Low Specific Mass Research Articles

Direct fusion drive based on centrifugal mirror confinement

A concept for direct fusion drive based on centrifugal mirror (CM) confinement of thermonuclear plasmas (DFD-CM) is described. In centrifugal mirrors, electric and magnetic fields are combined to confine the plasma within a rapidly rotating annulus of burning plasma fixed between two mirror magnets. High energy fusion products leave the reactor core at a rate determined by the velocity of plasma rotation and the strength of the mirrors. Those departing through the jet-side mirror deposit their energy in a “warm” plasma that then expands through a magnetic nozzle to deliver jet power in the 100–1000 kW range. Fusion products departing through the power-side mirror are converted to electricity to power the reactor. Moderate thrusts at attractive specific impulses (10,000+ seconds) are possible. Findings are presented on CM reactor dynamics in propulsion applications, to include new insights into the relationship between mirror and centrifugal components of plasma confinement. Additionally, analysis will be presented on reactor operability limits and characterization of viable configurations based on power density, technology constraints, and the ability to self-power. Ongoing research into the physics of the warm plasma will be discussed, to include description of improved fidelity estimates for fusion energy deposition. Finally, considerations for Alfvén’s frozen-in theorem relative to fusion plasmas and magnetic nozzle performance will be outlined.Viable space commerce and future space exploration will require advanced power and propulsion technologies capable of multi-MW power generation with high specific impulse, moderate thrust levels, and low system specific mass. DFD could make a round trip to Mars in 3 months, and to Saturn, in less than 3 years. A DFD-CM powered mission could deliver an orbiter and 4 atmospheric probes to Neptune in four years. A second-generation Interstellar Probe powered by DFD-CM could reach the edge of the heliosphere (1000 astronomical units) in 25 years.

Evaluation of Mechanical Properties with the Use of EPS Polymer for the Preparation of Sustainable Composite Based on Concrete

The civil construction area is one of the activities with the highest consumption of raw materials, presenting a large generation of waste. The use of EPS polymer (expanded polystyrene), in addition to being technological, has a low environmental impact by reducing the use of traditional concrete inputs, in addition to being 100% recyclable, cost-effective. The study enabled the elaboration of the composite based on concrete with different contents of recycled expanded polystyrene (EPS) added (0.20; 0.10 and 0.05%, in % weight/weight). The use of this material allowed the partial replacement of standard sand in the composite aggregate, obtaining an environmentally sustainable material, with low specific mass, thermal resistance with insulating, hydrophobic properties that allow low water absorption, with a low impact manufacturing process. This addition of EPS to the fresh concrete mixture showed a reduction in water penetration, making the construction material more hydrophobic, minimizing infiltration problems, reducing the physical process of absorption. The specimens for the concentration of 0.10% (weight/weight) showed better axial mechanical performance, with an average of 11.4 kgf, 52% in gain of reinforcement effect, in relation to the concentration of 0.20% (weight/weight). For this concentration of 0.20 (weight/weight), the EPS beads obtained greater homogeneity in the dispersion in the cementitious matrix, promoting better impact absorption during mechanical efforts. The absorption test was carried out for 10 and 20 minutes, and with that the percentage of water absorbed for each composite was verified. The specimens prepared with higher contents of styrofoam (0.20% and 0.10%), with 0.98 and 1.29%, respectively, of absorbed water, showed a more hydrophobic character due to the higher percentage of presence of pearls. EPS, making the material less permeable to water. The absorption results were quite satisfactory, showing values ​​below 20%, as recommended in the NBR 8491 standard.

