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Scaling Effects in Notched Composites
The research is on scaling effects (size) in advanced fibre reinforced composites. The main aim is to develop an understanding of the mechanisms controlling the strength on notched composites of different dimensions and hence to be able to predict scaling effects in composite structures without resorting to empirical laws. Our academic partners at Bristol University investigate notched tension, whilst the team at Sheffield examines the compressive behaviour. This is a three-year project funded by EPSRC and supported by BAE Systems, Smiths Aerospace (Dowty Propellers), Airbus UK and Hexcel Composites. |
Materials by Design
A two-year research project in collaboration with Professor Frank Jones of the Engineering Materials Department, funded by DSTL/Qinetiq. |
Vulnerability Analysis and New Materials and Design Approaches for Aircraft Strengthening against Fire and Blast due to Accident or Terrorist Attacks (VULCAN)
The recent increase of terrorist actions has brought the issue of vulnerability of commercial airliners in the forefront of current research. Terrorist attacks dramatically increase the probability of an internal or external incident of fire or blast, and thus the issue has to be included in the design of the aircraft. To this end, this project aims at the development of structural materials and design optimisation approaches; in this way strengthening strategies will be assessed and applied to aerostructures which will prevent catastrophic damage or critical system failures due to in-flight explosions or fires. A FW6 European programme with 14 industrial and university partners. |
Design of Lamb-Wave PZT Wafer Active Sensors for Structural Health Monitoring
A continuation of a 5-year project to develop damage detection methods in composite structures in collaboration with the University of South Carolina-USA and the University of Patras-Greece, funded by NSF-USA. |
Modelling of Low Velocity Impact Response of Sandwich Panels with Al Honeycomb Core
A three-year PhD programme supported by the European Union. |
Crush Energy Absorption of GFRP Sandwich Panels for Land Transport Applications
A three-year PhD programme. |
Effective Optimum Interfaces for Impact Resistance and Crushability
A three-year PhD programme funded by EPSRC in collaboration with Professor Frank Jones, Engineering Materials Department. |
Aerodynamic and Structural Interaction of Aerofoils in the Transonic Region using Composites Shock Control Devices
A three-year PhD programme funded by EPSRC in collaboration with Professor Ning Qin of the Mechanical Engineering Department. |
