AMTAS Projects

The objective of this research project was to investigate candidate damage tolerance test methodologies for sandwich composites and to propose specific methodologies and configurations for standardization. Three candidate test configurations are currently under evaluation. The first methodology utilizes an end-loaded Compression After Impact (CAI) test configuration. Initial evaluations have been performed using sandwich configurations with […]

The purpose of this research is to determine if Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy can be used to quantify incipient thermal damage (ITD) in aerospace composites.

Discontinuous Fiber Composites (DFCs) represent a viable solution for the cost-effective design of secondary structures and components for aeronautical applications.

The utilization of active control systems for gust alleviation, load redistribution, flight control, and ride comfort improvements has matured over the last two decades to levels of reliability and safety that allow implementation and certification on both military and civil aircraft.

An accurate and efficient analysis method is critically needed for the damage tolerant design of bonded composite structures. 

The overarching goals of the proposed study are a) to characterize, in-situ, the main failure mechanisms occurring in Discontinuous Fiber Composites (DFCs), b) to develop a physically-based modeling approach that will ultimately lead to a certification process for DFC materials and structures based primarily on analysis, supported by relatively modest experimental verification, and c) to […]

Many structural elements external to the fuselage of transport aircraft are produced using polymer sandwich honeycomb composites; composite rudders or ailerons, for example. These components experience the environmental extremes typical of Class A airspace.

This work is concerned with understanding mechanisms contributing to the mechanical durability of adhesively bonded joints.

The objective of this recently-initiated research investigation is to revisit and revise the ASTM D 3762 metal wedge crack durability test.

Whereas the development of test methods for fracture mechanics of composite laminates has reached a high level of maturity in recent years, relatively little attention has been given to the development of fracture mechanics test methods for sandwich composites. Of the limited number of investigations performed to date, a majority have emphasized a particular sandwich […]

Previous research has shown that surface contamination plays a key role in the initial bond strength of adhesively composite joints (ABCJ’s). Advancements in experimental methods to capture changes in bond strength are of significant relevance in predicting ABCJ’s performance. This study presents an experimental method to evaluate the effects of contamination on the durability of […]

The design of aircraft structures made of composite materials is heavily influenced by damage tolerance requirements. The problem of predicting failure in notched laminates has been the subjected of numerous studies.

The purpose of this research is to determine the effect of atmospheric pressure plasma treatment on Mode I strain energy release rate (GIC) and failure mode of bonded peel ply prepared carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites.

In December 2003 the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a joint award to the University of Washington and Wichita State University to create a new Air Transportation Center of Excellence for Advanced Materials (JAMSCOE). This award established a center led by the UW and named the FAA Center for Advanced Materials in Transport Aircraft Structures […]