Equipment for Multiple Projects: Testing and Visualization for Aerospace Research
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Bath
Department Name: Mechanical Engineering
Abstract
(i) Modelling and Optimisation of Composite Materials and Structures The Bath Composites Research Unit has ongoing work relating to modelling and optimisation of laminated coupons, sub-components (stiffened-panels and flow control devices) and, components (wing boxes). In order to gain maximum benefit from composite materials there is a need to validate and inform this modelling by physical testing, and visualization of the response to such tests. This allows insight into internal micro/macro structures, damage tolerance, and the effects of physical loads. Clearly, it is prohibitive to test at the full component (wing) level but behaviour at, and below, the sub-component level can be monitored through access to state of the art technology. The theme of the proposal in relation to modelling and optimisation of composites is therefore to obtain equipment that enables structural testing and visualisation at sub-component and coupon level. It will enhance the activities of eight ongoing projects in this area.(ii) Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) of compositesThe advent of large composite components and structures presents a major new inspection problem because large areas (many square metres) of surface require detailed inspection during manufacture and in-service. Composites are particularly vulnerable to impact damage caused by comparatively minor low velocity impacts both during manufacture and in-service. This damage takes the form of hidden delaminations below the impacted surface between composite plies. At the surface there may be little or no evidenced of the impact and for this reason the damage is known as barely visible impact damage (BVID). Such internal damage can lead to significant reduction in local strength. The initial delaminations can grow under alternating or fluctuating stress leading to a loss in stiffness and possibly, catastrophic failure. It is therefore vital to detect and monitor damage in high-loaded composite components and to relate this to the reduction of residual strength via the use of advanced, robust and reliable visualization techniques. The proposal seeks to obtain equipment to enhance NDE techniques being pioneered at Bath.(iii) Vortex Flows & Unsteady AerodynamicsThe aerodynamics projects related to this proposal are generic fluid-structure interactions and are relevant to Unmanned Air Vehicles and Micro Air Vehicles. These vehicles will be highly manoeuvrable, extremely light weight and highly flexible. Hence, strong fluid-structure interactions are expected. The proposed equipment will provide the structural modal shapes and vibration frequencies of models used in experimental tests covering flexible delta wings, flexible flapping wings and membrane wings. These will be combined with aerodynamic measurements to obtain the full aeroelastic response of these wings.
Organisations
Publications
Butler R
(2012)
Compressive strength of delaminated aerospace composites.
in Philosophical transactions. Series A, Mathematical, physical, and engineering sciences
Butler R
(2015)
Polymer Composites in the Aerospace Industry
Chen C
(2018)
Vortex coupling in trailing vortex-wing interactions
in Physical Review Fluids
Dang T
(2014)
Modelling of as manufactured geometry for prediction of impact and compression after impact behaviour of variable angle tow laminates
in Journal of Composite Materials
De Angelis G
(2012)
A new technique to detect defect size and depth in composite structures using digital shearography and unconstrained optimization
in NDT & E International
Pickering S
(2010)
Comparison of the defect detection capabilities of flash thermography and vibration excitation shearography
in Insight - Non-Destructive Testing and Condition Monitoring
Rhead A
(2010)
Compressive strength of composite laminates following free edge impact
in Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing
Rhead A
(2010)
Analysis and Compression Testing of Laminates Optimised for Damage Tolerance
in Applied Composite Materials
Rhead A.T.
(2012)
The effect of tow gaps on compression after impact strength of AFP laminates
in ECCM 2012 - Composites at Venice, Proceedings of the 15th European Conference on Composite Materials
Rhead A.T.
(2013)
The effect of tow gaps on compression after impact strength of robotically laminated structures
in Computers, Materials and Continua
Description | Airbus Group |
Amount | £120,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | Airbus |
Organisation | Airbus Group |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | France |
Start |
Description | Airbus Group |
Amount | £120,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | Airbus |
Organisation | Airbus Group |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | France |
Start |
Description | EPSRC |
Amount | £523,127 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/H025898/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start |
Description | EPSRC |
Amount | £523,127 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/H025898/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start |
Description | GKN |
Amount | £60,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | GKN |
Organisation | GKN |
Sector | Private |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start |
Description | GKN |
Amount | £60,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | GKN |
Organisation | GKN |
Sector | Private |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start |