Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	EP/C510585/1
Title:	A novel particle based approach for modelling fracture in particulate composites
Principal Investigator:	Kulasegaram, Dr S
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department:	Sch of Engineering
Organisation:	Cardiff University
Scheme:	First Grant Scheme Pre-FEC
Starts:	01 May 2005	Ends:	31 March 2008	Value (£):	113,983
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Eng. Dynamics & Tribology Materials Characterisation Materials testing & eng.
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	Aerospace, Defence and Marine Manufacturing
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Summary on Grant Application Form
The aim of this research is to develop a new numerical method, a particle-based meshless method, for modelling particulate composites and to analyse failure of such composites under various loading conditions. The ability to effectively model particulate composites would create an opportunity for significant improvements to the fracture analysis of structures made of such materials, with consequent reductions In cost, consumption of energy and raw materials. The method is one of a family of new numerical techniques, known collectively as meshless methods, which show great potential for the simulation of a range of phenomena that conventional computational techniques are unable to deal with effectively.The main objectives of the work are as follows. First, to develop a particle based numerical method to model and analyse the fracture mechanism and force-deformation behaviour of particulate composite in two dimensions. This will be validated against results obtained with other numerical techniques and experimental data. Then, secondly, to extend the method to model fracture in three-dimensional particulate composite. The work will require a post doctoral research E assistant working for 30 months on the development of 2 and 3-dimensional codes and its applications to failure analysis. when successful, this project will provide the scientific basis for modelling various particulate composites and multiphase materials in the near future. For example, metal matrix composites, magnetostrictive particle-filled elastomers and many other multiphase materials which are widely used in modern engineering applications can be modelled based on this approach.
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Organisation Website:	http://www.cf.ac.uk