Correlation through directional statistics of the consequences of magnetic alignment of steel fibers immersed in metaphor fluids of cementitious matrices.

Conceptually, the alignment of fibers in cementitious matrices leads to an appropriate choice of orientation indices, orientation coefficient, orientation tensors, etc. methods that do not have the advantages offered by descriptive or inferential statistics. The work presented here uses directional statistics as an efficient measure of the alignment of a set of fibers that initially have random orientations. The randomly oriented fibers are immersed in a fluid metaphor (hydrogel) transparent that reproduces some rheological characteristics of cementitious matrices. Magnetic alignment carried out by discharging an Resistor–Capacitor-Inductor-Circuit (RCL circuit) that causes pulses of homogeneous magnetic fields of intensity ranging approximately from 20 mT to 90 mT (peak) changing the final orientation distribution of the set of fibers. These changes in the orientation distribution give rise to their directional statistical analysis, revealing the relationships between the magnetic properties of the fibers and the rheological parameters of the matrix in which they are immersed. Among the studies presented here is the possibility of planning various fiber alignment strategies using a circular diagram as an abacus (Circles of Active/Dead Fibers) that allow us to go beyond the application of a simple pulse and/or a single alignment direction, seeking a process fiber alignment that is optimal and controlled. • Directional statistical method as a procedure for alignment analysis of steel fibers. • Integration of the magnetic properties of fibers with the rheological of the matrix. • Description of circular active/dead orientation sectors. • Eccentric alignment directions coincide with the average circular orientation. • Circular method for the optimal planning of successive alignment processes. [Display omitted] The alignment of reinforce steel fibers in fluid matrices requires knowledge of two opposite properties: the magnetic driving torque provides an alignment character to the steel fibers, this driving torque requires the knowledge of ferromagnetic properties of the fiber material. On the other hand, the fluid matrix opposes the movement with an opposition torque whose characteristic is found in its rheological properties. The study presented here uses directional statistics in order to study which steel fibers within the material are active fibers (they are capable of aligning) and which are dead fibers (incapable of moving due to being subjected to static yield stress). Both types of fibers in the matrix characterize either active sectors with a mean circular direction or dead sectors with fiber that does not participate in the alignment process. Knowing the amplitude of both sectors allows you to plan and manage optimal fiber alignment processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]