Advanced Modelling of High Performance of Composite Components

The goal of this project sponsored by Airbus is to to improve the predictive capabilities of computational models of carbon fibre aircraft structures. The research will consider computer simulations of structural performance from damage initiation through to final failure in structural elements such as fastened joints and skin-stringer bonds, with a view to incorporating models of these components into a virtual test of a complete aircraft. The challenges include (a) developing robust methodologies for quantitatively assessing the confidence with which computational models represent real components, and (b) exploring approaches for utilising information about the fidelity of model components in multi-component models as part of a modelling hierarchy.

The research will build on recent work at the University of Liverpool on validation methodologies for computational solid mechanics models (see www.engineeringvalidation.org) involving national labs, industrialists and universities from five countries. Previous work has established a validation procedure for simple structural elements based on strain field data acquired using camera-based systems, such as digital image correlation or thermoelastic stress analysis [1]. Initial work in this new project will focus on applying this work to a simple aerospace composite component and exploring its extension to include the initiation and propagation of damage [2]. Subsequent work will examine more complex elements such as a bonded or riveted joint and consider the minimum requirements for data collection in physical experiments to provide a reliable validation of computational models. In later stages of the research the transfer of validity through a modelling hierarchy from elemental components to complete systems will be investigated.

The research will involve a combination of experimental and computational engineering with an element of philosophy associated with acquiring knowledge from computational models.

A three-year CASE studentship is offered with standard UK Research Council conditions and as required by CASE awards will include spending some time at the industrial sponsor, Airbus. The successful candidate must have a good quality degree in an appropriate field of engineering, material science or physical sciences and will join a research group of about ten people working at the interface between experimental and computational mechanics and across the size scales from nano to macro with applications in bioengineering, energy as well as aerospace engineering [see www.experimentalstress.com]. For further details contact Professor Eann Patterson ([Email Address Removed]) who is a Royal Society Wolfson Research Award holder.