Research project: Full-field data-rich experimental approaches to explain composite material and structural performance and its damage tolerance (DAMTOL)

Project details

The underlying motivation for this research is the scientifically driven need to fully understand the structural performance of polymer composite materials and structures in high-strain rate events.  Composite materials are used in land, sea and air vehicles in high performance applications, particularly where speed and manoeuvrability are primary considerations.  High strain rate events occur during collision with other objects and, in the case of military vehicles, when subject to a blast.  After experiencing the event the structure may fail completely or it may suffer damage that will reduce its service life, which is sometimes accompanied with sudden unexpected failure.  The loss in integrity of the material will therefore increase the risk of injury to passengers or third parties.  Furthermore in defence applications the risk of damage to systems and instrumentation is an important concern that will have a knock-on effect in terms of threat to life.