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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/R08322/01
Title: Failure Analysis of Polymer Composites and Adhesively Bonded Joints
Principal Investigator: Huntley, Professor JM
Other Investigators:
Ashcroft, Professor IA Nurse, Dr A
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Dartec Ltd Loughborough University Ministry of Defence (MOD)
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Organisation: Loughborough University
Scheme: JREI
Starts: 01 August 2001 Ends: 31 July 2004 Value (£): 21,649
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Materials testing & eng.
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Aerospace, Defence and Marine Manufacturing
Construction Transport Systems and Vehicles
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
The proposed research concerns many aspects of the failure analysis and strength prediction of polymer composites and adhesively bonded joints. Mechanical testing is important for this work in order to provide material data for the development of accurate constitutive models and to test coupon type samples in order to develop and validate failure criteria and lifetime prediction methodologies. In order to fully realise these objectives the mechanical test facilities at Loughborough need to be improved. The most cost-effective method of doing this is to fit new digital controllers to two existing servohydraulic test machines. The particular test requirements of the proposed research include the ability to subject the samples to complex load/dwell/recovery regimes whilst monitoring crack growth and changes in compliance of the sample. In addition, Variable amplitude fatigue loading, representative of that seen in aerospace structures will be investigated, which requires advanced adaptive control to ensure the relatively complaint joints follow closely the prescribed fatigue spectrum. Advanced data acquisition is equally important. In order to keep the quantity of data stored manageable, whilst ensuring useful data is not missed, it is important that data captured can be trigged and filtered via external channels such as the crack monitoring equipment.
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Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.lboro.ac.uk