Full field Imaging for Damage Evaluation in Lightweight structures under Impact TYpe Loading

The Marie Curie IF is a program of novel research that develops the experience already gained in the experimental and computational solid mechanics and materials characterization. The research covers the development of understanding and accrual of knowledge on the behaviour of fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials, which are crucial to address current need to produce lighter, more fuel efficient and sustainable structures for transportation. The mechanical behaviour of FRP is strain-rate dependent and a full understanding of this behavior has proved elusive. There are numerous engineering applications where high strain rate impact damage can lead to loss of structural integrity, so obtaining a better understanding this behaviour is essential for efficient design. New full-field imaging approaches are increasingly used for the detection and analysis of damage in composites. The objective of the research program is to develop and verify a new methodology
where integrated thermomechanical full-field high fidelity measures of stress and strain are provided experimentally. The research will for the first time provide quantitative inputs to models to inform designs and predict failure under high strain rate events through and experimentally derived damage index to determine structural performance. The fellowship contains significant technology transfer through industrial collaborations and secondment to industry. The industrial interactions will enable the methodology to be applied at a structural scale and bring about a key element on the pathway to revolutionise traditional approaches to structural testing, certification and validation.