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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/N13753/01
Title: FABRICATION METHODS FOR CRASH ENERGY ABSORBING COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
Principal Investigator: Warrior, Professor NA
Other Investigators:
Rudd, Professor CD
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Ford Motor Co Lotus Cars Ltd
Department: Sch of Mech Materials Manuf Eng Mgt
Organisation: University of Nottingham
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 September 2000 Ends: 31 August 2003 Value (£): 184,585
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Materials Processing
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Manufacturing Transport Systems and Vehicles
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
Very high benefits in specific crash energy absorption levels can be seen when steel automotive structures are replaced by thermoset composites. However, a large number of variables exist upon which the failure mode and specific energy absorption depend (eg constituent properties, reinforcement architectures and specimen geometries). Extensive studies have identified the role of many of these variables on the specific energy absorption, but little is known of the effects of different fabrication techniques such as those incorporating through-thickness reinforcements and the effects of process-induced defects such as voids, fibre waviness and degree of cure.By a number of manufacturing studies and a range of coupon and axial crushing tests at different loading rates, the programme aims to:1. identify the relative performance of structures fabricated to give high interlaminar fracture toughness (via high toughness matrix, interleaves and through-stitching routes), and thereby establish process parameters for optimal performance,2. identify and assess the behaviour and effect of process-induced defects on crash performance, and thereby establish manufacturing quality controls.EngProg\
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Organisation Website: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk