP panels on walls. This latter passive system led to a 10.25% reduction in annual energy demand. When we combined it with the two possible air conditioning systems, comfort achieved using the TCP panel system improved by 45.8% compared to the all air system in the living room on the ground floor and by 17% in the basement living room. In addition, annual energy demand and environmental impacts deriving from the use of the installation decreased by 31.8% with the TCP system.

Study on the performance of ceramic composite projectile penetrating into ceramic composite target

In order to study the performance of ceramic composite projectile penetrating into ceramic composite target, the contrast test and numerical simulations of the penetration of standard projectile and the ceramic composite projectile into a ceramic composite target were conducted. The results show that the penetration performance of ceramic composite projectile is obvious superior to that of standard projectile for ceramic composite target. The ceramic nose of ceramic composite projectile fully destroys the ceramic panels anterior to its following armor-piercing projectile body, thus maintaining the penetration ability of the following armor-piercing projectile body.

In situ shrinkage measurement during pressure‐assisted sintering of low temperature co‐fired ceramic panels

AbstractShrinkage measurements of miniaturized low temperature co‐fired ceramics (LTCC) samples under load typically lead to collapsing of the samples, which hampers the characterization of shrinkage up to full densification. In this paper, a measurement setup is presented, which allows for in situ shrinkage measurements of practical, large LTCC panels during pressure‐assisted sintering in a sintering press. The shrinkage behavior of two commercial LTCC systems (GreenTape 951 and Ceramtape GC) has been measured under loads of up to 1 MPa. No crushing of the specimens was observed and reproducible characterization of shrinkage up to full densification has been performed. Based on comparisons to thermomechanical analyzer measurements in this and other studies, it was found that the in situ approach is much better suited for shrinkage characterization of LTCC under load. Reproducibility and accuracy of the method are discussed and practical as well as more academic applications are proposed.

Cerámica y climatización saludable: paneles cerámicos radiantes en edificios. Condiciones de confort y demanda energética frente a sistemas convectivos

El gres porcelánico es un material ampliamente utilizado en edificación. En los últimos años su uso ha experimentado un nuevo espectro de líneas de innovación e invención en sus aplicaciones en la arquitectura. En esta investigación de analiza la patente Panel de Acondicionamiento Térmico Cerámico, consistente en piezas de gres porcelánico de bajo espesor, que contienen tramas capilares a base de tubos de polipropileno de 3,5 mm de diámetro, e interfaz de pasta conductora. Estos sistemas trabajan con agua fría o caliente produciendo una climatización saludable por superficies radiantes. Tras una primera experiencia de prototipado y colocación de paneles en pared en un despacho de oficina, se han realizado simulaciones en el Museo de la Universidad de Alicante, colocando los paneles en pared, techo o tipo bafle, previa monitorización del estado actual del edificio. Se han analizado los parámetros de comportamiento térmico y se han comparado con otros materiales de acabado habituales. Se han obtenido resultados de confort térmico y ahorros energéticos de forma comparativa frente a sistemas todo-aire.

Analysis of Unreinforced Ceramic Wall Panels in the Mounting State

Properties of building materials used for the construction of surrounding structures significantly contribute to creating a healthy and comfortable microclimate inside the rooms. Ceramics belong among materials which exhibit very suitable properties for the formation of the healthy environment. It is also one of the reasons that the fired clay structures remain popular among builders and that recovery of ceramic prefabrication can be seen in the Czech Republic. The important step towards rediscovering the benefits of the prefabricated ceramic elements is forthcoming production of unreinforced ceramic wall panels made of fired clay masonry units with tongue and groove, connected in the bed joints by two-component adhesives. Conventional analytical model for vertical loads is used in the operating state. However, in the transport and mounting state it is a structure stressed by bending in its own plane. This paper is focused on the issue of load-bearing capacity of structures with masonry units cross-sections that are not filled in head joints and therefore are unable to transfer either tensile or compressive stresses. On the segment of the wall panel is performed numerical model analysis using the finite element method in the computing program ANSYS and comparison of this analysis results with the results of the experimental tests.