bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Managing Cash-Based Incentives
Authors: Taussig Reed
Published: July 2003

Cash-based incentives have predominantly been manually calculated and administered through spreadsheets—a time-intensive process prone to costly error. With the right incentive and compensation software, the compensation and benefits manager can bring major cost savings to a company by automating, managing and tracking the process effectively. Software programs provide an enterprise-level application capable of modeling, creating, managing and reporting on the whole variable compensation process with a scalable, flexible, automated and easy-to-use system. Ultimately, this helps optimize revenue over all selling channels, grow profitability, align tactics with corporate strategy and optimize a complex business process that drives the bottom line.
Shopping for Incentives
Authors: Hutson Darryl A.
Published: July 2003

As compensation and benefits professionals consider incentive packages, they should note an emerging market trend among employees—the desire to be able to redeem rewards both online and off. Ongoing research by American Express Incentive Services, L.L.C., has demonstrated that employees want the ability to select personally relevant rewards. The latest research examined the “choice” preference at the next level. When asked where they would be most likely to redeem a reward gift card, more than one third of incentive users said they would want to use the card in stores and online. Stored-value reward cards not only let recipients reward themselves how and when they want but also can play an essential role in creating good employee relations in a sluggish economy. Recent AEIS research suggests that personally meaningful incentives can help downsizing companies stem the resignation temptation that often follows layoffs.
Rethinking Online Benefits
Authors: Simon Sidney H. , Mattle William G.
Published: July 2003

In the face of an economic downturn, the arguments for the adoption of online benefits solutions are considerable. Unless already deployed, implementing these solutions should appear high on every HR manager’s list of initiatives for 2002. Benefits and HR managers already recognize these solutions as timesaving. But these solutions also bring process efficiencies that lead to increased employee benefits knowledge and increased employee satisfaction with their total compensation package. To sell their company on an online benefits communication, enrollment and administration solution, benefits managers and HR executives need to leverage the significant savings these solutions ultimately can contribute to the organization. These savings become key selling points for gaining acceptance and support for Internet benefits among an organization’s senior management. With the proper return-on-investment discussion with your CFO, your HR organization can easily be administering benefits online in 2002.
The Implications of the Euro for Expatriate Policies and Practices
Authors: Cummins Siobhan
Published: July 2003

On January 1, 1999, the euro became an officially recognized currency. From that point until February 2002, employers have been busy introducing the new currency into their administrative, financial and human resources systems. Pros and cons on this topic remain the center of debate, prompting Organization Resources Counselors, Inc. to survey multinational organizations headquartered around the world in a series of reports to determine potential changes in their expatriate and local-national policies, as well as their opinions about future consequences. Overall, participants are limiting their efforts in the area of expatriate management—compensation approaches, use of allowances and so forth—and focusing a large part of their energy on legislative compliance with regards to converting pay elements to one currency. Many organizations have adopted a “wait and see” attitude, recognizing that change—although inevitable—is likely to be gradual.
Compensation Practices in Small Entrepreneurial and High-Growth Companies in the United States and China
Authors: Heneman Robert L. , Tansky Judith W. , Wang Sheng , Wang Zhong-Ming
Published: July 2003

This article features a study that compares the extent to which U.S. pay practices are being used currently by small companies in China. Because of the high growth of small, fast-growth and entrepreneurial firms in China, small Chinese companies are compared with both small companies and fast-growth entrepreneurial firms in the United States. Results show that there are significant differences in pay practices in China when compared with firms in the United States. The article also discusses compensation issues for U.S. firms doing business with small Chinese companies.
Strategic Human Resource Management and Organizational Performance in Singapore
Authors: Wan David , Ong Chin Huat , Kok Victor
Published: July 2003

Many academics and practitioners have noted the emergence of a new generation of workers characterized by decreased company loyalty and increased expectations on various aspects of work life. At the same time, increasing emphasis on knowledge-based competition has accelerated the importance of human capital and hence the strategic role of the human resource management (HRM) function in any organization. This article includes a study of 191 Singapore firms. The study found a positive relationship between various aspects of a company’s strategic HRM policies/practices and its HR performance. However, the relationship seems weaker when it comes to a firm’s financial outcome. The study reveals that these two aspects of organizational performance may be affected by different HRM components. It also discusses how proper management of human capital can be a critical source of competitive advantage.
Developing a More Relevant and Competitive approach for Valuing Knowledge Work
Authors: Heneman Robert L. , LeBlanc Peter V.
Published: July 2003

This article introduces the concept of work valuation, a new method of placing value on work based on the market value of work, its strategic impact and the competencies associated with performing the work. This concept is needed because job evaluation practices have not kept pace with the radical transformation of work that is taking place. This omission is critical as employers migrate their pay structures from pay grades to pay bands. The theory of work valuation is presented, followed by work valuation guidelines and the steps to be taken in the work valuation process. The article concludes that work valuation must be established in organizations to monetarily differentiate work that is most related to organizational effectiveness.
Pay Changes Going Forward
Authors: Zingheim Patricia K. , Schuster Jay R.
Published: July 2003

This article traces the history of total pay from “entitlement” to “recessionary response” and poses some challenges for companies trying to figure out what to do. It predicts what might be on the horizon and builds on prior responses to suggest how economic change affects the messages companies send about values and directions. The article suggests that compensation managers will need to reenergize the pay and reward game and build stronger confidence in tools such as incentives and stock options that have not worked as expected over the past few years. Communications will need more serious attention and measures and goals will have to be developed so employers just do not assume that every year they will be able to generate performance that surpasses what they did in the past year. Compensation managers can use the old solutions as learning experiences. Staying the course through thick and thin may be best for building confidence among employees.
Developing Successful Voluntary Programs to Help Retain Employees
Authors: Mullaney William J.
Published: July 2003

The popularity of voluntary benefits, which include traditional offerings such as disability insurance and dental care, as well as novel choices such as long-term care and even pet insurance, is growing rapidly. Voluntary benefits are costeffective for employers and popular with employees. The effectiveness of voluntary benefits can be maximized only if they are offered as part of a well-conceived overall program. Employers should proactively determine employees’ real needs and offer benefits they most desire; the plan should be easy to understand, convenient to enroll in and simple to use, with service provided through a single touch point; and the benefits should be portable and payable through payroll deduction. A single trusted third-party provider should be used to give benefits a consistent quality and an integrated look and feel, and the employer should support the plan from rollout to ongoing implementation. Because informed employees make informed decisions, plan information should be provided through all channels, particularly the Internet.
Rewards and Recognition in Employee Motivation
Authors: Hansen Frederick , Smith Michele , Hansen Ries B.
Published: July 2003

Reward and recognition are usually regarded as synonyms. They are, however, quite distinct and represent a fundamental duality in human motivation. Despite the overwhelming theoretical and research support for this duality, it continues to be ignored in the actual practice of designing and implementing employee motivation initiatives. Consequently, motivation programs are ineffective and may even erode employees’ ability to engage with their work. More important is the adverse impact on the ability to understand and learn about human motivation. Only when recognition and reward are treated as two distinct phenomena will the effectiveness of employee motivation initiatives be improved. This article clarifies the differences between the two distinct subsystems of human motivation and describes the different strategic role played by each subsystem. Specific recommendations for the design and implementation of employee motivation programs, given the recognition-reward distinction, are discussed.
Disclosure in the Post-Enron Environment
Authors: Lauro Sandra K.
Published: July 2003

Some employers invest substantial time designing company-sponsored benefit, bonus or compensation plans to accomplish an intended purpose. As a result, these plans often contain details, conditions and definitions to limit the plan to provide only what the employer intended. Other employers create a benefit, bonus or compensation plan without much thought to details until the day comes for the employee payout. Recent cases demonstrate the risks associated with not providing full and accurate benefit information to employees. Judges and juries have been receptive to employee claims such as fraud or breach of contract based on the communication of inaccurate benefit information. In the wake of Enron, additional issues arise concerning the use of stock options and fiduciary duties. This article examines several cases and provides practical advice for employers to minimize the risk of liability.
Filling the Retirement Gap for Highly Compensated Employees
Authors: West Mark
Published: July 2003

Many Americans earning more than $50,000 a year will not save enough to maintain their current standard of living into retirement. Personal savings rates are at an all-time low, baby boomers are aging, the future of Social Security remains uncertain and mortality is improving. Although Social Security and qualified plans can provide a solid retirement base, “reverse discrimination” against highly compensated employees results in a retirement gap. How do compensation and benefits managers recruit, retain and reward key employees? This article explores opportunities with nonqualified plans-retirement-planning options for those who “max out” of their qualified plan contributions but still want to set aside more for retirement. The article also covers how a business can finance various plans for a key employee's retirement plan and the advantages and disadvantages of each design and financing method.
Whatever Happened to Synanon? The Birth of the Anticriminal Therapeutic Community Methodology
Authors: Yablonsky Lewis
Published: July 2003

This article describes a criminal/addict treatment approach that began in California and is now used around the world. The methodology uses the therapeutic energy and knowledge of ex-criminal/drug addicts.
Following the Dirty Money: Does Bank Reporting of Suspicious Activity Pose a Threat to Drug Dealers?
Authors: Benning Joseph F.
Published: July 2003

