• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.803-812
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• 2019

Triplex composite is an epoxy-bonded joint structure, which constitutes the secondary barrier in a liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier. Defects in the triplex composite weaken its shear strength and may cause leakage of the LNG, thus compromising the structural integrity of the LNG carrier. This paper proposes an autonomous triplex composite inspection (ATCI) system for visualizing and classifying hidden defects in the triplex composite installed inside an LNG carrier. First, heat energy is generated on the surface of the triplex composite using halogen lamps, and the corresponding heat response is measured by an infrared (IR) camera. Next, the region of interest (ROI) is traced and noise components are removed to minimize false indications of defects. After a defect is identified, it is classified as internal void or uncured adhesive and its size and shape are quantified and visualized, respectively. The proposed ATCI system allows the fully automated and contactless detection, classification, and quantification of hidden defects inside the triplex composite. The effectiveness of the proposed ATCI system is validated using the data obtained from actual triplex composite installed in an LNG carrier membrane system.

• Composites Research
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.39-45
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• 2011

Adhesive joints are widely used for structural joining applications in various fields and environmental conditions. Polyurethane (PU) and Epoxy adhesives are now being used for liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers at cryogenic temperatures. This paper presents a comprehensive evaluation of epoxy and PU adhesive bonds between Triplex sheets at normal and cryogenic temperatures. The most significant result of this study is that for all adhesives tested, there is a significant decrease in peel strength at cryogenic temperatures. However, the reasons for the decrease in peel strength for epoxy and PU adhesives differ. Consequently, PU adhesives can be considered better suited for use in applications requiring high bonding performance at cryogenic conditions, such as in LNG carriers.

• Journal of the Korean Ceramic Society
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• v.51 no.5
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• pp.453-458
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• 2014

SiC and its composites have been considered for use as nuclear fuel cladding materials of pressurized light water reactors. In this study, a $SiC_f$/SiC composite as a constituent layer of SiC triplex fuel cladding was fabricated using a chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) process in which tubular SiC fiber preforms were prepared using a filament winding method. To enhance the matrix density of the composite layer, winding patterns, deposition temperature, and gas input ratio were controlled. Fiber arrangement and porosity were the main parameters influencing densification behaviors. Final density of the composites decreased as the SiC fiber volume fraction increased. The CVI process was optimized to densify the tubular preforms with high fiber volume fraction at a high $H_2$/MTS ratio of 20 at $1000^{\circ}C$; in this process, surface canning of the composites was effectively retarded.

• Composites Research
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.14-17
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• 2009

Adhesive joints are widely used for structural joining applications in various fields and environmental conditions. Polyurethane adhesive is using for LNG carrier with cryogenic temperature condition. In industrial application of polyurethane adhesive, void of adhesive layer is often discussed regarding its effects on bonding properties. In present study, artificial void were prepared on Polyurethane adhesive layer with various size and location. The single lap shear test was carried out by using prepared specimens under $-170^{\circ}C$. As a result, it was confirm that the void of adhesive layer didn't affect the adhesion properties independent of their size and location.

• Journal of the Society of Naval Architects of Korea
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• v.58 no.4
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• pp.262-270
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• 2021

Consumption of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) has increased due to environmental pollution; therefore, the need for LNG carriers can efficiently transport large quantities of LNG, is increased. In various types of LNG Cargo Containment System (CCS), Membrane-type MARK-III composed of composite materials is generally employed in the construction of an LNG carrier. Among composite materials in a Mark-III system, glass-fiber composites act as a secondary barrier to prevent the inner hull structure from leakage of LNG when the primary barrier is damaged. Nevertheless, several cases of damage to the secondary barriers have been reported and if damage occurs, LNG can flow into the inner hull structure, causing a brittle fracture. To prevent those problems, this study conducted the applicability assessment of composite material manufactured by bonding glass-fiber and aluminum with epoxy resin and increasing layer from three-ply (triplex) to five-ply (pentaplex). Tensile tests were performed in five temperature points (25, -20, -70, -120, and -170℃) considering temperature gradient in CCS. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE) analyses were carried out to evaluate the microstructure and thermos-mechanical properties of the pentaplex. The results showed epoxy resin and increasing layer number contributed to improving the mechanical properties over the whole temperature range.