Date of Award

2-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME)

Department

Mechanical Engineering

First Advisor

Matt Riley

Second Advisor

Austin Nash

Third Advisor

Eduardo Vital Freigedo

Abstract

This thesis investigates the manufacturing, testing, and material property verification of short fiber and particle reinforced polymer composites intended for use in flywheel energy storage systems. Composite tensile specimens were fabricated using controlled mold geometries and autoclave-assisted curing to improve consolidation quality and reduce void content. Short carbon fibers and particulate reinforcements were selected to balance mechanical performance, manufacturability, and isotropy for high-speed rotor applications. Tensile testing was performed using a tensile testing machine, and machine compliance effects were quantified and removed to obtain accurate elastic moduli. Experimental results were compared against analytical micromechanics predictions to evaluate stiffness trends and reinforcement efficiency. Heat transfer modeling and PID control of the autoclave were developed to ensure repeatable curing conditions and consistent material quality. The results demonstrate the influence of reinforcement type and processing conditions on elastic response and highlight limitations associated with specimen fabrication and testing. This work provides validated material property data and manufacturing insights that support the development of composite flywheel rotors for high-energy-density storage applications.

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