Aero-structural Design and Optimisation of Tethered Composite Wings: Computational Methods for Initial Design of Airborne Wind Energy Systems

Airborne wind energy (AWE) is an emerging renewable energy technology that harnesses wind energy using tethered flying systems. The extra degrees of freedom allow these systems to harvest wind resources at altitudes currently unrealisable by conventional turbines. These flying devices, often resembling kites or drones, are typically divided into...

An Efficient 3D-model for the Micro-Scale Analysis of Geometrically Imperfect Fibre-Reinforced Composites

This work develops a stand-alone Finite Element-based Unit Cell for the modelling of Fibre Reinforced Composites, capable of capturing 3D stress states and geometrical imperfections at the micro-scale. The project considers different beam and 3D elements for this purpose and draws comparisons between them based on computational efficiency,...

Numerical Damage and Fracture Simulations for Composite Launcher Structures: Using the Building Block Validation Approach

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Thermal and structural performance of tow-placed, variable stiffness panels

The structural response of two variable stiffness composite panels under thermal and mechanical loads are characterized using experiments and analyses. These panels are advanced composite structures where the fiber angle varies continuously within each ply, and are manufactured using an advanced tow placement system. Both variable stiffness...

Finite element procedure for modelling fibre metal laminates

A review of crashworthiness of composite aircraft structures

A review of major research activities in North America with respect to the crashworthiness of composite aircraft structures was performed with the goal of identifying potential Canadian contribution to R&D areas where effort would be required to complement the on-going programs in the United States. The areas reviewed included the...