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RAP opportunity at Air Force Science and Technology Fellowship Program     AF STFP

Analysis of Low-Velocity Impact on Composite Structures

Location

Aerospace Systems Directorate, RQ/Aerospace Vehicles Division

opportunity location
13.30.09.B8475 Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 454337103

Advisers

name email phone
Vipul Ranatunga padmasiri.ranatunga.1@us.af.mil 937.656.8809

Description

Basic research opportunities exist to develop advanced analysis methods to predict the behavior of composites under impact loading. Advancement of the current state-of-the-art analysis methods and development of novel modeling approaches are needed to address the durability and damage tolerance of composite aircraft structures. Sub-surface delamination is the predominant cause of failure observed in experiments, but matrix cracking, fiber breakage and ply-splitting also take place during an impact. Development of advanced numerical tools to capture these failure mechanisms and predict the remaining strength and life after an impact event is expected. Facilities at AFRL can accommodate state-of-art testing and characterization, including high fidelity NDI techniques, high-speed imaging capabilities, instrumented impact testing, and large-scale structural testing.

key words
Impact damage; Delamination; Composite structures; Finite element Modeling; fatigue; durability; damage tolerance; LS-Dyna; ANSYS; Barely Visible Impact Damage;

Eligibility

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens
Level:  Open to Postdoctoral and Senior applicants

Stipend

Base Stipend Travel Allotment Supplementation
$95,000.00 $5,000.00

Experience Supplement:
Postdoctoral and Senior Associates will receive an appropriately higher stipend based on the number of years of experience past their PhD.

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