This article examines implementation of newregulations designed to suppress, detect, and prosecute money laundering. The new regulations require banks to report suspicions of client money laundering to the federal government. Previously, banks were simply required to report all cash transactions greater than $10,000. This article explores the new regime’s likely efficacy using ordinary least squares regression to test the significance of narcotics trafficking on state-level variation in bank suspicious activity reports, controlling for the general level of crime, economic indicators, population variables, and proximity to drug-smuggling routes. Narcotics trafficking activity and proximity to smuggling routes each predict significant increases in suspicious activity reports, which suggests an identifiable spatial link between narcotics trafficking and dirty money bank accounts. This suggests that following the dirty money trail may present authorities with a means to prosecute money laundering cases against drug dealers who are the beneficial owners of such accounts.
The Impact of Media on Knowledge and Perceptions of Megan’s Law
Authors: Proctor Jon L. , Badzinski Diane M. , Johnson Michelle
Published: July 2003

Using survey data, this research examines the role of media exposure and attention to media on people’s knowledge and perception of a specific criminal justice policy: Megan’s Law. Overall, the results revealed that general knowledge ofMegan’s Law is low. Media exposure and attention increased the level of specific knowledge of Massachusetts community notification law but did not have an effect on knowledge of Megan’s Law in general. Attention to crime in the newspaper was related to both support forMegan’s Law and belief in its effectiveness. The low level of variability in support, however, suggests that community notification is an across-the-board popular policy, even among people with minimal media exposure and who pay little attention to crime in the news.
Detention Screening: Prospects for Population Management and the Examination of Disproportionality by Race, Age, and Gender
Authors: Gamble Thomas J. , Sonnenberg Sherrie , Haltigan John D. , Cuzzola-Kern Amy
Published: July 2003

Overcrowding in juvenile detention facilities continues to pose problems for many jurisdictions. This article examines detention screening as a policy response to overcrowding. It presents evidence, based on more than 1,000 admissions to secure detention, that a very simple detention-screening instrument can provide safe and effective utilization management for secure detention resources. The information gathered from the use of a detention-screening instrument can also be used to examine the extent to which extralegal factors such as gender, age, and race enter into detention decisions. Results indicate that detention screening is an effective mechanism for census management and that after controlling for legal factors, females are detained at a higher rate than males are and youth younger than 14 are detained at a higher rate than older youth are. Finally, in a finding inconsistent with much of the literature, after controlling for legal variables in this population, White youth are detained for less serious offenses than Black youth are.
Is Breastfeeding Protective Against Child Obesity?
Authors: Dewey Kathryn G.
Published: July 2003

Recent studies suggest that breastfeeding reduces the risk of child obesity to a moderate extent. Of 11 studies that examined prevalence of overweight in children older than 3 years of age and that had a sample size of ≥ 100 per feeding group, 8 showed a lower risk of overweight in children who had been breastfed, after controlling for potential confounders. The 3 “negative” studies lacked information on the exclusivity of breastfeeding. A dose-response relationship with duration of breastfeeding was observed in some, but not all, of the “positive” studies. Possible mechanisms include learned self-regulation of energy intake, metabolic programming in early life, and residual confounding by parental attributes. If the association is causal, the effect of breastfeeding is probably small compared to other factors that influence child obesity, such as parental overweight. Nonetheless, it may be of public health significance considering the current epidemic of child overweight. J Hum Lact. 19(1):9-18.
Lactation Mastitis: A Descriptive Study of the Experience
Authors: Wambach Karen A.
Published: July 2003

This descriptive study of 31 women diagnosed with lactation mastitis in the midwestern United States investigated mastitis symptomatology, self-care and treatment, burden of mastitis, and symptom recurrence and complications. Data collected via telephone interviews soon after diagnosis and daily through the seventh day after symptom onset documented that symptom intensity was moderate, peaked on the second day, and lasted on average 3 to 4 days. Symptoms had greater impact on activities of daily living than on breastfeeding. Sources of advice for self-care included lactation consultants, nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians, family, and friends. Continued breastfeeding was the most frequently used of several self-care practices and was rated as highly effective. Follow-up at 2 and 6 weeks established mastitis recurrence as the most common complication. Breastfeeding women need specific information about mastitis causes, symptoms, and self-care strategies to help prevent and treat the condition. J Hum Lact. 19(1):24-34.
Translation and Validation of the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale Into Spanish: Data From a Puerto Rican Population
Authors: Molina Torres Marcelina , Dávila Torres René R. , Parrilla Rodríguez Ana M. , Dennis Cindy-Lee
Published: July 2003

Many new mothers discontinue breastfeeding prematurely due to difficulties encountered rather than maternal choice. Research has shown that a significant predictor of breastfeeding duration is maternal confidence. Using self-efficacy theory as a conceptual framework to measure breastfeeding confidence, the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale (BSES) was developed and psychometrically tested among English-speaking mothers. The purpose of this methodological study was to translate the BSES into Spanish and determine the psychometric characteristics of the BSES in a sample of 100 Puerto Rican women. The psychometric assessment of the original study was replicated including internal consistency, principal components factor analysis, and comparison between contrasted groups. This study is the first to examine the psychometric characteristics of the Spanish-version BSES administered in-hospital and provide further evidence of the reliability and validity of the instrument. J Hum Lact. 19(1):35-42.
The Impact of Breast Reduction Surgery on Breastfeeding Performance
Authors: Souto Gláucia C. , Giugliani Elsa R. J. , Giugliani Camila , Schneider Márcia A.
Published: July 2003