Optimization of Interplanetary Trajectory for Direct Fusion Drive Spacecraft

The Direct Fusion Drive (DFD) technology, which is being developed at present, will allow fast and affordable interplanetary travel. This is a result of the very high specific impulse and the low specific mass of DFD thrusters which outperform more conventional Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP), with which it shares the ability of providing a low (albeit higher than in the case of NEP) continuous thrust. It is well known that, to optimize the payload fraction, the thruster should operate in Variable Exhaust Velocity (VEV) mode and that the lower is the specific mass, the higher should be the maximum specific impulse the thruster can produce. A low thrust interplanetary travel, from the orbit around the starting planet to the orbit around the destination planet, can be considered as made of three parts: a first planetocentric phase, a second heliocentric phase and finally a third planetocentric phase; in all of them the trajectory is a sort of a spiral, but while in the first and third the spacecraft makes several (or even a large number) turns about the two planets, the second consists of a fraction of a turn about the Sun. In the first and last one the optimal specific impulse is not much variable and should remain quite low, while in the second one it must go through large variations, reaching a very high value at roughly midway between the planets. To show the potentialities of DFD, three typical fast missions are studied: to the Moon, to Mars and to Titan, showing that this propulsion device will allow humans to reach practically the whole solar system in a reasonable time. Keywords: Interplanetary travel, Human Mars Exploration, Direct Fusion Drive, Trajectory Optimization, Specific Impulse Optimization

Optimization of Interplanetary Trajectory for Direct Fusion Drive Spacecraft

The Direct Fusion Drive (DFD) technology, which is being developed at present, will allow fast and affordable interplanetary travel. This is a result of the very high specific impulse and the low specific mass of DFD thrusters which outperform more conventional Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP), with which it shares the ability of providing a low (albeit higher than in the case of NEP) continuous thrust. It is well known that, to optimize the payload fraction, the thruster should operate in Variable Exhaust Velocity (VEV) mode and that the lower is the specific mass, the higher should be the maximum specific impulse the thruster can produce. A low thrust interplanetary travel, from the orbit around the starting planet to the orbit around the destination planet, can be considered as made of three parts: a first planetocentric phase, a second heliocentric phase and finally a third planetocentric phase; in all of them the trajectory is a sort of a spiral, but while in the first and third the spacecraft makes several (or even a large number) turns about the two planets, the second consists of a fraction of a turn about the Sun. In the first and last one the optimal specific impulse is not much variable and should remain quite low, while in the second one it must go through large variations, reaching a very high value at roughly midway between the planets. To show the potentialities of DFD, three typical fast missions are studied: to the Moon, to Mars and to Titan, showing that this propulsion device will allow humans to reach practically the whole solar system in a reasonable time. Keywords: Interplanetary travel, Human Mars Exploration, Direct Fusion Drive, Trajectory Optimization, Specific Impulse Optimization

Design Analysis of a Helium Xenon-Printed Circuit Heat Exchanger for a Closed Brayton Cycle Microtransport Reactor

Microtransport with small size and a wide range of applications is very attractive for the utilization of future reactor modularization. A microreactor uses a closed Brayton cycle (CBC) to achieve high conversion efficiencies at low specific mass. The recuperator is one of the key components of CBC system which recovers heat exhausted from the turbine. A printed circuit heat exchanger (PCHE) is currently the preferred type of recuperator for the closed Brayton cycle due to its high heat transfer efficiency, high compactness, and high pressure and temperature resistance. This work intends to analyze different geometry configurations of a zigzag PCHE to increase its heat transfer efficiency while reducing its weight and size. The effect of geometric structure parameters such as channel diameter, zigzag pitch length, and zigzag angle on the Nusselt number and Fanning friction factor is investigated using a zigzag PCHE unit model. Based on the numerical simulation, the principle of least squares is employed to carry out a nonlinear fitting of the flow and heat transfer criterion correlation equations. Besides, the maximum value of the Nusselt number and minimum value of the Fanning friction factor are optimized as two conflicting objective functions using the nondominated sorting genetic algorithm-II (NSGA-II), with which a set of optimal solutions is obtained. Meanwhile, the shortest normalized distance is used to determine the compromised solution on the Pareto optimal points, and the independent variable’s sensitivity analysis is performed. Finally, a multiobjective optimization analysis is conducted for the PCHE to achieve lightweight and the high heat transfer efficiency design requirements of SIMONS.

