E-Thesis 199 views 234 downloads
An Investigation into the Simulation and Testing of Functional Construction Materials using the Digital Rock Physics Approach / SIÂN MORRIS
Swansea University Author: SIÂN MORRIS
Abstract
This paper aims to provide a feasibility investigation into applying the Digital Rock Physics approach to the characterisation, reconstruction, and simulation of functional construction materials. The functional construction materials focused on are: thermal insulation, acoustic insulation, and damp...
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Swansea University, Wales, UK
2025
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| Institution: | Swansea University |
| Degree level: | Master of Research |
| Degree name: | MSc by Research |
| Supervisor: | Li, C. |
| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa70071 |
| Abstract: |
This paper aims to provide a feasibility investigation into applying the Digital Rock Physics approach to the characterisation, reconstruction, and simulation of functional construction materials. The functional construction materials focused on are: thermal insulation, acoustic insulation, and damp-proofing, with the specialised properties considered for simulated testing of properties. The materials focused on in this research were categorised into: closed-cell foams, open-cell foams, functional barriers, and fibrous materials. Each category was researched to better understand the unique transport mechanisms that occur within the materials to better understand how acoustic dampening, thermal insulation, and water resistant could be measured in terms of the physics, fluid flow, and modellable characteristics. This research also provides an overview of how these functional construction materials are currently being modelled in literature and the different methods of modelling including generated idealised structure models and numerical investigations. The secondary aim within this project was to investigate methods of creating digital twins of materials with enough microstructure to be representative of the material as a whole without losing definition of microstructural features, finding a way of balancing the Field of View, Resolution and Signal to Noise ratios of the images produced by investigating different imaging techniques and softwares. Imaging techniques were reviewed based on these properties and the possibility of segmentation for the process of 3D reconstruction in different methods.The research in this project found that there is scope for carrying out the DRP approach functional construction materials, with certain limitations of type of transport mechanism or material type. Further investigation needs to be carried out to achieve 3D models representative of the features within the material microstructures that are the defining material characteristics for functional properties. |
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| Item Description: |
A selection of content is redacted or is partially redacted from this thesis to protect sensitive and personal information. |
| Keywords: |
Acoustic insulation, Closed-cell foam, Damp-proofing, Digital Rock Physics, Digital twin, Fibrous material, Open-cell foam, Thermal insulation, Three-dimensional reconstruction, Transport Mechanisms. |
| College: |
Faculty of Science and Engineering |
| Funders: |
M2A, BBA |