Bio-Inspired Through-Thickness Reinforced Composites

Apply and key information

This project is funded by:

Department for the Economy (DfE)

Summary

Carbon fibre reinforced polymer composites, CFRP, offer superior strength-to-weight ratios when compared with materials traditionally used in the aerospace and automotive industries.

However, structural discontinuities, such as fastener holes, can introduce stress concentrations in these anisotropic material systems increasing the risk of critical failure due to delamination.

However, delamination of composite structures is a considerable drawback that can be potentially solved by a through-thickness reinforcement, TTR, of the carbon fibre fabrics prior to the resin impregnation step.

While a number of these TTR methods exist; tufting, z-pinning, stitching, 3D weaving etc, they are often examined in isolation with “off the shelf” reinforcement materials.

This project investigates bio-inspired through-thickness reinforcement techniques, specifically tufting, 3D weaving and z-pinning, to enhance delamination resistance in laminated CFRP structures.

Tufting and z-pinning both introduce a material through-the-thickness of the laminate which act as mechanical pins arresting the displacement caused by crack opening displacement in mode I loading and crack sliding in mode II.

Tufting provides reinforcement in both the site of the insertion of the tufting yarn and between the tufts, whereas z-pinning does this at the site of insertion. 3D wovens involve layering and interweaving fibres in a computer-controlled process, weaving through-thickness reinforcements directly into a component.

This project will focus on the mechanical performance of tufted, 3D woven and z-pinned CFRP laminates.

Key objectives include; the identification and development of suitable reinforcement materials, optimisation of TTR parameters and the examination of their influence on the overall composite.

This research aligns with broader efforts to advance composite processing technologies and supports the development of increased damage-tolerant aerospace structures.

Spirit AeroSystems, AMIC and WCS are actively supporting the project through technical review, liaison and in-kind contributions.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

First Class Honours (1st) Degree
Masters at 65%
Work experience relevant to the proposed project
Publications - peer-reviewed

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

Department for the Economy (DfE)

This scholarship will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £21,000* (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance). A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of approximately £900 per annum is also available.

To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be a UK National, or

Have settled status, or

Have pre-settled status, or

Have indefinite leave to remain or enter, or

be an Irish National

Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period