| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/J77023/01 |
| Title: |
MATRIX CRACK GROWTH IN COMPOSITE LAMINATES |
| Principal Investigator: |
Smith, Professor PA |
| Other Investigators: |
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| Researcher Co-Investigators: |
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| Project Partners: |
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| Department: |
Engineering and Physical Sciences |
| Organisation: |
University of Surrey |
| Scheme: |
Standard Research (Pre-FEC) |
| Starts: |
01 September 1994 |
Ends: |
28 February 1998 |
Value (£): |
135,180
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Materials Characterisation |
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| EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications: |
| Aerospace, Defence and Marine |
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| Panel History: |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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Matrix cracking is a key factor in determining design allowables for composite laminates. Most of the current understanding of the phenomenon is based on studies of simple crossply (0/90/0) type laminates. Within the present programme work will concentrate on (0/90n)s and (0/90/45) type laminates enabling crack growth to be studied under a range of modes of loading more representative of practical applications. Detailed experimental observations of cracking events will be made and closed form analytical and finite element based models will be developed to describe the observed behaviour in terms of the relevant material parameters. The results from the work will enable microcracking to be accommodated in tension and therefore be of direct relevance both to materials suppliers and users. The work is complementary to existing programmes supported by industry, notably Rolls-Royce plc and British Aerospace, Sowerby. The deliverables from the programme will be (1) a microcomputer programme for the prediction of matrix cracking under quasi-static loading in a laminate of arbitrary lay-up, (2) a master diagram presenting data for matrix crack growth rates in off-axis plies under mechanical fatigue cycling.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.surrey.ac.uk |