Detection of sub-micron damage in thin-ply polymer composites
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Luleå tekniska universitet - Avdelningen för Materialvetenskap |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 99 000 |
| Project duration | February 2020 - May 2020 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Research infrastructure - utilisation and collaboration |
| Call | Industrial pilot projects for the utilisation of neutron and photon based techniques at large-scale infrastructures - Autumn 2019 |
| End-of-project report | 2019-05303_Oxeon.pdf (pdf, 105 kB) |
Important results from the project
The motivation for the project was a need to study/understand the sources and driving forces of initiation/propagation of damage in thin-ply laminates. The failure process on the fiber/matrix scale is not fully understood as it is extremely difficult to observe in-situ. This information is essential for Oxeon to design more advanced thin-ply materials. The main objective of the project was to lay the foundations for the in-situ measurements of sub-micron defects and micro-damage by use of large-scale facilities.
Expected long term effects
The limitations of lab-scale equipment were identified and most important test parameters and requirements for future experiments.were defined with the purpose to identify need for large-scale facilities. The ID19 experimental station at ESRF in France was identified as the main candidate for tests with in-situ observations of damage in thin-ply laminates. However, other monitored beamlines also should be considered in the future, especially DanMAX at MAX IV and TOMCAT at SLS in Switzerland. Discussion about future projects were initiated with positive outlook from Oxeon.
Approach and implementation
The results of the project well correspond to the objectives: - The experimental design was performed based on the evaluation of limitations of lab-scale equipment and requirements for the identified possible sub-micron failure mechanisms that have to be monitored. - The large scale facilities were evaluated and most suitable beamlines were identified. - Discussion about future projects were initiated with positive outlook from Oxeon.