Overview
A project at the Composites Lab is characterized by the amalgamation of experimental and computational/modeling mechanics and encompasses people with very different backgrounds to ensure we capture all aspects of these complex problems. In the Composites Lab you will find skills ranging from theoretical mechanics, applied mathematics, computer science to material science and chemical engineering. Our researchers are connected by their common passion for the fascinating potential of composite materials.
The Composites Lab develops and authenticates techniques to achieve better designs of composite material based structures. Much of this research is done in close cooperation with major industrial partners. This ensures a high level of applied research based on advanced theoretical concepts.
Current Research
Continuous fiber thermoplastic composites are gaining a growing interest in the automotive industry due to their weight-saving potential, recyclability, fast processing time and excellent mechanical response in accommodating damage and plasticity. To this end, we fully characterize the thermal and mechanical properties of the thermoplastic polymer (of different formulations); the morphology (e.g. spherulite), degree of crystallinity and property of the neat thermoplastic polymers; damage mechanisms of thermoplastic composites under in-plane tension and out-of-plane loads (quasi-static indentation and low-velocity impact). We developed in situ technique utilizing fiber Bragg gratings to monitor the processing of thermoplastic composites. Three research themes are:
Researcher(s):
Former member(s):
Funding agency: SABIC
Continuous fiber thermoplastic composites are gaining a growing interest in the automotive industry due to their weight-saving potential, recyclability, fast processing time and excellent mechanical response in accommodating damage and plasticity. To this end, we fully characterize the thermal and mechanical properties of the thermoplastic polymer (of different formulations); the morphology (e.g. spherulite), degree of crystallinity and property of the neat thermoplastic polymers; damage mechanisms of thermoplastic composites under in-plane tension and out-of-plane loads (quasi-static indentation and low-velocity impact). We developed in situ technique utilizing fiber Bragg gratings to monitor the processing of thermoplastic composites. Three research themes are:
Researcher(s):
Former member(s):
Funding agency: SABIC
Continuous fiber thermoplastic composites are gaining a growing interest in the automotive industry due to their weight-saving potential, recyclability, fast processing time and excellent mechanical response in accommodating damage and plasticity. To this end, we fully characterize the thermal and mechanical properties of the thermoplastic polymer (of different formulations); the morphology (e.g. spherulite), degree of crystallinity and property of the neat thermoplastic polymers; damage mechanisms of thermoplastic composites under in-plane tension and out-of-plane loads (quasi-static indentation and low-velocity impact). We developed in situ technique utilizing fiber Bragg gratings to monitor the processing of thermoplastic composites. Three research themes are:
Researcher(s):
Former member(s):
Funding agency: SABIC
Continuous fiber thermoplastic composites are gaining a growing interest in the automotive industry due to their weight-saving potential, recyclability, fast processing time and excellent mechanical response in accommodating damage and plasticity. To this end, we fully characterize the thermal and mechanical properties of the thermoplastic polymer (of different formulations); the morphology (e.g. spherulite), degree of crystallinity and property of the neat thermoplastic polymers; damage mechanisms of thermoplastic composites under in-plane tension and out-of-plane loads (quasi-static indentation and low-velocity impact). We developed in situ technique utilizing fiber Bragg gratings to monitor the processing of thermoplastic composites. Three research themes are:
Researcher(s):
Former member(s):
Funding agency: SABIC