The impact of reduction mammoplasty surgery on breastfeeding performance was measured comparing a group of 49 Brazilian women who had undergone breast reduction surgery using transposition techniques with 96 controls. As determined by survival analysis, the women who underwent reduction mammoplasty had a significantly shorter time of breastfeeding duration. The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding at 1 and 4 months was 21% and 4%, respectively, for women with surgery, and 70% and 22%, respectively, for controls ( P < .001). The prevalence of any breastfeeding at 1, 6, and 12 months was 58%, 16%, and 10% for women with mammoplasty, and 94%, 58%, and 42% for controls ( P < .001). For women with surgery, the median duration of exclusive and any breastfeeding was 5 days and 2 months, respectively, and 3 months and 6 months for controls. The results of this study suggest that breast reduction surgery may have a negative impact on breastfeeding performance. J Hum Lact. 19(1):43-49.
Feeding Preferences and Attitudes to Breastfeeding and Its Promotion Among Teenagers in Northern Ireland
Authors: Greene Jacinta , Stewart-Knox Barbara , Wright Marion
Published: July 2003

Northern Ireland has one of the lowest breastfeeding initiation rates in the world. Given that attitudes toward infant feeding are formed at an early age and a high rate of teenage pregnancy, it has become necessary to survey attitudes to infant feeding and breastfeeding promotion preferences in teenagers in Northern Ireland. Questionnaires were distributed to teenagers aged 14 to 18 years (n = 419) based in 7 schools selected by type and location throughout Northern Ireland. Attitudes to breastfeeding in public reflected preferred infant-feeding method and were positively influenced by prior exposure to breastfeeding ( P = .024). Females were more positive than males both in relation to breastfeeding in public ( P = .002) and breastfeeding promotion ( P = .003). Recommendations for breastfeeding promotion include specific targeting of young people (both male and female) and enabling contact between teenagers and nursing mothers as much as possible. J Hum Lact. 19(1):57-65.
Peer Counselors for Breastfeeding Mothers in the Hospital Setting: Trials, Training, Tributes, and Tribulations
Authors: Merewood Anne , Philipp Barbara L.
Published: July 2003

Boston Medical Center (BMC), an inner-city, Baby-Friendly teaching hospital with approximately 2000 births per year, has employed breastfeeding peer counselors since 1998. The Breastfeeding Center frequently receives requests for information on our peer counselor program. This article reviews program models, training methods, practicalities, benefits, and challenges associated with employing breastfeeding peer counselors in the hospital setting. Specifically, it focuses on 3 different models of peer counseling programs used at BMC: the telephone model, the postpartum model, and the neonatal intensive care model, and it considers the benefits and issues associated with each model. J Hum Lact. 19(1):72-76
Printed Advice on Initiating and Maintaining Breastfeeding in Mid-20th-Century Queensland
Authors: Thorley Virginia
Published: July 2003

This article, which is part of a larger historical study of infant-feeding advice received by mothers in Queensland, Australia, identifies and examines print materials that were used by mothers, or that influenced other texts, during the postwar period from 1945 to 1965. The texts are described within the context of their environmental influences and the medical knowledge and research of the time to assess what effect, if any, these latter materials had on the established system of infant-feeding advice. Two innovations that were employed are the use of interviews to identify the most-used texts and the comparison of popular advice books with medical journal material. J Hum Lact. 19(1):77-89.
From Compliance to Commitment: The Need for Constituent Discourse in Implementing Testing Policy
Authors: Debard Robert , Kubow Patricia K.
Published: July 2003

The most provocative public policy to grow out of the educational reform movement that began in the early 1980s has been the use of standardized, high-stakes tests to motivate and monitor the accomplishment of state and national goals of academic progress and student achievement. This article considers such proficiency testing as a cautionary lesson in the formation of public policy. Primary research conducted by the authors regarding the impact proficiency testing has had on an upper-middle-class school district reveals the perception of constituents most affected by proficiency testing. The thesis that emerges is that political power can dictate compliance, but commitment will emerge only when there is open dialogue in formulating and improving policy.
The Signals Parents Send When They Choose Their Children’s Schools
Authors: Manna Paul F.
Published: July 2003

