Youjiang Wang
|
Research AbstractsYoujiang Wang |
Last Updated: 03/30/04 |
Efficiency Enhancement for Compressed Air Supply Systems for Airjet Weaving and Spinning Airjet weaving and airjet spinning use compressed air for pick insertion and yarn consolidation. Airjet machines, compared with some other modern technologie s, are less energy efficient, and as a result, the energy cost per unit volume of product has increased in the last few decades. In this project, we work with utility and textile industries to develop and install monitoring devices. This will enable us to analyze the energy loss and consumption, and to identify opportunities for reducing the overall energy consumption in airjet weaving and spinning, and for enhancing the reliability of the compressed air supply system. Click on the title above to see a PowerPoint presentation on the project. Technologies for Fiber Recycling According to the EPA statistics, about 14 billion pounds of textile and carpet waste is landfilled each year in the U.S. Post consumer and industrial fibrous textile and carpet waste forms a sizable portion of the municipal solid waste. There is a need to develop technologies to convert the textile waste into useful products. Earlier studies have demonstrated the benefits and feasibility of using recycled fibers for concrete and soil reinforcement. In this project, further studies are carried out on the use of recycled fibers for construction, converting waste into resins for engineering plastics, component separation methods, and durability of the recycled materials. Analysis and Enhancement of Carding and Spinning The research team is developing a technology which shortens the processing sequence to two major steps: opening/cleaning, and yarn formation by Card-Spinning. The novel yarn formation system consists of a card fitted with a web dividing device and multiple spinning nozzles. The feasibility of the key individual sub-systems has been demonstrated. In this project, we conduct a fundamental analysis of the system, with the following specific objectives: (1) To analyze and regulate fiber transport to the spinning heads to achieve better reliability and product uniformity, (2) To study the limiting factors affecting the operating range (e.g., yarn count range, types of raw materials) and to develop solutions to overcome such barriers, (3) To characterize the structures of yarns from this spinning system and to analyze the yarn performance characteristics, and (4) To work with industry partners to identify and develop applications for the new yarns. Fiber-Fiber Friction Measurement from Dynamic Mechanical Testing Mechanics analysis of staple yarns provides an understanding of the yarn deformation and failure mechanisms. This study involves theoretical modeling of the entire load-extension response of low-twist staple yarns and experimental analysis including monotonic and cyclic tensile testing. Several yarn parameters are varied to study their effect on the yarn behavior. The model is used in a parametric study to explore the effect of fiber properties and yarn structural parameters on the yarn mechanical behavior. Textile Composites The goal of this study is to develop high performance, durable, lightweight, and low cost composite materials based on textile processes for construction applications, especially for infrastructure construction and rehabilitation. The tasks include studying the processes for manufacturing structural composite members (e.g., beams, columns, tensioning plates) using selected preforming technologies such as weaving, braiding, knitting and stitching, and consolidation technologies such as resin transfer molding, press molding, and pultrusion. Mechanical/structural properties of the composites will also be evaluated. Theoretical analysis will be conducted for optimal design of the composites. |