The field of fibre reinforced/polymer matrix materials spans from the tightly controlled aerospace applications with high strength/modulus graphite fibres, modified epoxy resins, and close to theoretical fibre/matrix volume fractions, to chopped glass fibres, low volume fractions and inexpensive polyester resin matrices. Engineering opportunities for composite materials exist now, not only in aerospace and low-end applications, but also in ship building (ADI minehunter frigates), buildings and civil engineering structures (light weight bridges), automotive (sport and racing cars), rail transport, and marine structures.

Equipment in the Materials Manufacturing Lab (left: pre-pregger for making advanced composite laminates; right: autoclave for manufacturing composite parts).

The research directions of the materials group include advanced composite materials and simulation and modelling of the manufacturing processes. Specific goals of the research program include:

• to develop and expand the scientific and engineering foundations of mechanics and material engineering of the composite and polymer materials and the associated manufacturing processes.
• bridge the collaborative work between academic institutions and industries in the area of composite and polymer materials and manufacturing.
• provide assistance to operators of aircraft in the maintenance and repair of composite and adhesively bound airframe structures.

Composites:

• thermoplastic toughening of epoxy resins
• design of a composite shear test fixture
• laser holographic methods
• recycled plastics and natural fibres
• interphase modelling of composites
• interlayer toughening mechanisms in composites
• finite element modelling of composite fracture behaviour.