Digital Twinning of Fibre Reinforced Composites

Summary

This PhD project aims to develop an advanced digital twin for predicting the strength and fatigue life of fibre-reinforced composites. Fibre-reinforced composites are increasingly used in various industry sectors, such as aerospace, automotive, medical devices, and energy. This PhD project will be conducted within an active composites group affiliated with the world-class Institute of Design, Robotics and Manufacturing (iDRaM) at the School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Leeds.

The project presents a distinctive opportunity for the successful candidate to specialise in composites and digital modelling. In addition to collaborating with researchers within the Institute, School, and University, the PhD student will have ample opportunities to interact with our industry partners, enhancing the real-world applicability of their research findings. The student is expected to publish high-quality papers in high-profile international peer-reviewed journals and disseminate research outcomes at national and international conferences, workshops, and seminars.

Fiber-reinforced composites are increasingly used across various engineering sectors as they are strong and lightweight, e.g. aerospace, automotive, renewable energy and sport. Numerous modern engineering products prominently feature composites, including A350 and Boeing 787 aircrafts, the new generation of Rolls-Royce and General Electric aero engine fan blades, and long-span wind turbine blades manufactured by Siemens and Vestas. Additionally, composites are increasingly utilised in electric vehicles to increase power density.

Traditionally, design of a composite structure heavily replies on experiments conducted from small-scale coupon level to full-scale structure level following a pyramid structure. It is an expensive process in terms of both cost and time, particularly for large-dimension structures. Creating a digital representation of composite structures can significantly accelerate the design process while saving cost. Therefore, this PhD project aims to creating an accurate and efficient digital tool that can be used for predicting the strength and fatigue life of composite structures. This digital tool can be used for the design and optimisation of a composite structure and can also be embedded into a health monitoring framework for predicting the remaining life of a composite structure.

References

B. Zhang, G. Allegri, S.R. Hallett, Embedding artificial neural networks into twin cohesive zone models for composites fatigue delamination prediction under various stress ratios and mode mixities, Int. J. Solids Struct. 236–237 (2022) 111311. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijsolstr.2021.111311.

B. Zhang, L.F. Kawashita, M.I. Jones, J.K. Lander, S.R. Hallett, An experimental and numerical investigation into damage mechanisms in tapered laminates under tensile loading, Compos. Part A Appl. Sci. Manuf. 133 (2020) 105862. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2020.105862.

B. Zhang, L.F. Kawashita, S.R. Hallett, Composites fatigue delamination prediction using double load envelopes and twin cohesive models, Compos. Part A Appl. Sci. Manuf. 129 (2020) 105711. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2019.105711.

B. Zhang, X.C. Sun, M.J. Eaton, R. Marks, A. Clarke, C.A. Featherston, L.F. Kawashita, S.R. Hallett, An integrated numerical model for investigating guided waves in impact–damaged composite laminates, Compos. Struct. 176 (2017) 945–960. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruct.2017.06.034.

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.