Output details

Continuous tow shearing for manufacturing variable angle tow composites

Tow-steering technology facilitates more-efficient use of advanced composites in aero-structures. Paper describes novel approach to reinforcement-fibre manipulation, which eliminates defects induced by current state-of-the-art methods. This opens up design envelope to more complex parts. Work led to patent application (GB2492594A) and continues in G8 Interdisciplinary Programme (EP/K025023/1, £219k, 2013-5) with University of Southern California, McGill University and Technical University Munich. Work aroused interest from aerospace manufacturers GKN [contact: Research Director] and Airbus [contact: Leader for Structural Optimisation]. Work led to Kim's EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Composites Personal Fellowship and is identified as research group highlight in REF5.