Our Technologies
Listed below are quad charts showing representative concepts that can increase manufacturing competitiveness of our members. partners and our collective echo system. The index is shown in the table below:
Note: Click on the technology to view quad charts
Examples of our Collaborations
1) A fabric company.
Tasks: To provide a full-range development from meso- and macro mechanics modeling to improve fiber architecture; to laminate and ply drop optimization; static, fatigue and CAI predictions and validating data, and marketing.
Challenges: To demonstrate multi-scale methodology, and optimization to replace empirically based or outdated practices.
In-kind support: $500,000 per year.
2) A materials supplier.
Task: To provide micro mechanics modeling and statistical database to support the manufacturing of a prototype structure with the goals of bridging the coupon data with structural performance prediction, and defect mechanics that can assess the effects and recommended accept/repair/reject decision.
Challenges: To demonstrate predictability of cure cycle, size effect and a rational defect mechanics.
In-kind support: $400,000 per year.
3) A racing aircraft manufacturer.
Tasks: In support of converting a fiberglass aircraft to partially carbon composites in order to increase payload. Most likely components will be converted to carbon composites and validate performance increase prediction.
Challenges: To demonstrate systems performance prediction is practical leading to reduced weight and cost with increase in overall performance.
In-kind support: $200,000 per year.
4) An equipment supplier.
Tasks: To increase software/hardware performance such that a fully integrated Digital Image Correlation with corresponding Finite Element Analysis. This system will form a generic system that can revolutionize design allowable generation, defect detection of small and large components, and defect mechanics to determine accept/repair/reject criteria.
Challenges: Fast and converging solutions that can be packaged into portable, robust and easy to use systems.
In-kind support: $400,000 per year.
5) An automated manufacturing machine supplier.
Tasks: To develop automated process for laying multi-angle tape so as the achieve higher quality panel with faster speed and lower scrap rate through 1- or 2-axis layup (instead of 3- or 4-axis). Specially engineered laps in successive layers will ensure uniformity in panel thickness and properties at a substantially reduced cost.
Challenges: Novel design of multi-angle tape with unique ply angles allows laps and staggering so outstanding panel quality and performance can be maintained with conventional machines without modification.
In-kind support: $300,000 per year.
6) A engineering consulting firm.
Tasks: Support of a US Army Phase II program on fatigue life prediction module and integration with Abaqus and Natran FEA programs. This unique life prediction is derived from a micromechanics model where matrix is assumed to be isotropic that follows Goodman’s diagram, while carbon fibers are linear elastic and orthotropic.
Challenges: Fatigue life of an isotropic medium like epoxy resin can be based in two parts: the mean and alternative stresses. Their combinations will lead to different stress ratios from tension-tension, compression-compression, to tension-compression. A systematic prediction of different materials, laminates, and combined stresses can be built from this separation of constituents by micromechanics.
Direct cash support: $250,000 for 18 months.