Thermodynamic analysis of nuclear closed cycle MHD space power system

The results of thermodynamic analysis of a nuclear closed cycle MHD space power system are presented. Questions concerning the choice of optimal efficiency are examined. A thermodynamic model is developed for the closed cycle MHD (CCMHD) power system to analyze the plant efficiency for various radiator temperature, enthalpy extraction, isentropic efficiency, number of compressor stages and regenerator efficiency. The results show that radiator temperature has large effect on plant efficiency, lower radiator temperature is favorable for achieving higher plant efficiency but to the disadvantage of lower specific mass. For the given closed cycle system, the enthalpy extraction has an optimal value for the highest plant efficiency. Increasing the number of compressor stages will increase the plant efficiency, however, the beneficial effect is not significant beyond three. Larger isentropic efficiency and regenerator efficiency is good for achieving higher plant efficiency. For the above five parameters, the enthalpy extraction and regenerator efficiency have a large influence on the mass flow rete, while the others not. These analysis results can be applied for the design of space close cycle MHD power system.

Benchmarking and Simulation of Solid-Oxide Steam Electrolysis for Propellant Production in a Vacuum Chamber-Simulated Lunar Environment

Federal space agencies across the globe have prioritized development of in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) technology, such as propellants from lunar ice, to support space activities. High-temperature, solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) systems integrated with an efficient balance-of-plant (BOP) have the potential to produce H2 and O2 at specific energy (kWhelec/kgH2) lower than conventional liquid-phase alkaline and PEM electrolysis systems, due to lower voltages for steam electrolysis (vs. liquid H2O). This NASA-sponsored collaboration explored the feasibility of achieving such low specific energy in a high-temperature SOEC system operating in a cryo-vacuum characteristic of permanently shadowed craters on the lunar surface where H2O ice can be found. A lab-scale »2.5-kWelec SOEC stack and BOP achieved a specific energy < 50 kWhelec/kgH2 at a production rate of > 0.075 kgH2/h operating in a cryo-vacuum chamber. System-level simulation models of the lab-scale SOEC stack were benchmarked with experimental tests and used to explore scaling of a system for lunar deployment. The lab-scale tests and scale-up modeling suggest a pathway to a MW-scale SOEC system that can achieve < 46 kWhelec/kgH2 with relatively low specific mass (kgsystem/(kgH2/h)).

Proposta de uso de novos métodos de desenho e construção de modelos físicos de fundo movél: o caso da barragem do Salto do Paraopeba

ABSTRACT The study of the interaction between hydraulic structures in mobile bed river systems is complex because it involves sediment transport and dynamic changes in the boundary conditions, requiring the use of physical models. This article presents the procedure for the design and construction of a physical model of the reservoir and dam of the Small Hydroelectric Power Plant (SHPP) of Salto Paraopeba. In the design phase, computational modelling of sediment transport was used to reconstitute the primitive geometry of the river, and simulations of the flow regime and the transport capacity along the course of the river were also carried out; both results allowed to delimit the model extension. Considering the choice of scale and the similarity criteria between the model and the prototype, the use of a new alternative material was proposed, composed of crushed tire rubber particles, with a lower specific mass and a larger diameter than the prototype's sediment. In the construction phase, a new constructive method of the physical model was applied using fiberglass, the method presents constructive advantages, such as better representation of the morphology, lower weight, simple installation and uninstallation through modules, and simple and fast repairs, among others.

A Review on Drilling of Multilayer Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites and Aluminum Stacks: Optimization of Strategies for Improving the Drilling Performance of Aerospace Assemblies

In recent years, the use of hybrid composite stacks, particularly CFRP/Al assemblies, and fiber metal laminates (FMLs) has progressively become a convincing alternative to fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) and conventional metal alloys to meet the requirements of structural weight reduction in the modern aerospace industry. These new structural materials, which combine greater mechanical properties with low specific mass, are commonly assembled by riveted and bolted joints. The drilling operation, which represents the essential hole-making process used in the aerospace industry, proves particularly challenging when it comes to achieving damage-free holes with tight tolerances for CFRP/Al stacks in one-shot operations under dry conditions due to the dissimilar mechanical and thermal behavior of each constituent. Rapid and severe tool wear, heat damage, oversized drilled holes and the formation of metal burrs are among the major issues induced by the drilling of multi-material stacks. This paper provides an in-depth review of recent advancements concerning the selection of optimized strategies for high-performance drilling of multi-material stacks by focusing on the significant conclusions of experimental investigations of the effects of drilling parameters and cutting tool characteristics on the drilling performance of aerospace assemblies with CFRP/Al stacks and FML materials. The feasibility of alternative drilling processes for improving the hole quality of hybrid composite stacks is also discussed.

