International Composites Summit

Cranfield has a rich heritage in the study of composite manufacturing and analysis and is currently a core partner in the strategic EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Composites (CIMComp), supported by major manufacturers. There are currently several public sector and commercially research funded projects that have yielded great scientific outputs and made significant strides towards industrial/commercial adoption. We work closely with industry, non-government organisations and government agencies. Our clients include Airbus, BAE Systems, BASF, Bombardier, Boeing, Ford, GKN, Hexcel, Lola, Scott Bader and SAE International. Many of these outputs will be on display at our booth, where case studies and real-world industrial applications can be explained by our team. In fact, one of our academics Mr Mehdi Asareh, Research Fellow on Process Simulation and Monitoring, will give a talk at 15:40 on Layer-by-Layer Curing as part of the concurrent EPSRC Future Composites Manufacturing Research Hub Open Day.

Composite hybridisation and through-thickness reinforcement – our centre has strong competencies in this area from a manufacturing and process science perspective, all the way to evaluation and performance, using experimental and simulation methods. We are working with several industrial and research partners to make great strides in this area. We have also recently developed a method for integrating large diameter through-thickness reinforcement (TTR) in composites, complementing our already substantial TTR offering. Read more about our recent contributions to projects like SEER and D-Joints.

Sustainable Textiles and Composites- Our centre is focused on environmentally benign manufacturing processes for a range of natural polymer-based fibres such as cellulose, alginate, chitosan and chitin. Natural polymer fibres from cellulose can be used for sustainable textiles/fashion sector whereas the alginate and chitosan/chitin fibres can be used for medical antimicrobial bandages. Our sustainable textiles work is funded by the UKRI Interdisciplinary Textiles Circularity Centre. Our work is also focused on natural fibres-based composites and sustainable sandwich composites for potential applications in automotive applications.

Process science – we are involved in research on simulation and optimisation of composites manufacturing, processing and functionality of polymer nanocomposites and development of constitutive models for polymer composites. Read more about our recent contributions to LbL. 

Graphene composites – in addition to traditional fibre reinforced composites, the centre has a strategic position in the advancement of graphene composites. Our centre has state-of-the-art facilities for graphene integration and testing of high-performance composites, from cryogenic to high temperature, radiation, and full mechanical evaluation. Read more here. 

Hydrogen – Cranfield is synonymous with aerospace and our hydrogen research and development covers all aspects of the generation and use of the fuel at airports and in aircraft. This work also extends beyond aerospace and into the energy, marine and automotive sectors where the use of composites is ubiquitous. We have ongoing research focused on how composites can be applied to meet the new and exciting demands of the hydrogen economy. We are unique in that there is a University wide push for excellence in hydrogen research with the facilities and expertise to support industry in this way.

Project sponsorship – by choosing to sponsor our students’ projects you are commissioning a graduate to conduct research for your organisation under the supervision of a global expert in the field, with access to the latest technology and facilities in our areas of expertise.

How can your business benefit?

• A cost-effective way to investigate projects of interest to you.
• Projects are supervised by world renowned academic experts that help to ensure high quality project outputs.
• Unrestricted access to state-of-the-art facilities within the University not available to many businesses due to the high cost of ownership.
• A comprehensive report on the findings of the project.
• Networking and promotional opportunities at our project presentations days.
• Access to a rich talent pipeline of students.
• Use project sponsorship as part of a long-term strategic relationship with Cranfield.

Our unique positioning allows us to offer a blended approach to consultancy where we can offer, not only world-class research facilities, but the academic rigour and expertise to back it up, giving greater context. We can offer a cost-effective way to outsource R&D activity with comprehensive evaluation and analysis by our experienced team of academics that will exceed your expectations. Talk to our team at our booth and discuss with us what your needs are.

Composites manufacturing – RTM, autoclave processing, press forming, through-thickness reinforcement (z-pinning, tufting, large-diameter pin insertion), tape winding, tow-pregging, nanoparticle integration, 3D printing, extrusion, resin synthesis.

Facilities

Composites analysis

THERMMAT – Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Simultaneous Thermal Analyser (SDT), Laser Flash Analyser (LFA), Thermomechanical Analyser (TMA), Dynamic Mechanical Analyser (DMA), Rheology.

Composites Centre – MicroCT, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), environmental chambers, hydrogen permeability apparatus, mass spectroscopy, dieletric analysis (DEA), mechanical testing facilities, impact testing facilities.

Recent Projects

A 'Structural Battery Company' – design of carbon fibre monococque and battery casing for electric sports cars.

TaiSan Motors – study of electric vehicle battery casing requirements and design/build of a full-scale city car battery case.

Dexet Technologies – design study for electric vehicle carbon fibre tubular structures using thermoplastic resins and metal attachments.

Advanced Materials MSc – to meet industrial materials issues head on, innovations in composite materials and structures are essential. By developing new composite materials with unique capabilities and integrating these into structures to improve sustainability and lower costs, we are pushing the boundaries of composite manufacturing and leading the way for the future use of composites.

The course comprises eight taught modules (October to January), one 12-week group project (February to April) and one 16-week individual research project (May to August). Each taught module is delivered in a single week (30 hours of lectures, lab classes and tutorials) and assessed by a written assignment. Private study weeks are scheduled between taught modules to allow time for students to research and complete written assignments. The course is structured to provide initial knowledge content (taught modules) followed by group and individual project work where knowledge can be applied. The Advanced Materials MSc course is one of 10 courses delivered within the Manufacturing and Materials department and students can be assigned projects on any topic proposed by staff from within the department, providing a wide range of projects.

Student testimonials

Julien Allard – the module I enjoyed the most was probably the Failure of Materials and Structures. It was a very technical module involving maths, mechanical behaviours but also materials knowledge and environmental effects. It also includes different methods of analysis as lab experiments (strain-stress tests) and computations on failure simulations. Being very technical and involving a wide variety of different phenomena, this module was for me one of the most interesting ones.

Sophie Vernon – I really enjoy the labs and seeing what current research is going on. I also enjoy when we have several different lecturers delivering a module as they all have their individual expertise. We get an in-depth look at these areas from someone passionate about their work and research. I feel confident in my knowledge and understanding. I have become very interested in research and development and this MSc puts me on track for that area of industry.

Short courses

Finite Element and Materials Modelling
Materials Selection
Surface Engineering and Coatings
Introduction to Composite Materials
Nanomaterials and Advanced Composites
High Performance Composite Structures and Components
Toughening of Polymer Resins
Sustainable Composites Manufacturing and Industrial Applications
Modelling, Simulation and Monitoring of Composites Cure