Damage Identification in Advanced Composite Materials with Elastic Couplings (DIACMEC)

Joint NAWA research projects between the Republic of Poland and the Italian Republic Canaletto

Funding Organization: National Agency for Academic Exchange

Project title: Damage Identification in Advanced Composite Materials with Elastic Couplings (DIACMEC)

Agreement number: PPN/BIT/2021/1/00148/U/DRAFT/00001

Project implementation period: 01.01.2022 - 31.12.2023

Principal Investigator: dr hab. inż. Sylwester Samborski

Project value: 24 800,00 PLN

Funds granted for Lublin University of Technology: 24 800,00 PLN

Abstract: The aim of the project is to support the mobility of scientists from the Lublin University of Technology and the University of Pisa, who have been cooperating in the discipline of mechanical engineering in the field of damage identification in advanced composite laminates with mechanical couplings. The scope of the project would include mutual visits of members of the Polish-Italian research team, necessary to consult the conducted experimental research, the results of computer simulations and analytical calculations. The research methodology includes theoretical considerations and analytical calculations based on the Classical Lamination Theory and Linear Fracture Mechanics. In addition, Abaqus software (FEM) is used. Experimental tests for delamination resistance will be carried out in configurations corresponding to three different fracture modes; the acoustic emission monitoring and a detailed fractographic analysis will be performed. Both Polish and Italian members of the project team have experience in mechanics of composites, especially in damage and fracture mechanics. S. Samborski and P. Valvo have been cooperating since 2017 in the field of analytical description of cracking phenomena in composite laminates with mechanical couplings. Both professors are also proficient in conducting numerical simulations (FEM) and experimental research related to determining the resistance to delamination of FRP (fiber-reinforced polymer) laminates. The cooperation so far has resulted in a joint conference publication in 2018 (Numerical and analytical modeling of the End-Loaded Split (ELS) test specimens made of multi-directional coupled composite laminates / Sylwester Samborski, Paolo S. Valvo // AIP Conference Proceedings.- 2018 , vol. 1922, No. 1, pp. 030003-1-030003-8). In 2019, at the initiative and efforts of the above-mentioned people, a cooperation agreement was concluded between the Lublin University of Technology and the University of Pisa for the next 10 years. This agreement allowed for mutual visits of other members of the project team - J. Rzeczkowski and D. Fanteria. The former then opened his doctoral dissertation under the supervision of S. Samborski as the supervisor and P. Valvo as the co-promoter. As a result of further cooperation, a research paper was created in a renowned global journal - Composite Structures (Effect of stiffness matrices terms on delamination front shape in laminates with elastic couplings / Jakub Rzeczkowski, Sylwester Samborski, Paolo S. Valvo // Composite Structures.- 2020, vol. 233, pp. 1-9). During two visits of the Polish part of the team to Pisa, fractographic tests were carried out on an electron microscope provided by the Italian side, of samples after the delamination resistance tests in mode I (DCB) and in mode II (ENF) for coupled composites. Consultancy with the fourth member of the team - prof. Daniele Fanteria, with extensive experience in experimental work in the field of composite materials, due to the performance of numerous bench tests for the European aviation industry has a profound meaning. Cooperation in the area of analytical methods of delamination description is particularly valuable for the Polish part of the project team, as there are no specialists in this field at the Lublin University of Technology. In turn, scientists from the University of Pisa can count on support and take advantage of experience in FEM modeling of delamination phenomena in composite laminates with couplings by S. Samborski, who has some publications in this field, and also has the appropriate computer hardware and software. In turn, the experience of D. Fanteria is invaluable in the light of the planned further experimental studies. A measurable benefit of the cooperation described above will certainly be valuable scientific articles published in renowned periodicals with a global reach. The project will also contribute to social challenges by creating opportunities for future collaboration with international partners, through pioneering research, technological advances and organizational innovations. The project also takes into account various other conditions, i.e. the proposed innovative solutions in the use of advanced materials will be a response to the phenomena of social change in Europe and their impact on social cohesion and economic development, as well as the positive intercultural dynamics in Europe and in relations with international partners. Additionally, the project is a response to one of the mechanisms of the Europe 2020 strategy. It responds to the need to support the development of innovative societies and policies in Europe by involving civil society organizations in research and innovation and promoting a coordinated research and innovation policy in the context of globalization and the need to promote the highest ethical standards. Project activities are expected to focus on the development of tools, models and long-term and forward-looking scenarios with robust and transparent policy support, including activities on public participation and user involvement, environmental impact and sustainability assessments that will allow a better understanding of modern advanced materials trends and socio-economic prospects. Possibilities of cooperation with the socio-economic environment during or as a result of the project: + theoretical support for companies from the sector of production of composite materials, e.g. "WIT-Composites", in terms of preventing undesirable phenomena in the production of laminates (warping, etc.) with non-standard layups; + the use of composite laminates with mechanical couplings intentionally induced in the elements of aircraft structures (possible cooperation with the "Leonardo" company); + introduction to use of composite laminates deliberately coupled in means of transport.