Advanced Thermoplastic Composites for Next-generation Aerostructures

Principal Investigator
Rehan Umer
Department
Aerospace Engineering
Focus Area
Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Advanced Thermoplastic Composites for Next-generation Aerostructures

This project will investigate the use of different high performance thermoplastics for liquid composite molding processes, commonly used out of autoclave processing techniques in the aerospace industry. Several processing conditions and process parameters will be investigated through novel thermoplastic matrix characterization techniques. A flow monitoring test bench will be developed and used to measure the melt flow and in-situ polymerized thermoplastic matrix permeability through reinforcing fabrics. The void formation and transport during processing will be understood using purposely built state-of-the-art framework placed inside an X-ray CT scanner. By using these methodologies, a complete understanding will be developed on how to use novel and high performance thermoplastics for niche applications such as aerospace. Further, a novel method to incorporate 3D printed grids/channels into the reinforcing fabrics will also be investigated. These grids will serve as permeability enhancing channels for faster processing of high viscosity thermoplastics, and will remain in the composite as toughening agents. A representative aerospace structure demonstrator part will be manufactured that will represent an actual part used in a UAE-based aerospace industry. The research discoveries through this project will promote education through undergraduate and graduate class teaching modules. The innovative technologies and ideas will be transferred to the interested UAE-based aerospace industries such as, Strata, AMMROC, ADASI, and Tawazun.

Advanced Thermoplastic Composites for Next-generation Aerostructures