Team
Researchers in the Materials Research Lab include professors and undergraduate students
Materials Lab
Research
Senior Design Projects utilizing the Materials Lab
2022-23
ENSC 58 Recycled Thermplastic Composites – Phase 4
Collaboration with ATC Manufacturing and Boeing. Continuation of previous projects on recycled thermoplastic composites to further develop the stability and quality of the stamp forming part production process and part evaluation.
ENSC 63 SAMPE Student Bridge Competition
Design, analysis, build and test of a composite beam “bridge” for the SAMPE student competition.
2021-22
ENSC-56 Recycling Thermoplastic Composites III
Showcase the feasibility of utilizing thermoplastic waste stream material to construct new interior aircraft components.
Acrylate/epoxy interpenetrating polymer network composites
Composite materials are comprised of fiber reinforcement embedded in a matrix that provides their form. Thermoset polymer matrices cure and cross-link whereas thermoplastic matrices soften and flow at high temperatures. This research is investigating the mechanical properties of acrylate and epoxy thermoset matrix materials that cure in different steps and as a result form independent networks at the nanometer scale.
Effect of noodle material changes on composite tee pull-off forces
A “noodle” or deltoid shape fills the gap created when composite materials formed to a radius are brought together to for a tee intersection. This student research project investigated the use of different noodle materials and their impact on the pull-off force required to separate the vertical portion of the tee from the horizontal base.
