| This course introduces the design of structures using advanced composite materials via examples, case studies and problem-solving exercises. The instructor is Dr Rodney Thomson, the Program Manager for Design and Analysis at Advanced Composite Structures Australia. The course is intended for both beginning and more experienced technical personnel, particularly structural, mechanical and civil engineers and composite practitioners. Engineers and managers responsible for specifying and designing structures which may benefit from use of advanced composites will find these seminars extremely informative. | |
| Venue | National Centre for Synchrotron Science, 800 Blackburn Road, Clayton , Victoria |
| Date | Thursday 19 July |
| Members Cost | $440 |
| Non Members Cost | $440 |
| Event Contact | Ann Byrne |
| Contact Phone | +61 3 9866 5586 |
| Contact Email | info@compositesaustralia.com.au |
| Hosted By | Composites Australia and CRC-ACS |
Introduction
Advanced composites” are a class of materials that can be manufactured from a range of polymers and reinforcing fibres. Composites can deliver lightweight structures with high stiffness, strength and increased durability that can be formed into complex lightweight components. Composites is a key enabling technology with uses in an ever-increasing array of industries, but the process of introducing them to a new industry can meet with challenges. Composites behave differently to traditional materials such steel and aluminum, and an understanding of these differences and use of appropriate design methods to achieve structural integrity will be the focus of this course.
Program Outline
I. Composite materials: types, properties and behaviour
A brief outline of composite material types, describing their properties and behaviour.
II. Composite structures: applications and approaches
Use of composite materials in a range of industries, and the drivers for selection of materials will be outlined.
III. Composites design principles and guidelines
Design practices to ensure effective and efficient composite solutions. Load paths and the relationship with laminate design; design details (including joints, stiffened panels and sandwich panels); key weaknesses of composite structures (including through-thickness stresses, delamination, damage tolerance & residual strength, environment, manufacturing variability and defects).
IV. Composites design methods and design issues
Outline of available composites design methods (including datasheet methods, laminate analysis methods, finite element analysis methods).
V. Industry codes and standards
Relevant industry codes and standards for composite materials will be outlined. In many industry sectors, standards do not cater for composite materials. General pathways for the use of composite materials and methods to demonstrate compliance with existing standards will be explained.
Facilitator Information
Dr Rodney Thomson is the Program Manager for Design and Analysis at Advanced Composite Structures Australia Pty Ltd, Previously, Rod was with the parent company of ACS Australia, the Cooperative Research Centre for Advanced Composite Structures (CRC-ACS) where his research covered the breadth of impact and crash testing and simulation, design optimisation and failure prediction for composite structures.
He led long-term collaboration with Airbus on the development of design tools to assess manufacturing and in-service defects in composite structures. He also led CRC‑ACS involvement in the European Union 6th Framework Program COCOMAT, which developed new methods to simulate damage and degradation in composite fuselage structures. Dr Thomson manages the CRC-ACS Helicopter Crashworthiness Project developing technologies and design tools to improve energy absorption and crashworthiness of composite structures.
