PhD in detection and identification of damage in composite fibre/metal laminate structures using guided ultrasonic waves

Vacancy Information

The Department of Mechanical Engineering is offering a four year PhD in the area of detection and identification of damage in composite fibre/metal laminate structures using guided ultrasonic waves.

The overarching aim of this PhD project is to develop structurally efficient layered composite systems by investigating and improving the detection and characterisation of damage, through the use of guided ultrasonic waves.

Studentship Description

Leading manufacturers in the aerospace industry are working towards new composite materials for the next generation of aircraft structures. The design requirements to reduce weight while maintaining strength, damage tolerance, and structural integrity. Guided by nature inspired design for the engineering of such lightweight materials, the research group is involved in the development of layered composite fibre/metal systems. These materials can combine the high ductility and toughness of metals with the high stiffness and resilience of fibre reinforced composites, leading to ultra-ductile precursors for stretch-forming and stamping processes of car and aircraft parts.

A critical need for the design of such materials is monitoring and modelling damage during manufacturing and service. During manufacturing, the main damage mechanisms are delamination in the metal/composite interface, voids in the matrix, and fibre pull-out. In service, composite materials are especially susceptible to barely visible impact damage (BVID), limiting structural performance. Therefore, a requirement exists for the non-destructive inspection of these materials to characterize the internal structure, and to detect and monitor damage.

Guided waves are low-frequency ultrasonic waves that propagate along the structure, allowing for the rapid inspection of large structures with limited access requirements. Signal analysis allows damage localization and sizing, with high detection efficiency for surface and internal defects. The multi-modal characteristics of guided waves provide abundant damage information but also increase the signal processing complexity.

Person Specification

Applicants must have a UK-equivalent first degree in Mechanical/Structural/Materials Engineering, or an equivalent discipline with a high technical content. Experience with Finite Element software (ABAQUS) is a significant advantage.