| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/S74614/01 |
| Title: |
Thermal characterisation of materials under high pressure |
| Principal Investigator: |
Imrie, Professor C |
| Other Investigators: |
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| Researcher Co-Investigators: |
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| Project Partners: |
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| Department: |
Engineering |
| Organisation: |
University of Aberdeen |
| Scheme: |
Standard Research (Pre-FEC) |
| Starts: |
01 February 2004 |
Ends: |
31 July 2007 |
Value (£): |
322,264
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Design & Testing Technology |
Materials Characterisation |
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| EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications: |
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| Related Grants: |
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| Panel History: |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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Describe the proposed research using (about 200) words geared to the non-specialist reader.This proposal addresses an urgent need to develop a better understanding of the behaviour of materials under high pressure and high temperature (HPHT) conditions. In Aberdeen we have established the Scottish Offshore Materials Centre (SOMC) and constructed HP-HT autoclaves which allow the testing of real-size components under dynamic mechanical loading; this is the only facility of its type in the world. We cannot, however, determine the thermal properties of the materials, such as phase transformations, but must infer them from changes in mechanical and electrical data. Furthermore, such a capability does not exist in the UK, and there is jusy one operational facility in Europe for thermal measurements at high pressures (to 5 kbar). Thus, this proposal describes the construction of the UK's first truly high pressure differential scanning calorimeter (HP-DSC) based on an original design supplied by Professor Hoehne (Technical University of Eindhoven), which will operate at pressures up to 5 kbar. The commissioning of the instrument will address a number of key issues including safety procedures, sample preparation, developing experimental protocols, assessment of baseline stability, and establishing calibration routines. Three applications of HP-DSC will be explored: (a) the pressure dependence of the kinetics of processes at the glass transition in polymers and inorganic glasses; (b) the effects of pressure on the curing of elastomers; and (c) physical ageing and densification effects. These projects have been selected to highlight the variety of potential benefits to scientific knowledge as well as to provide insights into the design and operation of HP-DSC. Throughout the programme we will continually review the performance of the instrument with a view to improvement.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.abdn.ac.uk |