Failure Analysis of Composite Airframes: Investigation and Predictive Modelling

Composite airframe panels are subjected to extreme loads and impacts. Cracks can develop at microstructure at an early stage and then propagate due to fatigue. There is an ever growing interest in the design of safer composites for aviation. This PhD will aim to investigate on those mechanisms of failure and how to mitigate them.

This investigation will help you to develop a combination of research skills for analysis and prediction of failure on modern composite aircraft. This research will benefit from excellent computing facilities, expertise in computer-aided engineering (CA2M lab), the available experimental facilities and links with the new Boeing facilities at Sheffield and our Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) through our collaborative work.