Toward a Method for Evaluating the Applicability of Aluminum Foam Sandwich

AbstractAluminum foam sandwich (AFS) is an innovative material for lightweight structures due to its various advantages (e.g. low specific mass). Today, many material properties (e.g. strength) are still not well researched, which is why AFS is not yet considered in current material selection processes. Therefore, AFS has rarely been used in the past and its application potential remains unused. This paper presents an approach toward an appropriate method for considering AFS in material selection processes to assist designers in evaluating whether the use of AFS in an application is profitable.

Carbon Capture and Storage Toward Industrialization: A Novel Continuous Process for the Production of Carbon Dioxide Clathrates

Gas hydrates have been potentially recognized for developing new technologies for CO2 capture and storage; however, the respective industrialization faces difficulties. Hydrate's crystallization is highly exothermic, 1.3 kJ tonne−1 of captured CO2, and it only occurs in a narrow window of temperatures, typically 1–5 °C. Previous works have systematically reported low space–time yields (STY) due to low specific heat and mass transfer rates of the technologies tested. Herein, NetMIX, a novel mixing technology, is used for the continuous production of CO2 hydrates. NetMIX is a structured mixer consisting of a network of unit cells comprising mixing chambers interconnected by channels. The device used here has specific heat transfer rates ranging from 107 to 108 . The setup proves to be capable of producing hydrates at a STY of 200 , two orders of magnitude larger than other technologies, resulting in a slurry with more than 20 wt% of CO2 inside the hydrates lattice. The solid is characterized, and a cubic structure I (sI) hydrate structure is detected, with no ice traces. Moreover, results indicate that the process is stable, and no plugging occurs, crucial for industrialization.

Alkali-activated slag cellular concrete with expanded polystyrene (EPS) – physical, mechanical, and mineralogical properties

With better deformation capacity and less resistance than conventional concrete, cellular concrete with expanded polystyrene (EPS) is a more suitable alternative for obtaining concrete with a low specific mass. Since the late 1980s, alkali-activated slag concrete (AASC) without Portland cement has been gaining attention. However, no comprehensive study has been conducted to analyze blast furnace slag as a binder in the mixture of cellular concrete with EPS; further, the effects of the variation in water/binder ratios (w/b) on the characteristics of the foam have not been sufficiently studied. Tests using X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry, ultrasound, resistance to axial compression, and absorption demonstrate the behavior of cellular concrete with an apparent density below 800 kg/m³ and mechanical resistance of 3 MPa. This work introduces an innovative application of the AASC for producing cellular concrete using EPS, as the foam with this type of binder seems more common.

Amino‐functionalized carbon nanotubes for effectively improving the mechanical properties of pre‐impregnated epoxy resin/carbon fiber

AbstractPre‐impregnated carbon fiber/epoxy resin (CF/epoxy prepreg) gained its popularity for significant stress applications, especially in the aerospace industry, owing to its excellent resistance and low specific mass. However, these CF/epoxy prepregs have a tendency to crack propagation. A solution for the prepregs fragility is the addition of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), especially those functionalized with amino groups, reinforcing the material due to its exceptional mechanical properties. In this work, the influence of the carbon chain length of two different amino‐functionalized CNTs from diverse backgrounds (commercial and laboratory growth CNTs) is studied. The nanofillers were added in CF/epoxy prepregs by dry spraying without solvent aid. CNTs' samples were characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), while the composites were analyzed by TGA, dynamic‐mechanical analysis, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The various surface treatment occurred at different levels according to the CNTs background, and all samples exhibited a distinct behavior. These differences were also observed in the composites' thermomechanical performance: CNTs functionalized with larger carbon chain amine presented the best results, with an increase of almost 100% in the storage moduli (E'), confirming the efficiency of amino‐functionalized CNTs in the reinforcement of CF/epoxy prepregs.