How clear are the signals that parents send when they choose to leave a public school to take advantage of a voucher program? This study explores this question in the context of Milwaukee’s Parental Choice Program from 1990 to 1995. Two broad findings are discussed. First, parents do not always send clear signals about their levels of satisfaction when they express an interest in removing their children from public schools. Second, these signals have important implications for the design of voucher programs or other quasi-markets for education, for inferences school officials might draw from parents’decisions, and for the way scholars study choice programs.
Feminist Spirituality and Alcohol Treatment
Authors: Finfgeld Deborah L.
Published: July 2003

Although there is some evidence that spirituality may play a role in successful resolution of alcohol problems, there are those who assert that traditional androcentric theologies may be detrimental to the healing process among women. Within conventional religious traditions, women have been relegated to positions of diminished status and power and may be subject to expectations of self-abnegation. For these reasons, asserting powerlessness and abdicating control to a male-defined deity may be nontherapeutic. In contrast, feminist spirituality represents a collage of traditions that enable women to identify the divine within and find strength and power through their interpersonal relationships and lived experiences. Together, the foci of feminist spirituality and women’s health care provide new perspectives for alcohol treatment. Nurses need to become aware of these viewpoints and ways in which they can be integrated into their practices.
A Holistic Approach to Risk-Screening in Pregnancy with Appalachian Women
Authors: Jesse D. Elizabeth , Wallace Debra C. , Seaver William
Published: July 2003

Routine screening for risk factors in pregnancy is one of the major components of prenatal care that is highly recommended, yet few risk assessment systems have a comprehensive view. This investigation examined prenatal risk assessment from a comprehensive perspective to identify biophysical, psychosocial, spiritual, and perceptual factors in pregnancy affecting infant birth weight. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using standard and reliable questionnaires with a convenience sample of 120 pregnant women between the ages of 14 and 44 years and 16 to 28 weeks gestation at three prenatal clinics in East Tennessee. Two factors, absence of maternal partner support during pregnancy and African American race, emerged as significant predictors for infant birth weight. Findings emphasize the necessity for nurses and other providers to screen for presence and source of social support during routine prenatal assessments. Continued research to develop a comprehensive assessment of risk in pregnancy should enhance our understanding of maternal factors influencing maternal and infant health.
E-Community Health Nursing
Authors: Copeland Melissa
Published: July 2003

Dissolving boundaries of space and time, the Internet creates another dimension in which to practice community health nursing. Addressing the challenges of health issues in the virtual environment affords new opportunities for holistic nursing practice. Grounded in holistic nursing theory and practice and built on a feminist foundation, this article explores the process of community health nursing within an Internet-based community. A brief review of the literature identifies relevant research findings. Barriers to communication are identified. These include perceived ease of use of computer technology and gendered patterns of communication. Lessons learned in an actual Internet community are discussed.
Relationships among Perceived Enactment of Autonomy, Self-Care, and Holistic Health in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Hertz Judith E. , Anschutz Cynthia A.
Published: July 2003

The purpose of this article is to report findings from two studies of community-dwelling older adults. The focus of both studies was on delineating relationships among perceived enactment of autonomy (PEA) and selected self-care and health variables from the perspective of Modeling and Role-Modeling nursing theory. Results indicated that PEA, representing the potential for self-care action, was positively correlated to perceived control and morale in Study 1 and to life satisfaction in Study 2. Significant differences in PEA scores were found based on the health indicators of participation in social activities and reliance on others for shopping in Study 2. In addition, Study 1 found that morale, gender, age, perceived control, and education accounted for 39% of the variance in PEA. Implications are discussed for designing theory-based holistic nursing interventions to support PEA in older adults and to direct future research.
Experiencing the Death of My Mother
Authors: Spear Hila J.
Published: July 2003

As a nurse, I have witnessed the miracle of birth and the sadness of death. The death of my mother was one of the most profound experiences I have ever encountered. The lessons I learned through this event made me more sensitive to the needs of patients and their families. The purpose of this story is to offer hope and encouragement to others who may be suffering the loss of a parent and to provide reminders and suggestions for nurses who attend to the needs of the dying with an emphasis on communication, presencing, and advocacy.
Mechanics of Damage and Degradation in Random Short Glass Fiber Reinforced Composites
Authors: Dano Marie-Laure , Gendron Guy , Mir Hicham
Published: July 2003

The present study is part of an ongoing research work on damage of random short fiber reinforced composites. First, the tensile behavior of the material was studied. In its initial state, the material is planarly isotropic elastic. As the load increases, damage induces an anisotropic degradation of the material properties. Then, the degradation mechanisms were studied from microscopic observations of polished specimens. Finally, a theoretical model based on damage mechanics is proposed to predict the mechanical behavior of the material. Damage variables are used to evaluate the change of the compliance tensor. The evolution laws of the damage variables are established within a thermodynamic framework using the associated thermodynamic forces. Correlation with the tensile test results is good. However, additional experiments have to be carried out to fully validate the proposed model.
Analytical Application of Localized Flexibility Method Combined with Finite Element Analysis to Damage Detection of CFRP Laminated Plates
Authors: Byon O. , Aoki Y.
Published: July 2003

