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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: EP/D06984X/1
Title: Advanced Ultrasonic NDE of Composite Airframe Components: Physics, Modelling and Technology.
Principal Investigator: Challis, Professor RE
Other Investigators:
Unwin, Dr ME Kalashnikov, Dr A
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Airbus Operations Limited Defence Science & Tech Lab DSTL N D T Solutions Ltd
QinetiQ
Department: Sch of Electrical and Electronic Eng
Organisation: University of Nottingham
Scheme: Standard Research
Starts: 01 August 2006 Ends: 31 July 2009 Value (£): 338,866
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Acoustics Materials Characterisation
Materials testing & eng.
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Aerospace, Defence and Marine Manufacturing
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
Future developments in large passenger aircraft will involve increasing use of fibre reinforced composite materials (FRCs) in place of metal components that currently form much of the vehicle structures. This will provide considerable weight savings and enable higher payloads and reduced fuel consumption, thus increasing commercial efficiency and reducing pollution. The extensive use of FRCs brings with it new challenges in the design of manufacturing processes and the testing of components and structures when formed. This proposal aims to develop the science and technology of ultrasonic techniques to test the integrity of FRC components, both as an aid to process development and for the quality assurance of formed components. It will focus on the detection and characterisation of (i) microscopic porosity which reduces material shear strength, and (ii) anomalies in the lay-up of reinforcing fibres such as in plane and out of plane waviness. The results of the study will be integrated into an advanced instrumentation platform which will be available for use by airframe manufacturers.
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Organisation Website: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk