Through-thickness reinforcement compatible conductive polymer filaments PhD

Composite through-thickness reinforcement techniques are typically used to bolster through-thickness behaviour, composite’s primary weakness, but the integration of through-thickness elements for embedding electrical and thermal functionality is a fast-growing area of research.

The key challenge to greater adoption is that through-thickness wires and filaments are often easily damaged or broken and can struggle to manage the tight bend radii experienced during manufacture.

This project seeks to address this gap by developing tuftable/stitchable/weavable conductive polymer filaments (CFP) via the integration of nano-scale conductive particles/fibres. The focus here is on optimising of polymer blends with nano additives so that they are capable of conducting electrical and thermal energy, but can also reliably survive the tufting process without breaking and provide interlaminar toughening in the composite during operation. This has strong applications in enabling online process and structural health monitoring.

The project has two main arms including the development and evaluation of the CFPs, through-thickness integration trials (experimental and simulation) and validation in a hybridised composite. Activities will include micro/meso-scale modelling to predict electrothermal and thermomechanical response, optimisation of material parameters through simulation, manufacture of CFPs and integration into composite, testing and validation of a hybridised composite.

Successful completion of this research will result in a new polymer filament combining advanced performance with the ability to be robustly tufted into composite without breakages.

The work will make full use of facilities within the Composites and Advanced Materials Centre including the electrical, thermal, and thermo-mechanical characterisation suite, pilot scale composites manufacturing equipment including a tufting robot as well as the Mechanical Testing Lab in the School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing.

At a glance

Application deadline15 May 2024
Award type(s)PhD
Start date30 Sep 2024
Duration of award4 year
EligibilityUK, EU, Rest of world
Reference numberSATM408

Entry requirements

Applicants should have an equivalent of first or second class UK honours degree or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science/Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Chemical Engineering or related discipline. The candidates should be self-motivated, have good communication skills, and an interest in industrial research.

Funding

This is a self-funded research opportunity. Find out more about tuition fees.

Cranfield Doctoral Network

Research students at Cranfield benefit from being part of a dynamic, focused and professional study environment and all become valued members of the Cranfield Doctoral Network. This network brings together both research students and staff, providing a platform for our researchers to share ideas and collaborate in a multi-disciplinary environment. It aims to encourage an effective and vibrant research culture, founded upon the diversity of activities and knowledge. A tailored programme of seminars and events, alongside our Doctoral Researchers Core Development programme (transferable skills training), provide those studying a research degree with a wealth of social and networking opportunities.