This paper presents modal-based structural damage detection. Specifically, we focus on localized flexibility properties that can be deduced from the experimentally determined global flexibility matrix. We describe the damage detection theory that can be viewed a generalized flexibility formulation in three different generalized coordinates, viz., localized or substructural displacement-basis, elemental deformation-basis and element strain-basis. The three localized flexibilities are applied to a CFRP plate having internal damage. The results show that the elemental strain-basis flexibility is the most accurate in detecting the damage of the CFRP laminates.
Continuous Induction Welding Process, Modelling and Realisation
Authors: Mitschang P. , Rudolf R. , Neitzel M.
Published: July 2003

With the continuous induction welding process, a joining technology is developed at the Institut fur Verbundwerkstoffe (IVW) GmbH, that is suitable in particular for the fibre reinforced polymers (FRP) market, and is distinguished by great flexibility, small investments and good mechanical quality. To increase the process reliability a process modelling was carried out so that optimum process parameters can be predicted and the manufacturing of quality secured welds is granted. A comparison between different joining techniques show that high quality welded joints can be manufactured by the continuous induction welding process.
Impact Damage Resistance of Random Fiber Reinforced Automotive Composites
Authors: Sadasivam B. , Mallick P. K.
Published: July 2003

Low-energy impact characteristics of four different random E-glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic and thermosetting matrix composites are studied. Low-energy impact causes dent on the impacted side and surface cracks on the unimpacted side of all four composites. The damage size, maximum impact load, deflection at the maximum load and tup velocity dissipation of the four composites are compared. The residual tensile strength of the impact-damaged composites is also determined as a function of the input impact energy.
Elastic-Plastic Stress Analysis of Thermoplastic Composite Beams Under Temperature Distributed Linearly
Authors: Sayman Onur , Karakuzu Ramazan , Dağhan Behçet , Koçak Saim
Published: July 2003

In this study, an elastic-plastic thermal stress analysis is carried out on a thermoplastic composite beam. Temperature is chosen to vary linearly along the sections of the beam. The beam is made of steel fibre thermoplastic matrix composite. It is fixed by two rigid planes at the ends. The solution is performed for 0°,45°,60° and 90° orientation angles. The orientation angle of 30° does not give any plastic yielding, for it melts before plastic yielding. The intensity of the residual stress component of σx is maximum at the upper and lower surfaces of the beam and is obtained to be the greatest for the orientation angle of 0°. The equivalent plastic strain is found to be the greatest for 0° and 60° orientation angles. Plastic yielding begins on the beam at the highest temperature for 45° orientation angle.
Manufacturing of Doubly Curved Tubular Composite Structures: Mapping and Weave Modifications
Authors: Sharma Shrikant B. , Porat Isaac , Potluri Prasad , Atkinson John
Published: July 2003

The versatility of the textile weaving process has made it a popular method for producing structural composite preforms. Enhanced through-thickness strength by multi-layer weaving, good in-plane strength and the ability to produce 2.5D or 3D shapes, are some of the advantages which have made weaving the most commonly used textile process for composite applications. It is also possible to incorporate local modifications to the weave patterns and fibre-densities within the woven structure; although this characteristic of weaving has not been completely exploited by the composites industry. It is easy to produce a tubular structure having good bi-directional mechanical properties. Moreover, the preform also can be molded into bent shapes, making the woven composites more versatile than ever before. Drape behavior of such tubular fabrics is complex and has not previously been investigated. The aim of this paper is to discuss the manufacturing aspects of such tubular preforms and to suggest ways to overcome the wrinkling problems using the mapping results.

In terms of the mapping models, existing shear-based algorithms for mapping a flat fabric over open surfaces are first applied to a closed tubular section. Specific algorithms are developed to map a straight tubular preform over a bent tubular section. Wrinkles are prevalent in sections with severe bends and the paper also discusses methods to remove them.
Energy Absorption and Dissipation Characteristics of Pultruded Glass-Graphite/Epoxy Hybrid Composite Beams
Authors: Kowsika Murthy V.S.L.N. , Mantena P. Raju , Balasubramaniam K.
Published: July 2003

The response of pultruded glass-graphite/epoxy hybrid composites has been evaluated under two different incident impact energy conditions. A high incident energy (HIE) and a low incident energy (LIE) of impact are chosen to cause either complete fracture or induce delamination, respectively, for assessing the energy absorption characteristics and delamination fracture toughness of these hybrid composites. From the HIE instrumented drop-weight impact tests, the energies required for damage initiation, propagation, as well as total absorbed energies and other parameters necessary for evaluating the impact performance of composites were derived from the load-deformation behavior of each sample. The influence of hybridization on the energy absorption characteristics of pultruded composites was investigated. A parametric study also was performed to correlate the energy absorption characteristics with the energy dissipative mechanisms attributed to the inherent material damping capacity of these composites. The qualitative assessment of the impact performance using inherent damping capacity as a non-destructive testing parameter is highlighted.

The samples that were subjected to LIE impact testing were examined using ultrasonic C-scan tests to ascertain changes in the extent of delamination crack propagation as a result of hybridization. Finite element modeling was performed to simulate delamination crack propagation at various levels through the thickness. The strain energy release rate computed using the virtual crack closure technique was monitored to determine the likelihood of delamination crack propagation with increment in crack growth. The results obtained from LIE impact tests and ultrasonic C-scan tests were used to corroborate the predicted delamination fracture toughness of pultruded hybrids. Graphite-outside hybrids exhibited high flexural stiffness, propagation energy, ductility and failure index, but had lower initiation energy along with a greater tendency to delaminate.
Influence of the Fiber Content and the Processing Conditions on the Flexural Creep Behavior of Sisal-PCL-Starch Composites
Authors: Cyras V. P. , Martucci J. F. , Iannace S. , Vazquez A.
Published: July 2003

Flexural creep tests were performed on sisal-fiber-PCL (polycapro-lactone)-starch composites at different temperatures. The creep compliance increased with the increase of temperature and with the decrease of the fiber content. However, the fragmentation of the polymer macromolecules and the natural fiber fragmentation have influence on the creep behavior. The curves of compliance versus time were shifted along the logarithmic time scale to develop a creep master curve. Activation energy was determined from the shift factors. A four-parameter model was applied in order to quantify the viscoelastic behavior of the composites.
Design, Fatigue Test and NDE of a Sectional Wind Turbine Rotor Blade
Authors: Hahn F. , Kensche C. W. , Paynter R. J. H. , Dutton A. G. , Kildegaard C. , Kosgaard J.
Published: July 2003

Future sizes of wind turbine rotor blades will exceed 50 m. For transportation, it is favourable to make them in two parts and connect them in a suitable way at the operational site. With the co-operation of industry and research institutes in three countries, a spar beam-connection principle was selected as a possible solution.

The pre-design, including finite element analysis, for the structural details were carried out at DLR, Stuttgart (Germany). LM Glasfiber A/S (Denmark) realised the concept in a 13.4 m GRP blade with a wound tube as a transverse load and bending moment transferring spar stump. The sectional blade was investigated for static and fatigue integrity at DLR up to 5 million load cycles in a sinusoidal one-step test. Strain gauges were applied at those locations shown by the finite element analysis to be critical.

During the fatigue tests, the blade was observed by means of a thermoelastic stress analysis camera (TSA) by CLRC (United Kingdom) with the aim to observe the stress distributions. These measurements located stress concentrations not otherwise predicted by the finite element analysis. At those locations more strain gauges were applied and found to show relatively high stresses. The strain measurements can be used to calibrate the signals shown by the TSA camera.

Thus, on the basis of the combined use of different design and measurement methods, a promising way is shown to find stress “hot spots” in complex composite components and to inform directly and immediately the manufacturers of those articles about possible or necessary modifications.
Development of a Flax/Polypropylene Composite with Optimal Mechanical Characteristics by Fiber and Matrix Modification
Authors: van de Velde Kathleen , Kiekens Paul
Published: July 2003

Dew retted hackled long flax was treated with propyltrimethoxysilane, phenylisocyanate and maleic acid anhydride modified polypropylene (MAA-PP). The results of these treatments on fiber wetting and interfacial properties have already been reported in a previous article [Van de Velde, K. and Kiekens, P. (2001). J. Thermoplastic Com. Mat., 14: 244-245]. Further characterization of the treated fibers by sorption tests, roughness estimation, and tensile testing was done in order to provide additional information on the fiber properties. Based on these fiber and interface properties, a selection of fibers and matrices was made and some tests were done on the resulting composites. These composites consisted of MAA-PP treated flax fibers or untreated fibers as reinforcement, and MAA-PP or unmodified PP as matrix material. The tests on the composites included flexural, interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and sorption tests, as well as determination of composite compositions. As could be expected from the earlier test results on the fibers and interface, the composites based on MAA-PP treated fibers, as well as those based on an MAA-PP matrix, generally had improved composite properties. The composites made with an MAA-PP matrix were not only the easiest ones to produce, they also had the best properties.
Elastic-Plastic Stress Analysis in a Unidirectionally Reinforced Composite Cantilever Beam Loaded by a Bending Moment
Authors: Sayman Onur
Published: July 2003

In this study, an elastic-plastic stress analysis is carried out on a steel fiber thermoplastic composite cantilever beam loaded by a bending moment at the free end. The composite beam is reinforced unidirectionally at 0, 30, 45, 60 and 90° orientation angles. An analytical solution satisfying both the governing differential equation and the boundary conditions for the two-dimensional stress case is determined. The solution is carried out under the assumption of the Bernoulli-Navier hypotheses. It is found that the intensity of the residual stress component of σx is maximum at the upper and lower surfaces or at the boundary of the elastic and plastic regions. The composite material is assumed to be hardening linearly. The Tsai-Hill theory is used as the yield criterion.
The Influence of Injection-Molding Variables and Nucleating Additives on Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Short Glass Fiber/PET Composites
Authors: Arencón D. , Velasco J. I.
Published: July 2003

Investigation of thermal and mechanical characteristics of short glass fiber reinforced polyethylene terephthalate (PET) has been carried out, focusing on the influence of three of the variables involved in the injection-molding process: mold temperature, holding pressure time and closed mold time. Mold temperature plays a decisive role in controlling crystallinity development of PET matrix, which is directly correlated with the values of tensile strength and elongation at rupture. Holding pressure time acts improving piece compaction. Longer closed mold times lead to the highest values of developed crystallinity. Moreover, sodium benzoate, titanium dioxide and an ionomer have been added in order to study efficacy as nucleating agents.
Comparative Study of the Effects of Different Fibers on the Processing and Properties of Polypropylene Matrix Composites
Authors: López-Manchado Miguel A. , Biagiotti Jerico , Kenny José M.
Published: July 2003

The effects of different types of fibers on the physical and mechanical behavior of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) are reported. In particular, the flow behavior, mechanical properties (tensile, flexural and impact resistance) and morphology are examined. It has been found that all the fibers studied behave as effective reinforcing agents for the polypropylene matrix. In fact, a notable increase of the mechanical properties is observed in presence of the fibers, the aramid ones being the most effective. Moreover, dynamic-mechanical measurements provide a further confirmation of the reinforcement effect of the fibers, where a sensible increment of the storage modulus in presence of the fibers is obtained. The morphology of the composites is analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A good fiber-matrix interfacial adhesion is observed, in particular, for aramid and glass fiber-reinforced composites. As expected, a good adhesion at the fiber-matrix interface gives rise to a sensible increment of composites properties.
Tailored Blank Technology: A One-Step-Process
Authors: Lafuente T. , Nowacki J. , Mitschang P. , Marques A. Torres , Neitzel M.
Published: July 2003

Stamp forming is gaining in importance because of its very low cycle times. Hence, this technology is very suitable for large series production. A new method applied to this technology reduces manufacturing steps and offers the advantage of producing parts with different thicknesses or to add profiles and inserts to the main sheet. Process temperature is the dominant parameter for the forming and joining of continuous fabric reinforced thermoplastics in one step. In order to optimise this new method, bonded parts have been produced and analysed under different process conditions. The results of these investigations are presented in this paper.
Effect of Cross Section Material Distribution on Impact Response of Hybrid Composites
Authors: Abatan Ayo , Hu Hurang
Published: July 2003

A linear analytical model is proposed to evaluate the magnitude of the impact force as a function of the velocity of the impactor. This model provides a simple tool for estimating the magnitude of the impact load from the impact energy. For hybrid composites subjected to low- and medium-velocity impacts where elastic deformation is assumed, the effect of cross section material distribution on impact response was investigated. For a hybrid metal/polymer laminate and a hybrid titanium composite laminate, the relative position of the laminate plies has a significant effect on the plate deflection under impact loads. For equal a real weight plates, the number of layers in a hybrid composite laminate does not appear to affect the impact resistance. However, the relative material ratio of metal to polymer (or metal to polymeric composite) in hybrid composites significantly affects the impact response. Furthermore, the relative ply thickness in a laminate does not have significant effect on its impact resistance for plates with equal a real weight, but the research shows that the total relative material distribution does significantly affect the impact response. The analysis also shows that the effect of cross section material distribution can be qualitatively evaluated by checking the bending stiffness of the plate.
Analysis of Fiber/Matrix Interface in Unidirectional Fiber-Reinforced Composites
Authors: Chan Wen S. , Johnson Lee Ann
Published: July 2003

Finite element models are used to analyze a quarter of unit cell for a unidirectional lamina. Effective lamina properties obtained from a micromechanics model were used to compare with the FEM results. Stresses at the fiber/matrix interface are determined for longitudinal and transverse tension load and combined tension and thermal load. Strain energy release rates are calculated for various degrees of fiber/matrix debonding under tension, transverse, thermal and their combined loading conditions. Variations of strain energy release rates along the interface indicate that completely debonding along the fiber/matrix interface of the circumference of the fiber is unlikely. Finally, the loss in stiffness due to the aforementioned load cases is predicted.