Hüseyin Arikan

The applicability of flax fiber-reinforced composites as an environmentally friendly alternative to glass fiber-reinforced plastics (GFRP), commonly used in outdoor structures such as water slides, has been investigated. While glass fiber is associated with high energy consumption and significant environmental impacts, flax fiber offers a sustainable solution due to its renewable nature, low density, and biodegradable properties. The mechanical and environmental performance of flax fiber-reinforced composites manufactured using the L-RTM (Light Resin Transfer Molding) method was evaluated, with a particular focus on sensitivity to water and moisture, and design considerations to mitigate these effects were discussed. In this method, L-RTM is employed as a vacuum-assisted, closed-mold technique particularly suited for medium-scale production of high-quality components with smooth surfaces on both sides. In this context, the essential conditions for natural fiber-reinforced composites to serve as a viable alternative to glass fiber in water slide applications have been identified.

Inspired by the unique ecosystem of the African savannas, the Savanna slide combines the rich textures of nature with modern water park technologies, offering a groundbreaking design in both visual and functional terms. Suitable for both individual and group activities, this water slide allows eight people to use four different and equivalent slide paths at the same time, allowing visitors to share a safari-themed adventure. The structural elements used in the Savanna slide reflect the natural beauties of Africa and add a strong connection to the theme of the park. The load-bearing columns are inspired by the Baobab tree, the symbol of strength and durability in Africa. These columns both add aesthetic richness and strengthen the thematic depth of the project by offering functionality. One of the most innovative features of the project is that it has been implemented with fluoride-containing production technology. Thanks to this technology, the slides absorb sunlight and glow in the dark, offering users a unique “night safari” experience during the night. This feature makes the project a center of attraction even in the dark and contributes to energy efficiency. Sustainability is one of the fundamental principles of the Savanna Project. The slides are produced with the environmentally friendly RTM (Resin Transfer Molding) technology and have a long-lasting and energy-efficient structure. Special pigments resistant to UV rays ensure that the slides remain vibrant and bright at all hours of the day, while integrated natural light effects provide dynamic lighting on the inner surface. The fluorescent lighting technology used for the first time in the project absorbs sunlight on the slide surfaces during the day and reflects this light back at night, providing an impressive visual feast. This innovation makes the project a sustainable attraction center, rather than just an entertainment element. The Savana Project is not just a water slide, but an innovative experience area that combines the aesthetics of nature and cultural richness with modern engineering. Bringing together aesthetics and functionality, this project brings a new perspective to the water park industry, highlights sustainability awareness and aims to make a difference in the sector.

Aramid reinforced composites are advanced materials that are widely used in many industrial applications thanks to their combination of high strength and lightness. Nano additives are of great importance for improving the mechanical properties of aramid reinforced composites and reducing costs. In this paper, multi-walled Carbon Nanotube (CNT) and Zirconia (ZrO2) nano hybrid additives were used to determine the effect on the mechanical characterization of aramid composite plates. Therefore, low velocity impact responses of aramid fiber reinforced composites were investigated by adding ZrO2 and CNT nano hybrid additives to the Polives 701 polymer vinylester resin matrix. Low velocity impact tests were carried out at 10 J and 15 J. As a result of the experiments, the effects of nano hybrid additives on the impact absorption properties of aramid composite plates were determined. By determining the maximum force, displacement and time values, the effect of CNT and ZrO2 nano hybrid additives on the impact resistance of the composite plates was analyzed. In addition, it contributed to the development of composite materials used in industrial applications by providing information on increasing the performance of composite materials by using nano additives. As a result of this study, it was determined that the strength of the composite material increased proportionally when the CNT additive was used, and the material became embrittled when the ZrO2 additive was used.

Dynamic pressure measurement is a big necessity for some industries like defense, aerospace, medicine producing and etc. In this type measurement, pressure valu

In this study, the static, kinematic and dynamic behaviors of a semi-active hand prosthesis were analyzed numerically. Finite Elements method was used in static analysis and analytical method was used in kinematic and dynamic analysis. The mathematical model of the hand was created in kinematic and dynamic analysis. Using the mathematical model obtained, torque values of 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90 degrees were calculated according to the different position angles of the fingers. Examination was performed for 4 fingers (index finger, middle finger, ring finger, little finger) and 5 kg of force was applied to the fingertips perpendicular to the finger plane. In this examination, the forces are divided into 25% for the index finger, 35% for the middle finger, 25% for the ring finger and 15% for the little finger. The results obtained for forces at different angles under the specified conditions were explained. As a result of all these stages, the prosthetic hand was designed. The design was calculated as linear statically by the finite element method. As a result of the study, a semi-active prosthetic hand was produced considering the calculation findings. Clear resin was used as material.

The properties of the heat-treatable aluminum alloys are enhanced by solution heat treatment and controlled ageing. The mechanical properties become stable with natural ageing at room temperature within a few days for some heat-treatable alloys, especially 2XXX series, considerable changes of the properties occur even after many years for some of them. Solution heat treatment of AA 2024 is very critical and sensible and therefore it should be carefully conducted. In this research, the effects of the solution temperature, soak time, quenching delay and heating rate of AA 2024 on the mechanical properties and the formability index (limiting dome height) were investigated in order to determine optimal solution heat treatment condition. Mechanical properties were determined and limiting dome heights of the formed parts were measured for all the situations and optimal solution heat treatment conditions were determined by using ANOVA method.

Textile glass fiber reinforced particle-filled polymer composite beams which have different weight fractions of glass fibers were produced with varying notch-to-depth ratios. The mechanical properties of specimens were found. The specimens were investigated in Mode I and Mode III fracture behavior using three-point bending (TPB) tests. Textile glass fiber contents used were 1, 2 and 3%, and polyester content was 16.5% of the total weight of the polymer composite system. The critical stress intensity factor was determined by using a compliance technique, the initial notch depth method and the J-integral method. Effects of crack angles on fracture behavior were also studied. The specimens, which have an inclined crack at an angle θ to the axis of the specimens, were used to carry out the tests. The specimens were tested with inclination angles 30°, 45°, 60° and 75°. The results are compared with the values of K_IC obtained using conventional (θ = 90°) specimens. In addition, J-integrals were also determined.