Digital Tool Chain For Defect Prediction And Optimisation In Thermoset Composites Lay Flat And Form

The project:

This project will create new optimisation tools that can help the development of the manufacturing process of large-scale, high-value composite parts. Although numerical simulation is an integral part of the design process of any composite parts, it has struggled to make progress in helping the development of their manufacturing processes. This is largely due to the current lack of scalability of process models and the difficulty to analyse full-size industrial components. This project will build on recent breakthroughs made at Bristol Composites Institute in the development of fast simulation tools for the prediction of the manufacturing quality of preform made by Automated Fibre Placement (AFP) and thick preforms forming and autoclave moulding. The project is funded by Airbus Atlantic and will look more specifically at the thermoforming of thick thermoset preforms deposited by Automated Fibre Placement (AFP).

The main objectives of the project can be summarised as follows:

1. Development of machine learning tools for the emulation of AFP single tow deposition simulations to full layup stacks.
2. Implementation, in the in-house code SimTex, of a solid-shell element for the thermoforming of thick preforms deposited by AFP;
3. Integration and chaining of BCI’s various process tools for AFP deposition, forming and autoclave moulding;
4. Contribute to technical reporting and dissemination of scientific outcomes through publications and participation in international conferences.

The project will be based in the Bristol Composites Institute (BCI), a world-leading research centre at the University of Bristol. The institute has over 150 researchers and works closely with the £60M National Composites Centre, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the University engaged with industry to fully exploit and develop composites technology. The student will be expected to make a number of visits to Airbus Atlantic’s facilities in Toulouse (France) during the duration of the project.

Candidate requirements: 

Applicants must hold/achieve a minimum of a merit at master’s degree level (or international equivalent) in a science, mathematics or engineering discipline. Applicants without a master's qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis, provided they hold a first-class undergraduate degree. Please note, acceptance will also depend on evidence of readiness to pursue a research degree.

Essential: Excellent analytical and programming skills

Desirable: A background understanding in one or more of the following: Solid Mechanics, Data Science, Manufacturing Engineering, Material Science

If English is not your first language, you need to meet this profile level: Profile E

Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Contacts:

For questions about the research topic, please contact Dr Jonathan Belnoue (Jonathan.Belnoue@bristol.ac.uk) or Prof. Stephen Hallett (Stephen.Hallet@bristol.ac.uk).

For questions about eligibility and the application process please contact Engineering Postgraduate Research Admissions admissions-engpgr@bristol.ac.uk

How to apply:

Prior to submitting an online application, you will need to contact the project supervisor to discuss.

Online applications are made at http://www.bris.ac.uk/pg-howtoapply. Please select Aerospace Engineering PhD on the Programme Choice page. You will be prompted to enter details of the studentship in the Funding and Research Details sections of the form.