Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	GR/R97337/01
Title:	Multi-Domain Microstructure Design of Smart Coupled Mechanical and EM Solids
Principal Investigator:	Scarpa, Professor F
Other Investigators:	Attenborough, Professor K Alderson, Professor A Worden, Professor K Alderson, Professor K Remillat, Dr C
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:	QinetiQ
Department:	Faculty of Technology
Organisation:	University of Bolton
Scheme:	Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts:	25 September 2003	Ends:	24 September 2005	Value (£):	49,002
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Materials Characterisation Materials testing & eng.
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Related Grants:	GR/R97313/02 GR/R97320/01
Panel History:
Summary on Grant Application Form
The proposed research is aimed at developing a multidomain optimization procedure (MDO) for the design of composite materials that require enhanced mechanical and electromagnetic characteristics. The MDO procedure will use homogenized mechanical and electromagnetic data in the differential evolution method to design the microstructure of materials. Because of their applications to smart mechanical and electromagnetic structures, some consideration will also be given to the effects of piezoelectric inclusions within a composite. To ensure MDO design solutions are practical, the MDO procedure will use data that relate to the ease of manufacture, as well as conventional mechanical and electromagnetic performance data. An important deliverable for the project will be the manufacture of two samples: a carbon fibre reinforced composite and a honeycomb composite. The design of both structures will be based on the proposed MDO procedure. The samples will undergo electromagnetic testing, and static and dynamic mechanical testing. In this way, the feasibility and costs involved in the use of the MDO methodology will be assessed.
Key Findings
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Potential use in non-academic contexts
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Project URL:
Further Information:
Organisation Website:	http://www.bolton.ac.uk