Development of a network for design optimisation and guidelines for multi-material applications

Project Information

Grant agreement ID: BRRT960029

Project closed

Start date 12 July 1996

End date 31 January 1997

Funded under

• Specific research and technological development programme in the field of industrial and materials technologies, 1994-1998

Total cost No data

EU contribution No data

Coordinated by

OXFORD BROOKES UNIVERSITY
United Kingdom

Objective

The selective integration of 'new' materials with traditional materials to produce structural materials with enhanced performance, offers unique opportunities for innovative product design and development. This hybrid material principle has been successfully exploited in sandwich panel technology and the concept of integrated multi-materials is now being extended to a wider variety of structures, component configurations and applications. These include bridge decks, lightweight car details, packaging laminates and off-shore platforms; further opportunities have been identified in high speed machinery, freight and passenger transport, fast marine vessels and plant engineering. The potential benefits of these applications are improved product performance, increased serviceability of structures, reduction of structural volume and cost savings in materials. Innovative design concepts should also offer radical new manufacturing routes which would provide a competitive advantage to a number of industry sectors.
OBJECTIVES
The user industries and supply chain have a strong need for usable design tools, guidelines and prediction methods for performance of multi-material components and structures. The aim of this exploratory phase is to develop a network consisting of materials suppliers and processors, end-users, design consultants, research organisations and/or academic establishments which will draw together complementary resources in a focused research effort for the provision of design methodologies for multi-material applications. This should lead to a co-ordinated programme proposal for the implementation phase which will address the following areas. Design criteria, failure mechanisms, size and scale effects, end-user specification, design optimisation. Theoretical modelling, structural performance, dynamic response, impact damage prediction. Joining techniques, adhesive bonding, material compatibility, durability, material recovery and recyclability, environmental issues. The synergistic collaboration and co-ordination provided by the thematic network will stimulate more widespread adoption of multi material technology.

Fields of science

• engineering and technology › mechanical engineering › vehicle engineering › naval engineering › sea vessels

Programme(s)

• FP4-BRITE/EURAM 3 - Specific research and technological development programme in the field of industrial and materials technologies, 1994-1998

Topic(s)

• 0201 - Materials engineering

Call for proposal

Data not available

Funding Scheme

EAT - Exploratory awards (thematic networks)

Coordinator

OXFORD BROOKES UNIVERSITY

• EU contribution: No data
• Address: Gipsy Lane, Headington ; OX3 0BP Oxford - Headington ; United Kingdom
• Total cost: No data