Our objective is to advance structural methods and material technologies that enable
Our approach toward enabling accurate life prediction for composite structure includes the following key elements: a fundamental shift in the nondestructive subsurface measurement from just detection of manufacturing defects to three- dimensional measurement of defect location and size; material characterization methods to generate 3D material allowables at minimum time and cost; and fatigue structural analysis techniques able to capture multiple damage modes and their interaction in composites. Publications [1, 2] summarize some of our recent results in these subjects.
We are also developing techniques to replace some of the coupon-level tests used in the material qualification with computational models (virtual tests) validated with empirical data (measurement.) Such techniques will advance our ability to predict material behavior and enable affordable qualification of composite materials for structural applications. Smaller number of the basic material properties will have to be measured and the remaining properties will be derived based on virtual tests.
And we work with all major U.S. Rotorcraft Manufacturers (Bell Helicopter, Boeing, Sikorsky, and Kaman) to advance material technologies for improvement of strength and fatigue behavior. A knowledge base to provide a foundation for insertion of advanced materials in rotorcraft applications is being developed.
AMSL research staff includes well-experienced and reputable research faculty transferred from Georgia Institute of Technology, and top graduate students. Our experimental facilities are rapidly expanding. The most recent equipment acquisitions include a state-of-the-art Computed Tomography facility from North Star Imaging; and high-resolution and ultra-high speed Digital Image Correlation facilities from Correlated Solutions with Allied Vision Prosilica GE4900 and Shimadzu HPV-2 camera systems.
Our current research program includes Office of Naval Research Project, Integration of Design and Manufacturing Processes to Improve Performance of Composites; Vertical Lift Consortium Projects, Condition Based Maintenance Technology, Durability and Damage Tolerance Life Methods for Rotorcraft Components, and Advanced Materials Technology; and the U.S. Army and Navy Vertical Lift Research Center of Excellence Project, Affordable Material Qualification for Composite Rotorcraft Structures.