Microsonic · Investigating the effect of composite microstructure on wave propagation characteristics and development of an ultrasonic-data-driven computational framework for composites damage mode identification

The EU is a world leader in the transport industry, especially aviation. It is predicted that the number of flights in Europe will increase to 13 million in 2028, 2.6 times more than those in 2020. This remarkable number of flights will place airworthiness at the heart of technology development which makes regular inspection, timely diagnosis of technical problems and optimising design and construction of aircraft components of paramount importance. Superior mechanical properties, especially a high strength-to-weight ratio make composites an ideal candidate for the construction of aircraft parts. However, detection and evaluation to maintain composite structural integrity are particularly challenging since they are inhomogeneous and anisotropic. Although Ultrasonic Guided Waves (UGWs) have exhibited strong potential for detecting damage signatures in composites, nucleation of defects and damage propagation occurring within numerous locations at several length scales make it difficult to track all the damage sites and mechanisms which is vital for improving composites design and production. Thus, understanding UGW interaction with complex anisotropic structures of composites that can be accessed considering composite microstructure is a fundamental issue that remains unresolved. Microsonic will bring a fellow with expertise in micromechanics and damage modelling together with the host institution carrying leading know-how in UGW interaction modelling to investigate the effect of composite microstructure, i.e. fiber size, volume fraction and distribution and micro-damage on wave propagation and establish the next generation of Ultrasonic (US)-data-driven computational frameworks developed based on the micromechanics outputs for composites damage mode identification. Microsonic will provide safer flights by establishing a robust tool for online monitoring of aircraft's structural health state and boost Europe to the forefront of the inspection and maintenance market.