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The Advanced Composites research hub bridges the gap between the development of advanced materials and structural reality by combining computational modelling with rigorous physical testing. From sustainable bio-resins and natural fibres to automated manufacturing, the team engineers next-generation composite solutions optimized for weight, strength, and sustainability through the following:

Composite Material Innovation and Application

•  Bio-Composites: Developing sustainable natural fibre reinforced composites (flax, sisal, hemp, bamboo) paired with eco-resins.
• Hybrid Architectures: Engineering high-synergy interply, intraply, and micro-level intrayarn fibre blends.
• Sandwich Panels: Designing ultra-lightweight honeycomb and foam-core panels.

Characterization and Testing

• Material Evaluation: Standardized (ASTM/ISO) testing for tensile, compression, shear, flexure, and low/high-velocity impact strength.
• Resin Analysis: Rheological and thermal characterization (glass transition, viscosity, and degree of cure) to eliminate manufacturing defects.
• Experimental Testing: Setting and conducting realistic test environment loading characteristics of composite structures and components

Numerical Modelling Simulation and Optimisation

•  Damage Mechanics & FEA: Predicting first ply failure and progressive failure analysis (PFA), delamination, and matrix cracking to minimize physical testing cycles.
• Structural Optimization: Algorithm-driven ply layup, orientation, and topology optimization to maximize weight-to-stiffness ratios for safety-critical components.
• Modal Analysis: Identification of vibration induced frequency response

Development of Advanced Composite Fabrication Solution

• Filament Winding: Automating continuous fiber placement for high-efficiency composite poles, pressure vessels and hydrogen storage tanks.
• Liquid Composite Molding: Utilizing Vacuum Bagging (VARTM) and high-precision Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) for low-void, high-volume production.

The team seamlessly integrates multi-scale virtual modelling with rigorous laboratory characterization to manufacture the next generation of lightweight, sustainable, and optimized composite structures.