The University of Sheffield
Department of Mechanical Engineering

Dr Alma Hodzic

MEng (Dipl. Ing. in Aeronautics) Belgrade, PhD (ANU), CEng, FIMechE, FIMMM, MRAeS, FHEA

Dr A Hodzic

Reader in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering

Aerospace Engineering Programme Liaison Co-ordinator

Manager of Composite Systems Innovation Centre

Department of Mechanical Engineering
Sir Frederick Mappin Building
Mappin Street
Sheffield
S1 3JD UK

Telephone: +44(0)114 222 7720
Fax: +44(0)114 222 7890

email : a.hodzic@sheffield.ac.uk

 Profile

Dr Alma Hodzic has taught and performed research in the areas of Materials and Manufacturing Processes, Mechanical Engineering Design, Composite Materials and Engineering Management since 1997. She holds her PhD degree and her first lecturing experience from The Australian National University in Canberra (2000), and since then she has worked at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (2000-2003) and James Cook University (2003-2005) in Australia before she joined The University of Sheffield as a Senior Lecturer in August 2005.

Dr Hodzic is the editor, author or co-author of over 100 publications, including over 40 in internationally refereed journals.

Dr Hodzic manages Composite Systems Innovation Centre, and she is actively involved with editorial and review panels in 15 international scientific journals. She also serves as Intreader on the panel of Australian Research Council and as External Examiner for Universities of Ulster and Salford.

Research Areas

Dr Hodzic's research includes design of better interfaces between all types of reinforcing fibres and corresponding matrices, with utilization of new research tools in nanotechnology. Dispersion of nanoparticles in advanced polymer matrices, environmental degradation of composites, compression strength improvement and design of hybrid composites are some of the projects that her students are currently undertaking.

The main focus behind multidisciplinary projects of her team is to improve the environment by replacing technologies with better eco-alternatives. Stronger and tougher aerospace composites are designed to replace aluminium parts and save fuel. Natural fibre composites are designed to replace synthetic components in the automotive and building industries and to provide recycling alternatives. Fully biodegradable natural fibre composites are designed for the packaging industry, to provide alternatives to synthetic packaging, and to improve waste management.

List of Research Projects

Emerging research projects in progress

1. Processing of glass ceramic fibres for high-modulus glass fibre composites, in collaboration with The University of Bristol.

2. Improving electrical conductivity of advanced polymer composites with carbon nanotubes.

3. Experimental analysis of gum metal hybrid composites for defence applications. In collaboration with Imperial College.

(2010)

1. A. Hodzic, S.A. Hayes and P. Fairclough, Development of biodegradable packaging for pharmaceutical applications, KTP with DGP Group in York,£113,858.

2. J. Sorrill and A. Hodzic, Green Roof Sheffield KTP, £201,000.

(2009)

1. A. Hodzic, C. Soutis, S.A. Hayes, in collaboration with Qatar University, M.A. AlMa'adeed, R. Kahraman, USD 2 million - 3-year funding for 3 projects, Qatar Science & Technology Park. Optimisation of polymer blends from Qatar recycled stream, for sustainable products in harch environment.

2. C. Soutis and A. Hodzic, Iapetus, EU funded research to investigate improvement to composite repair using nanotechnology, £295,000.

(2008)

1. A. Hodzic, C. Wilson, C. Soutis. Omega T2, MMT University, £45,000, Influence of implementation of composite materials in civil aircraft industry.

2. A. Hodzic, S. Hayes, P. Fairclough. DTI-KTP with CPD Plc, £115,000, a 2-year project on design of biodegradable nanocomposite materials for thermally and chemically stable applications.

3. A. Hodzic. R. Dwyer-Joyce, F. R. Jones. DTI-KTP with Lynwood Products, Ltd. £124,000. A 2.5 year project on design of constructional elements from recycled composites.

4. A. Hodzic. Proof of Concept Fund, The University of Sheffield, £8,600 to investigate new biodegradable packaging materials for commercial applications.

5. C. Soutis, A. Hodzic. MAST, £50,000, Influence of blast in composite structures.

(2006)

1. A. Beck, A. Hodzic, S. Beck, A. Matthews. DTI-KTP involving Engineering Materials and Mechanical Engineering from Sheffield and E Wood Ltd. £151,416. A three-year project on designing three-layer surface modified insulation for gas pipes in extreme environments.

2. C. Soutis, A. Hodzic. VULCAN, EU funded research into effect of blast on composite structures, £148,000, 4 year programme.

(2005)

1. A. Hodzic (transferred to C. Berndt upon leaving JCU). Sugar Research and Development Committee Grant for novel technologies in the field of sugar industry, utilization of sugar cane bagasse fibre in natural fibre composites for packaging industry, in cooperation with CSR Sugar (Industry) and Sugar Research Institute (Science). A$275,000.

2. A. Hodzic. The 2004 Science and Innovation Awards for Young People in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, for novel biodegradable bagasse composites, JCU.

3. A. Hodzic. Career Development Grant, `Mechanical Properties of Bagasse Fibre Composite´, JCU.

(2004)

1. A. Hodzic. Merit Research Grant `Bagasse Fibre Composite´, JCU.

Research Interests

Current PhD Students

Patents

2004 WO 2004/013255 A1, `Fire resistant silicone polymer compositions´, patent with Polymers Australia Pty Ltd, flame retardant polymeric compound for the building industry (seals and foams).

2002 APPA No. 2006904541 `Natural Fibre Thermoformable Sheet´, patent with Polymers Australia Pty Ltd. Natural fibre panel for interior components in the automotive industry.

Teaching

Engineering Management (MEC305)

Advanced Composite Structures (MEC426/MAT476)

Group Design Project (MEC307)(contributor)

Aircraft Design (MEC380)

Aerospace Engineering Group Design (MEC385) (contributor)

Recent Publications