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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: EP/F02911X/1
Title: Platform: Textile Composites - Engineering Science and its Applications
Principal Investigator: Long, Professor A
Other Investigators:
Walker, Professor GS Johnson, Dr M Clifford, Dr MJ
Jones, Dr IA Scotchford, Dr CA Brooks, Dr R
Pickering, Professor SJ Rudd, Professor CD Warrior, Professor N
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department: Sch of Mech Materials Manuf Eng Mgt
Organisation: University of Nottingham
Scheme: Platform Grants
Starts: 15 April 2009 Ends: 14 April 2013 Value (£): 842,601
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Biomaterials Materials Characterisation
Materials Processing Materials testing & eng.
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Aerospace, Defence and Marine Manufacturing
Transport Systems and Vehicles
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Panel DatePanel NameOutcome
29 Oct 2007 Platforms Panel October 2007 Announced
Summary on Grant Application Form
In our initial Platform Grant (GR/T18578/01) - we have been extremely successful in implementing a predictive modelling strategy at the fibre and textile (reinforcement) scale. This has been complemented by an extensive experimental programme, notably in manufacture of novel fibres and degradable composites and in development and optimisation of automated carbon fibre preforming technologies. Models at fibre scale have developed understanding of degradation for medical implants, mechanics of dry and impregnated tows, and influence of thermal and chemical shrinkage on residual stresses in thermoset composites. RVE models have enabled engineering science models for textile mechanics, fluid permeability, and elastic and failure behaviour for textile composites.Given the above, we propose to implement a multi-scale modelling approach for polymer composites, encompassing models at fibre tow, unit cell (RVE), laminate and component scales. The same philosophy that we have used successfully at the RVE scale, encompassed in the TexGen schema, will be applied - encompassing the critical engineering science within a user-friendly and flexible software environment, made publicly available where commercial considerations allow. For example one crucial area where this will be applied is in yarn/tow modelling, where we need to develop a schema representing fibre arrangements, incorporating statistical information for fibre paths. This will be an essential building block in the modelling strategy, and will be the focus of one of the Research Fellows.The strategy will be underpinned by an extensive experimental programme, validating the models and developing new processing technologies for our target application areas. We do NOT aim primarily to model standard materials or processes with high technology readiness levels; rather we aim to utilise our unique modelling capabilities and understanding to develop exciting new directions. This approach will be applied across our research portfolio, concentrating on:- automated manufacturing and processing- mechanical and physical performance- medical materials- technical textiles
Key Findings
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Potential use in non-academic contexts
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Summary
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Organisation Website: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk