RESEARCH
COMPOSITE MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES
Investigation of Damage Mechanisms of Fiber-reinforced Composite Laminates for enhancing damage resistance properties
Composite laminates are susceptible to transverse damages (i.e. matrix cracking) and interlaminar damages (i.e. delamination) due to in-plane and out-of-plane loadings. Our laboratory is persuing theoretical and experimental studies on microscopic/mesoscopic damages and nonlinear mechanical responses of composite laminates. Enhancement of damage resistance properties of composite laminates is also our researech topic.
Mutifunctional Properties of Nano-composites
Nano-materials such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are expected to have excellent mechanical, thermal, electrical and gas barrier properties. In order to compensate the weak points or improve the multifunctional properties of traditional composites, nano-composites are fabricated and their properties are experimentally evaluated in our laboratory. Theoretical models are also established for the understanding and prediction of multifunctional properties of nano-based polymers and composites.
Manufacturing process of composite materials
Theoretical and experimental investigations are perfomred to develop novel fabrication processes and manufacturing devices for low-cost and rapid production of composites without know-hows.
Evaluation technology of mechanical and fracture properties suitable for advanced composites
Testing methods for advanced fibers, polymers, composites, and sandwich structures are investigated. Theoretical and experimental studies are ongoing for the development of suitable testing methods for advanced composites.
Applicability study of fiber-reinforced composites to cryogenic fuel tanks
AIRCRAFT STURCTURES
Bonded joints and repair of Composite Aircraft Structures
Composite materials are applied to the primary structures of recent commercial aircrafts. Efficient methods for bonded joints and repairs (e.g. adhesive composite patch) for composite structures are investigated in our laboratory for the safety of composite aircraft structures.
Morphing Wing Structures
Recent development of smart technologies, including sensors and actuators, provides the potential to increase aircraft system safety, affordability, and environmental compatibility. Application of variable or morphing structures to aircraft wings may allow the aircraft to have its shape to match the most efficient form in a hybrid flight regime. Feasibility study of morphing wings is investigated from the structural point of view.
Damage Resistance of Hybrid Laminates
In order to improve crack growth characteristics, hybrid laminates are used for aircraft structures. Our laboratory investigates analytical and experimental studies of crack resistance mechanisms of hybrid laminates (e.g. fiber-metal laminates, unidirectional and cloth laminates)
Impact Damage Response and Energy Absorption for Crashworthiness of Aircrafts
SPACE STRUCTURES
Mechanics of High-strength Membrane Structures
High-strength membranes are used for large space structures and inflatable structures. our laboratory is persuing the thermomechanical properties of high-strength membranes (e.g. in-plane triaxial woven fabrics) in addition to the development of the analytical method for simulating the mechanical behaviors of membranes.
Dynamics of Large Space Structures
Efficient simulation method for dynamics of large space structures (e.g. tether, beam, truss structures, membrane structures) is investigated based on beam, membrane or shell models. Smart structures and state identification methods are also under work for large space structures.