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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/T03390/01
Title: Exploiting functional fibres in advanced composite materials
Principal Investigator: Bond, Professor IP
Other Investigators:
Hallett, Professor SR Weaver, Professor PM Wisnom, Professor M
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department: Aerospace Engineering
Organisation: University of Bristol
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 October 2004 Ends: 30 September 2007 Value (£): 149,150
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Eng. Dynamics & Tribology Materials Characterisation
Materials Processing
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Aerospace, Defence and Marine Transport Systems and Vehicles
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Panel DatePanel NameOutcome
21 Apr 2004 Materials Fellowships 2004 - Interview Panel Deferred
19 Mar 2004 Materials Fellowships 2004 Sift Panel Deferred
Summary on Grant Application Form
Describe the proposed research using (about 200) words geared to the non-specialist reader.The principal aim of this Fellowship is to investigate a variety of innovative fibres and approaches which convey functionality to fibres in a reinforced composite beyond their current structural role. This opens up a whole new area of research for the UK.In order to achieve this, funding is initially sought to develop two approaches, Self-Repair and Fibre Shape. These topics build on existing studies using unique facilities at Bristol and directly address problems which currently limit design allowables by tackling fundamental issues of matrix damage and delamination. Self-Repair will develop filled hollow fibre reinforced plastics which perfom self-repair of impact damage via a 'bleeding' mechanism. Fibres are tailored to fracture after impact initiating repair by outflow of uncured resin from within fibres to infiltrate the damage zone and thereby reduce it's critical effects. Fibre Shape will improve through-thickness strength and delamination resistance by the use of specific fibre shapes. Through-thickness strength improvement occurs intrinsically during consolidation of the laminate. Shaped fibres will discourage ply delamination and increase the overall work of fracture via tortuous crack paths.In addition to these two approaches, the Fellowship will also explore other exciting areas of functional fibre development e.g. novel Fibre Optic sensors; Magnetic fibres; Self Cooling fibres; Triboluminescent and Magnetostrictive fibres.The EPSRC/IOM3 International Review of Materials recently identified functional materials as one of several critical areas for further activity . Furthermore, the whole program concurs with the findings of the 2003 Foresight Smart Materials Taskforce in seeking to establish 'Centres of Excellence'.
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Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.bris.ac.uk