Multi-Scale Modelling for Sustainable Aerospace Composite Material Development
New National PhD Program project announce!
Boeing Aerostructures Australia and UNSW are collaborating on an industry-focused PhD project aimed at addressing key challenges in the aerospace sector. This collaborative effort brings together academic expertise and industry insights to drive innovation and deliver real-world impact.
Project Overview:
The project, titled "Optimising sustainable hybrid resin systems: A computational approach to balancing performance and sustainability in aerospace composite materials," focuses on replacing a portion of the resin systems used in structural aerospace applications with more sustainable alternatives. It seeks to create a virtual materials design framework that can be used to minimize the need for extensive and costly testing, as well as to increase the implementation of sustainable materials in the aerospace sector.
Collaborative Approach:
Leveraging the UNSW renowned expertise in composite materials engineering and Boeing Aerostructures Australia's global leadership in the Aerospace sector, this project epitomises a collaborative approach that bridges the gap between academia and industry.
Value for Industry:
"Boeing is a world-leader in composites manufacturing and in efforts to ensure a sustainable aviation future. As such, we are investing globally in the talent and technology to deliver solutions to both fields.”- Phillip Crothers
Value for Academia:
"Sustainable resins don’t yet meet the performance benchmarks required by the Aerospace industry on their own. Using a simulation and data driven approach, we aim to create novel hybrid resins which maintain the high performance standard of traditional epoxies while replacing some of the non-renewable source materials." – Prof Garth Pearce
Student Perspective:
"I am thrilled and extremely grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the future of sustainable material application in the aerospace industry. I am also eager to learn from the experts from Boeing Aerostructures Australia and UNSW." – Isabella Garay
Project Outcomes/Impact
This research will create a virtual framework for optimising hybrid resin blends for structural composite materials. This will greatly increase the speed and reduce the cost of the material development process.
It will allow for greater uptake of sustainable materials in the aerospace sector while maintaining the stringent material requirements.