Characterisation of Discontinuous Carbon fibre Composites for Automotive Applications
Research Group Activity
The Automotive Composites Research Centre (ACRC) is a dedicated facility within WMG's Materials Engineering Centre (MEC). The Centre focuses on the development of carbon fibre reinforced composite manufacturing technologies for high volume automotive applications. Use of carbon fibre composite materials can deliver substantial weight reductions for components and structures whilst still maintaining high performance. Combining high performance with low density, carbon fibre composites offer the ultimate light weighting solution, a key strategic priority area for the automotive industry to meet challenging vehicle CO2 emissions targets.
The ACRC facility is equipped with state-of-the art, industrial scale composite processing equipment to carry out process development and component manufacture using thermoset composites prepreg compression moulding (PCM), sheet moulding compound (SMC) compression moulding and stamp forming of thermoplastic composites This equipment is also the subject of further development to enhance the capabilities of the ACRC, particularly automation which is seen as an essential element of any high volume process.
Project Description
Carbon fibre SMC as a low-cost alternative to conventional prepreg based composites has attracted growing interest in the automotive industry. Unlike prepreg, SMC flows during compression moulding. This simplifies the manufacturing process because the precision required during layup is lower than that for prepreg and reduces manufacturing waste because the charge does not need to be net-shape. However, the flow pattern of SMC material could cause locally different mechanical properties in the final component. Therefore, the right method of testing the components to identify the representative mechanical properties is very important. The existing standards for mechanical testing of composite material are not designed specifically for SMC material as the flow length effect on mechanical properties is neglected and the typical sample geometry used may present issues being the same as or smaller than the typical fibre length.
This project will support the development of a program that potentially modifies and optimises the current testing methods for SMC moulded components. The candidate is expected to carry out different mechanical testing on SMC moulded coupons using universal testing machines, improve the methods, analyse results, and recommend the changes required to adapt the testing method to the SMC material.
The candidate will gain hands-on experience using state-of-art lab equipment, with the potential to co-author a conference or a journal paper.
Required Skills
Engineering background necessary.
Knowledge of mechanical testing and materials is preferred.
Willingness to conduct practical activities.
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.
