Improving blast and ballistic resistance in composites through design

Advanced composites are being extensively used in ballistic applications. With the advent of sophisticated weapons and improvised war tactics, the required degree of protection has enhanced significantly which necessitate the incorporating of design into composite armour construction without increasing the average weight of the product.

The research will focus on the use of lightweight Metal-Matrix Particulate Composites (MMCs) in combination with Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) based ballistic composites which will allow for improved protection-to-weight ratios over purely metal or ceramic based body armour materials. A high-energy gas gun is available for testing and development for extensive experimental studies. In addition, computationally efficient numerical models will be developed (based on such experimentation) that will allow for next-generation conformal armour material composition which will be resilient, light-weight and will be designed to withstand multiple-impact scenarios.

Entry requirements
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering or a related subject.

How to apply
All applications should be made online at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/apply/research/. Under programme name, select Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering

Please quote reference number: AR4UF2018