Four-year EngD scholarship with Sigmatex (UK) Ltd: Optimisation of weaving parameters and weave architecture for 3D woven composites with complex geometry.

Optimisation of weaving parameters and weave architecture for 3D woven composites with complex geometry.

Registered with Faculty of Engineering (University of Manchester)

Project outline:
3D weaving has the potential to reduce manufacturing costs and improve product performance in comparison to conventional broadcloth materials. Complex parts are made with up to 1000 plies of different geometry and orientation. This makes preforming with 2D materials a complex and time consuming task and requires sophisticated ply-kitting equipment. 3D weaving has the potential to produce a near-net preform in one piece with a significant reduction in labour cost and manufacturing cycle time. However, 3D woven preforms are not ideal for parts with complex (single/double) curvatures. The main focus of this project is to develop 3D weaving technology for parts with complex curvatures such as fan blades. This would involve local variations to the weave design, selective tensioning of certain stuffers and binders, selective modifications to inter-tow spacing in the region that require large in-plane shear. In addition to 3D weaving technology, the project will focus on analysis of tow geometry especially in the regions of large curvature and predicting in-plane properties using FE analysis. The work will also look at how weave architecture, shed settings and geometry could be optimised for specific applications. X-ray CT will be employed to measure three-dimensional geometry of tows in the region of interest.

Company background:
Sigmatex develops and manufactures carbon fibre textiles for composite material applications and supplies woven carbon fibre textiles including 3D, spread tow, innegra, recycled, unidirectional, multiaxial, and 2D woven solutions across a broad spread of industries, ranging from the world’s top supercar manufacturers to high performance leisure brands and most of the world’s major aerospace companies.

Sigmatex has a very well equipped technical department where materials are designed to meet all quality requirements, specifications and performance criteria. These textile solutions often require a dynamic, innovative approach to design for manufacture, in addition to expert knowledge about carbon fibre, which is the core strength of Sigmatex.

Sigmatex was established in 1986 and has specialised in helping customers create cutting edge carbon fibre textiles since then. Sigmatex UK has a turnover of £40m and employs 140 people at its Global Headquarters, located in Runcorn, Cheshire.

PLEASE NOTE: Applications are considered as soon as they are received, and the position will be allocated as soon as a suitable candidate is found.

Project start date: As soon as possible

Location: Sigmatex (UK) Limited, Cheshire - Registered with Faculty of Engineering (University of Manchester)

Candidate requirements:
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS PROJECT IS NOT AVAILABLE TO INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS DUE TO TIER 4 VISA REQUIREMENTS.
An upper second-class degree (or equivalent qualification) in an appropriate discipline.

How to apply: If you are interested in applying for this EngD project please send your CV and covering letter to [Email Address Removed]

About the IDC and the EngD programme:
For further information about the IDC and the EngD programme please visit:
http://www.cimcomp.ac.uk/idc