Development of a novel design framework for the efficient damage tolerant design of composite structures

Over the last decade the use of advanced composite materials has dramatically grown in many industries. Lighter structures are the truly demand of aerospace, wind energy and automotive industries for energy efficiency and emission reduction, which will benefit our economics and environment substantially. However, one major issue of composite materials is their susceptibility to impact damage. Composite layups can be well designed to withstand the damages, namely damage-tolerant design. The prediction of damage evolution is very computationally time-consuming using conventional numerical methods. The aim of this research is to develop novel analytical-based modelling techniques to efficiently simulate the behaviour of composite structures with damages. The modelling will be examined and validated by experimental testing to gain solid physical insights to this problem. The major challenge tasks of this project are on the analytical modelling development and the design of experimental testing system. In addition, this research will for the first time utilise the local anisotropic (variable stiffness) properties of composite materials to improve the structural damage resistance. With an increased knowledge of damage evolution and a rapid design tool, optimization will be carried out to design preferable lightweight structures. This research is expecting to make a substantial contribution to the knowledge and technologies on the mechanics, modelling and optimal design of composite materials/structures to research community and industrial partners. A preliminary delamination modelling had been successfully developed to approve the feasibility of this project. Extensive existing knowledge in structural modelling, experimental testing and composite materials will also be a solid foundation for this project, which is expected to complete within 3.5 years to 4 years.

Candidates should hold or expect to gain a first class degree or a good 2.1 and/or an appropriate Master’s level qualification (or their equivalent).

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent)