The ESRs advanced their research programmes, especially through performing an extensive literature survey on their projects. More specifically:
• A detailed review on damage modelling methods applicable for layered composites was performed by ESR2, Giuseppe Corrado.
• A functional finite element code was developed, which is primarily used to model thin and thick composite laminates. The proposed formulations were extended to model intra-laminar failure in composites.
• Numerical validations were performed for benchmark cases to confirm the veracity of the developed numerical model. To cater to practical industrial requirements pertaining to layering optimisation of laminates, 2D optimal patch designs techniques were developed which would be more scalable and suitable for solving large-scale problems.
• A detailed review on the MDO process and data flow has been performed by ESR5, Weijie Tan who manages the suite.
• An extensive literature review on manufacturing informed optimisation was conducted. ESR3, Neoklis Traiforos interacted with ESR1, Georgios Ntourmas regarding implementing this information within the optimisation suite.
• Furthermore, experimental work was carried out to validate the new industrial optimisation products and post-processing algorithms.
The specific achievements of each ESR per work package are detailed below:
WP1: Development of performance-based optimisation processes
ESR1 developed a two-step optimisation framework which produces structural components that fulfil all of the desired composite manufacturing and physical constraints. The most important outcome is that the bi-objective optimisation can be used to bypass limiting modelling practises, such as using coarser patch discretisations during the design process to avoid designs with a high manufacturing complexity.
ESR2 worked on enhancing the accuracy of the design optimisation process, by delivering advanced strength criteria to be integrated within the optimisation platform LAGRANGE, and state-of-the-art theories to predict failure at the mesoscale have achieved a high degree of accuracy.
WP2: Development of manufacturing-based optimisation processes
ESR3 worked on developing, implementing and validating a novel simulation framework, to predict shape distortions, which occur during the manufacturing process of aerospace composite structures. The main contribution of ESR3 was to minimise shape distortions in composite structures because this would result in the reduction of assembly time and costs as well as would increase the mechanical properties of the final product.
WP3: Maximising the efficiency of the optimisation process
ESR4worked towards increasing the computational efficiency through novel global/local approaches, implying a radical reduction of the computational effort for specific performance models and therefore reducing computational costs.
ESR5worked on the integration between software in existing multidisciplinary airframe design frameworks in the process of enabling a new paradigm in conceptual airframe design with higher fidelity models besides improving the efficiency of the entire process through elimination of mundane manual tasks.
WP4: Training of ESRs
OptiMACS provided a fully supportive environment for the five ESRs. A training programme aimed at developing both the research as well as the transferable skills of the Fellows has been completed. All Fellows had the opportunity to work in a multidisciplinary (industrial and academic) research environment working with leading organisations.
WP5: Dissemination and outreach
All ESRs took part in the 4 Network Short Courses organised by OptiMACS. All ESRs attended the Paris Airshow and 3 ESRs attended the Farnborough Airshow which were opportunities to make contacts and at a high level discuss their work. Throughout the project, ESRs also attended and contributed multiple outreach events such as the UNOTT Christmas Event in December 2018 and 2019, Faculty of engineering research showcase, Science in the Park, and School visit at RISC.
ESR1 published 2 journal and 1 conference papers. ESR2 published 1 journal and 1 conference papers. ESR3 published 2 journal and 1 conference papers. ESR4 published 1 journal and 1 conference papers. Additionally, all ESRs contributed towards the publication of 1 legacy papers. In total, the network produced 6 journal and 4 conference papers while additional publications are in the process of preparation.
