Bristol scientists working on composites for future

Scientists at the University of Bristol are working on innovations on composites - seen as the materials of future because of their ability to reduce weight, energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. One of the area, the university is focussing on is through-thickness reinforcement (TTR), a procedure to enhance strength of laminated composites.

 

Scientists at the University of Bristol are working on innovations on composites - seen as the materials of future because of their ability to reduce weight, energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. One of the area, the university is focussing on is through-thickness reinforcement (TTR), a procedure to enhance strength of laminated composites.#

The work is being carried out at the Bristol Composites Institute or ACCIS, a newly created Specialist Research Institute (SRI) at the university. Bristol Composites Institute brings together research across the university in composite materials, which are crucially important for UK engineering companies to maintain international competitiveness. 

 

Scientists at the University of Bristol are working on innovations on composites - seen as the materials of future because of their ability to reduce weight, energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. One of the area, the university is focussing on is through-thickness reinforcement (TTR), a procedure to enhance strength of laminated composites.#

Composites used in aerospace applications comprise layers of carbon fibres, embedded in a polymer matrix material. The strength of such laminated composites in extreme loading situations encountered under high-speed impact can be enhanced by TTR.

 

Scientists at the University of Bristol are working on innovations on composites - seen as the materials of future because of their ability to reduce weight, energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. One of the area, the university is focussing on is through-thickness reinforcement (TTR), a procedure to enhance strength of laminated composites.#

Beene M'Membe, a doctorate student in the university's EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Advanced Composites for Innovation and Science and Rolls-Royce supported Composites University Technology Centre (UTC), has worked on novel through-thickness reinforcement. This followed new manufacturing methods for TTR earlier developed by the UTC.  

 

Scientists at the University of Bristol are working on innovations on composites - seen as the materials of future because of their ability to reduce weight, energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. One of the area, the university is focussing on is through-thickness reinforcement (TTR), a procedure to enhance strength of laminated composites.#

These are now undergoing trial by Rolls-Royce and are expected to be used in its Advance and UltraFan designs, after being further developed at the National Composites Centre (NCC).

 

Scientists at the University of Bristol are working on innovations on composites - seen as the materials of future because of their ability to reduce weight, energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. One of the area, the university is focussing on is through-thickness reinforcement (TTR), a procedure to enhance strength of laminated composites.#

UTC is supporting Rolls-Royce in development of next generation fan blades and cases, made of carbon-fibre composite materials, for future aero-engines.

 

Scientists at the University of Bristol are working on innovations on composites - seen as the materials of future because of their ability to reduce weight, energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. One of the area, the university is focussing on is through-thickness reinforcement (TTR), a procedure to enhance strength of laminated composites.#

The Rolls-Royce Advance engine will offer at least 20 per cent better fuel burn and carbon dioxide emissions than the first generation of Trent engine and will provide the core architecture design for UltraFan which will deliver a 25 per cent improvement from 2025. The blades and associated composite engine casings form part of the new carbon/titanium fan system that reduces weight by up to 1,500lbs per aircraft, the equivalent of carrying seven more passengers and their luggage. 

 

Scientists at the University of Bristol are working on innovations on composites - seen as the materials of future because of their ability to reduce weight, energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. One of the area, the university is focussing on is through-thickness reinforcement (TTR), a procedure to enhance strength of laminated composites.#

Michael Wisnom, director of ACCIS, said, "Bristol Composites Institute (ACCIS) is at the forefront of future composite research and contributes significantly to increasing capacity in this strategically important area of science and innovation for the UK.  One of our great strengths is our relationship with industry, exemplified by the Composites UTC supported by Rolls-Royce and our links with the National Composites Centre. Our Centre for Doctoral Training is playing a key role in teaching the next generation of composite engineers needed for Britain's future."

 

Scientists at the University of Bristol are working on innovations on composites - seen as the materials of future because of their ability to reduce weight, energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. One of the area, the university is focussing on is through-thickness reinforcement (TTR), a procedure to enhance strength of laminated composites.#

Advanced composite materials consist of reinforcement fibres, usually carbon or glass, embedded within a matrix, usually a polymer, providing a structural material. Alternative energy technologies such as wind power are rapidly developing and offer increasing opportunities for the use of advanced composites. (SV)