A novel vermiculite/ vegetable polyurethane resin-composite for thermal insulation eco-brick production

Affordable houses with thermal insulation materials are an efficient and creative solution for needy populations in regions where high temperatures are a public health and economic problem. In this sense, the present work had as objective to present, produce, and evaluate composites of raw vermiculite (RV) or expanded vermiculite (EV) in a vegetable polyurethane resin (VPR) matrix as thermal insulation eco-bricks. First, RV and EV were characterized by thermogravimetry (TG/DTG), X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled to energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Second, VPR was analyzed by TG/DTG. Then, materials were mixed and conformed into bricks in concentrations of 70, 80, and 90 wt % of raw vermiculite, and also 70, 80, 90 wt % of expanded vermiculite. The produced bricks were submitted to an alterability test with immersion into chemical reagents (ASTM D 543), humid atmosphere attack (NBR 8095), UV exposure (ASTM G 53), compressive test (ASTM D 695), physical indexes (NBR 12766), thermal insulation test, and TG/flammability test (ASTM D 635). Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) derived by a mixed 2 and 3-level design was utilized. Only 70% raw vermiculite passed NBR 8492 (soil-cement brick - dimensional analysis, compressive strength determination and water absorption - test method) and for this reason, was chosen for prototype production. Vermiculite react more with acid solutions. Vermiculite incorporation improves thermal stability and flame retardancy. 70 wt % RV brick was able to reduce 65% of the temperature, with good compressive strength (4.12 MPa) and low specific mass (1.47 g cm−3).

Long-term isothermal oxidation behavior of two industrial polycrystalline nickel base alloys in air at 700 °C – Evaluation of intergranular oxidation distribution and kinetic

Chromia forming Alloy 718 and AD730™ have been submitted to isothermal long-term air exposure up to 10 000 h at 700 °C. The resulting very low specific mass gain led to consider two alternatives to determine the oxidation kinetics. Measurements of the external layer thickness and of the intergranular oxide amount were carried out on SEM micrographs evidencing the intergranular oxidation contribute around 30% to the total specific mass change. AD730™ with a thicker external scale and a higher amount of intergranular oxide showed a twofold faster oxidation rate than Alloy718. The results demonstrated the need of even longer tests.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF WOOD Pinus caribaea var. caribaea, Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis AND Pinus oocarpa FOR PENCIL PRODUCTION

The behavior of the physical properties of wood is important for its use in the industrial sector. Manufacturing for pencil production requires raw material with low specific mass and high dimensional stability. The objective of this study was to evaluate the properties of the physical specific basic mass properties, anhydrous and green, as well as the retractability of the 14 years old Pinus caribaea var. caribaea, 25 years old Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis and 35 years old Pinus oocarpa in the medulla sense of the bark, base and top of the trees. All species come from the Brazilian Cerrado region afforestation. As for dimensional stability, the Pinus caribaea var. caribaea and Pinus oocarpa had similar behaviors to the volumetric contraction, when evaluating the coefficient of anisotropy of wood species of Pinus caribaea var. caribaea had higher values of anisotropy coefficient, however, all tropical pine studied, qualify as a raw material for the pencil industry, being an alternative species traditionally used.

Preconceptual nuclear design of a 50 kWth heat pipe cooled micro molten salt reactor (micro-MSR)

Micro Reactors with power below 10 MW can offer many benefits for ocean or space exploration with their favorable characteristics, such as low specific mass, long-lasting life, highly flexible power supply and strong environment adaptability. The heat pipe cooled micro molten salt reactor (micro-MSR) which is an innovative concept combining molten salt reactor and heat pipe technology, is proposed in this work and furthermore, a 50 kWth version of micro-MSR is designed. The main neutronic characteristics, including the neutron spectrum, reactivity control with control drums inserted in the radial reflector, temperature reactivity coefficient (TRC), neutron flux, power deposition, and neutron balance are provided and discussed, respectively. The diameter and height of the designed core are about 0.69 m and 0.96 m, respectively, and the total mass of the core is merely about 1.3 tons, which is desirable for application in space, ocean and remote, off-grid locations. Meanwhile, an analysis of reactivity worth and interference effects of control drums are performed, which indicates that the reactivity control can be achieved by using the control drums. The results of TRC that governs the inherent safety of the micro-MSR demonstrate the feasibility of a self-actuated shutdown mechanism owing to a sufficiently negative TRC of about −13.91 pcm/K. A design of radiation shield mainly for effective protection of the electronic components is provided and it is found that a 47 cm thickness of shield can limit the neutron and gamma dose to the permissible range. Additionally, the performance of the heat pipes (HPs) in the core is evaluated, and the results indicate that the heat transfer capacity of the HP is great enough to ensure the cooling of the fuel salt in the core.

