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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/N36158/01
Title: LOW INVESTMENT MANUFACTURING OF LARGE TRANSPORTATION STRUCTURES
Principal Investigator: Rudd, Professor CD
Other Investigators:
Long, Professor A
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Eddie Stobart Transport Europrojects Leyland
Southfields Coachworks Ltd Vosper Thornycroft (U K) Ltd
Department: Sch of Mech Materials Manuf Eng Mgt
Organisation: University of Nottingham
Scheme: LINK
Starts: 03 January 2001 Ends: 30 September 2001 Value (£): 309,749
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Materials testing & eng.
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Transport Systems and Vehicles
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
Currently the only economic way of producing large composite structures for low volume manufacture outside the aerospace industry involves open mould processing. Safety and environmental considerations mean that this approach is not sustainable in the longer term. The project will therefore investigate modelling and characterisation of vacuum infusion which is emerging as a viable alternative for thermoset composites. Existing flow codes will be adapted to simulate the unique flow regime which occurs using diffuser elements combined with a non-steady cavity height and porosity. The programme will address a range of geometries including flat plaques, sandwich and hollow members and representative elements of an industrial demonstrator structure based on a semi-trailer.
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Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk