Thermoforming Mechanisms for Cost-effective Manufacturing of Advanced Composite Structures. The cost barrier in thermoforming, due to the lack of understanding of shear deformation and wrinkling, has inhibited the large-scale application of fibre-reinforced composite structures in aerospace and automobile industries. This project aims to develop a cost-effective diaphragm thermoforming process through an in-depth understanding of the thermoforming mechanisms. The outcomes will include novel theo ....Thermoforming Mechanisms for Cost-effective Manufacturing of Advanced Composite Structures. The cost barrier in thermoforming, due to the lack of understanding of shear deformation and wrinkling, has inhibited the large-scale application of fibre-reinforced composite structures in aerospace and automobile industries. This project aims to develop a cost-effective diaphragm thermoforming process through an in-depth understanding of the thermoforming mechanisms. The outcomes will include novel theories for thermoforming, a standard method for material property characterization and new finite element models compatible with the most popular software available for industry. The project will form the basis for establishing the effective production window and enhance greatly the competitive edge of the Australian manufacturing industry.Read moreRead less
Fundamental roles of nano-particles in composite-fibre/epoxy-polymer (CF/EP) composites. There is a significant demand for value-added, innovative epoxy resins for various applications. Australia has a well established aerospace industry and world-leading expertise in synthesising and processing inorganic nano-particles. The outputs of this project will be beneficial to both material manufacturers and design engineers. Understanding the fundamental roles of functional nano-fillers will stimulate ....Fundamental roles of nano-particles in composite-fibre/epoxy-polymer (CF/EP) composites. There is a significant demand for value-added, innovative epoxy resins for various applications. Australia has a well established aerospace industry and world-leading expertise in synthesising and processing inorganic nano-particles. The outputs of this project will be beneficial to both material manufacturers and design engineers. Understanding the fundamental roles of functional nano-fillers will stimulate scientific and technological interests for future research and development of multifunctional engineering materials with improved properties and structures designed in the nano-scale. The project will give Australian researchers a technological edge over their competitors in materials science and engineering.Read moreRead less
Micro-electromechanics and finite element analysis models for adaptive structures. Adaptive structures are becoming increasingly important due to their direct improvement of structural system performance. However, electroelastic behaviour and damage mechanism, which are primary concerns for adaptive structural design, are poorly understood. This project aims at developing micro-electromechanics and finite element analysis models to investigate the electroelastic properties and detect delaminatio ....Micro-electromechanics and finite element analysis models for adaptive structures. Adaptive structures are becoming increasingly important due to their direct improvement of structural system performance. However, electroelastic behaviour and damage mechanism, which are primary concerns for adaptive structural design, are poorly understood. This project aims at developing micro-electromechanics and finite element analysis models to investigate the electroelastic properties and detect delamination for adaptive structures. It combines the fields of micro-electromechanics and composite material analysis in a computational framework to provide a useful and cost-effective tool for modelling the response of adaptive structures. It is a challenging task and will have significant impact in the adaptive structure design community.Read moreRead less
Topology Optimisation of Periodic Structures for Stent Design. Stenting therapy offers new therapeutical strategies to improve the quality of healthcare for numerous cardiovascular disease patients. This project will address the critical issues in stent design involving the delivery, dilatation and ongoing interaction with blood vessel and fluid. The novel topological configurations are expected to bring significant improvement to stent ensuring long-term success. The numerical techniques to be ....Topology Optimisation of Periodic Structures for Stent Design. Stenting therapy offers new therapeutical strategies to improve the quality of healthcare for numerous cardiovascular disease patients. This project will address the critical issues in stent design involving the delivery, dilatation and ongoing interaction with blood vessel and fluid. The novel topological configurations are expected to bring significant improvement to stent ensuring long-term success. The numerical techniques to be developed for optimising topology will provide new tools for design of periodic structures, making a broader impact on an important class of engineering structures and thus benefiting many relevant fields.Read moreRead less
De-consolidation and Re-consolidation of Advanced Thermoplastic Matrix Composites. The project provides a comprehensive physical understanding on thermal de-consolidation and re-consolidation processes in advanced thermoplastic composites during re-heating/cooling processes, such as thermoforming and joining. Mechanistic models based on theoretical analysis, experimental studies and computational modelling will be established to provide a unified approach to predict de-consolidation and re-conso ....De-consolidation and Re-consolidation of Advanced Thermoplastic Matrix Composites. The project provides a comprehensive physical understanding on thermal de-consolidation and re-consolidation processes in advanced thermoplastic composites during re-heating/cooling processes, such as thermoforming and joining. Mechanistic models based on theoretical analysis, experimental studies and computational modelling will be established to provide a unified approach to predict de-consolidation and re-consolidation processes. Optimum processing-windows will be established, with which the undesired deterioration in material meso-structures and mechanical performance due to de-consolidation is effectively minimised. The outcomes of the project will fill the gap in the knowledge for thermoplastic composite processing and will improve the integrity of thermoplastic composite structures in practical applications.Read moreRead less
A Unified Approach to Determine Permeabilities of Fibre Preforms for Manufacturing Advanced Composite Structures. A unified framework is developed first time to determine 3-D permeabilities of fibre preforms for advanced fibre composites using homogenisation theories based on micro-, meso- and macro-structures of fibre preforms. Mechanistic models based on experimental studies, theoretical analyses and computational modelling are established to quantify permeabilities in different scales. It off ....A Unified Approach to Determine Permeabilities of Fibre Preforms for Manufacturing Advanced Composite Structures. A unified framework is developed first time to determine 3-D permeabilities of fibre preforms for advanced fibre composites using homogenisation theories based on micro-, meso- and macro-structures of fibre preforms. Mechanistic models based on experimental studies, theoretical analyses and computational modelling are established to quantify permeabilities in different scales. It offers a unique technique to determine 3-D permeabilities for manufacturing advanced composite structures using various novel technologies based on resin impregnation or infusion, such as VARTM and RI. The outcomes of the project will fill the gap in the essential knowledge for cost-effective manufacturing of advanced composite structures in practical applications.Read moreRead less