Sustainable manufacturing of high-performance automotive composites
Research Group Activity
This internship will be based at WMG’s Automotive Composites Research Centre (ACRC). The ACRC is a dedicated facility within our Materials Engineering Centre, where the research team develop high-volume composites manufacturing processes for automotive components. We are partners of the Composites Manufacturing Hub and the High-Value Manufacturing Catapult, and are involved in multi-partner projects with companies including Ford, Jaguar Land Rover and Aston Martin. Our specialist structural composites group links technology with applied research to address the challenges the automotive industry faces in providing lighter vehicles with lower emissions and reduced environmental impact.
Project Description
In the automotive industry, composites manufacturing using prepreg typically generates 30%-50% of manufacturing waste from trim waste and roll ends, which usually ends up in landfill, creating environmental pressure and substantial costs. One potential solution to reuse the waste material is to strategically slit and rearrange the scraps to form a moulding compound where the fragments of fibres can flow under typical compression moulding compound. Development of such material and process not only addresses a significant suitability challenge, but also offers greater design flexibility compared to conventional sheet moulding compound. This internship will support the research on the manufacturing and flow characterisation of compression moulding compound manufactured from reclaimed prepreg waste. The candidate is expected to manufacture novel prepreg scraps based moulding compound with different slit patterns and lay-up arrangements using the Zund cutting table and evaluate the flow behaviour of each moulding compound using a special squeeze flow rig. All experimental facilities are located at the ACRC. This project provides a very good opportunity to establish a background in sustainable composites manufacturing, as well as strong link to the automotive industry. The student will also gain hands-on experience using state-of-the-art industrial scale composites manufacturing facilities and some fundamental knowledge in compression moulding process characterisation.
Required Skills
Strong practical skills with good understanding in mechanics of solids. Some knowledge in composites manufacturing is desirable but not essential.
Apply for this Project
If you wish to apply for this project, fill in the form below including uploading your CV and personal statement, explaining why you want to do this particular internship project. Attachments must be in PDF format.
