Thermal relaxation of laminated bamboo for folded shells. (15th October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ramage, Michael H.; Sharma, Bhavna; Shah, Darshil U.; Reynolds, Thomas P.S.
• Is Part Of: Materials & design. Volume 132(2017)
• Page Start: 582
• Page End: 589
• Publication Date: 2017-10-15
• Subjects: Laminated bamboo -- Engineered bamboo -- Thermal relaxation -- Design -- Natural fibre composite; Materials -- Periodicals; Engineering design -- Periodicals; Matériaux -- Périodiques; Conception technique -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2017.07.035
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-1275

Abstract

Abstract: Laminated bamboo is emerging as a novel material in design and construction. As a natural fibre composite, it has unique mechanical properties that allow for innovations that are not possible in other materials. Here, we discuss one new application of those properties: the development of a novel bending technique using high temperature, and we explore its implications for design. We have explored the fundamental properties of laminated bamboo and its thermal relaxation as it passes the glass transition temperatures of its constituent polymers. By mechanically thinning engineered bamboo material, score lines allow precise, controlled and localised heating that promotes limited but essential elasto-plastic behaviour. Concentrated heating above the glass transition temperature induces property evolution and structural morphology changes, which results in thermal relaxation with minimal recovery and full set upon cooling. This original technology is then deployed in the design and construction of a folded plate helical shell composed of thin laminated bamboo sheets. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Localised heating promotes elasto-plastic behaviour in laminated bamboo. Study of bamboo thermal relaxation behaviour applied to heat bending. Method was demonstrated for folded helical shell composed of laminated bamboo.