ASHMOD (FFG, 2007-2010)
ASHMOSD - Austrian Structural Health Monitoring System DemonstratorHealth Monitoring systems: development, implementation, verification and qualification of an the usage performance of an AUSTRIAN Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) system for damage (delamination) detection implemented in a real size demonstrator component made of CFRP.
michael.scheerer@ait.ac.atThrough Process Modelling TPM (FFG, 2007-2010)
Real modelling of material elaboration processes in the fields of Powder injection Moulding, Composites and lightweight metals.
Nanobulk (ARCS, 2006-2008)
Modification of epoxy resins with nano-sized fillers like nanopowders of Al2O3, Ys-ZrO2, Nanoclays. The objectives are the improvements of physical properties like higher mechnical performances, higher Impact resistance, lower shrinkage, lower permeability UV protection, transparency, higher surface protection and flame retardant in CFK composite.
Non-conventional Matrix / Carbon Nanotubes reinforced Composites for space applications , NACO (ESA, 2007-2008)
With strength and stiffness properties several 100 times better than that of steel and conductivity better than copper, Carbon Nanotubes (CNT) have extraordinary intrinsic electrical and mechanical properties making them potentially attractive materials for use in lightweight spacecraft structures and subsystems. Research on the possibility of using such materials for improving the properties of known materials such as Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics (CFRP), has been performed, and the results indicate that some improvement is indeed possible. The objectives of the proposed activity are to identify and investigate possible improvement of spacecraft structural materials, near term as well as long term. For what concerns near term the work shall focus on the reinforcement of the CFRP resin material. Realistic improvements shall be defined based on literature data and specially manufactured test samples, and shall address improvements related to: - tensile, compressive and shear (ILS) strength; - stiffness; - structural damping; - failure mechanisms; - conductivity;. Relevant manufacturing methodologies shall be investigated and documented. For what concerns long term, (>2015) possible applications of CNT in spacecraft structures shall be evaluated. This shall include the identification of possible new materials, e.g. development of new CNT reinforced fibres and resins, and their possible application areas, including highly loaded spacecraft structures, lightweight flexible deployable and inflatable structures, membranes etc. In addition, the perspective of availability of CNT for European activities shall be considered taking into account the required European non-dependence target, and a related survey document shall be produced.