Electrochemical Reduction of ZrO2 in Molten Electrolytes

The results of the electrochemical reduction of zirconium dioxide in molten electrolytes based on calcium or magnesium chloride on a liquid gallium cathode, bypassing the stage of granulation and sintering with carbohydrates, are presented. The liquid gallium cathode provides not only reliable contact with zirconium dioxide, but also favourable conditions for its reduction. The contact area of the gallium cathode with fine oxide powder is much larger than the contact area of the granulated and sintered zirconium dioxide with a solid conductor. This ensures a more uniform cathode polarization. Due to the lower specific mass, zirconium dioxide is located on the surface of gallium cathode, the convective movement of which provides more intense mass transfer at the interface of the phases and removal of recovery products from the zone of electrode reaction. Products of electrolysis under such conditions do not block neither the surface of zirconium dioxide nor the surface of the cathode. Zirconium, which is formed during the renewal, due to a larger specific mass, precipitates to the bottom of the electrolyser, and the layer of gallium protects it from interaction with the components of the molten electrolyte. In addition, due to the formation of alloys, the reduction of metal cations on liquid cathodes proceeds at more positive potentials than on solid indifferent cathodes, which reduces the specific energy consumption by electrolysis. The results of voltammetric studies confirm this conclusion.The reduction product is fine-grained zirconium powder with an average particle size of 1—3 microns, and purity of 99.9 %. As the density of the current increases, the value of the specific surface of the powder, the specific volume of the micropore and their average radius decrease. The degree of extraction depends on the composition of the electrolyte mixture and naturally decreases when replacing cations in the melts both on the basis of calcium chloride and on the basis of magnesium chloride in the following sequence Na+ > K+ > Li+. The melt based on compounds of calcium and sodium chloride provides the best performance. The removal degree of zirconium from such melt reaches 77 %.

A review of mechanical drilling on fiber metal laminates

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.

Use of waste collected from wind turbine blade production as an eco-friendly ingredient in mortars for civil construction

Most countries worldwide are making efforts to diversify their energy supplies, employing alternative sources of energy that can minimize environmental impacts. Wind power is especially attractive in countries with abundances of territory and wind, such as Brazil. One of the main components of wind generators is the turbine blade, which is essentially composed of a metal structure enveloped in glass fiber and epoxy resin, together with wood and adhesive. The aim of this work was to incorporate a solid waste composed of a mixture of glass fiber embedded in epoxy resin, which was produced during the manufacture of wind turbine blades, into mortar based on Portland cement (cement:aggregate ratio of 1:3). The waste replaced part of the aggregate (sand), consequently reducing the use of a natural resource (sand), and providing a suitable route for the disposal and use of the wind blade waste. The solid waste was collected and converted to a powder with granulometry similar to that of sand, employing a turning process. The powder was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), granulometry, contact angle measurements, and determination of the inorganic content, enabling evaluation of the behavior of the waste in the cementitious matrix. After the characterizations, test specimens of mortar (40 × 40 × 160 mm) were produced with 0 (waste-free), 7.5, 15, 22.5, 30, and 37.5% of the aggregate (sand) replaced by the powdered waste. The prepared specimens (in the hardened state) were used in assays of mechanical resistance (compression and flexion), voids index, and specific mass, as prescribed in Brazilian standards (NBR), envisaging the use of the materials in civil construction. The results showed that the cementitious composites produced with replacement of up to 15% of the sand complied with relevant technological criteria, such as compression resistance (8 MPa). The mortars containing the waste also presented lower specific mass, offering advantages for civil construction applications. The results demonstrated the viability of incorporating this waste into cementitious matrices.