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 awardees will receive an appropriately higher stipend based on the number of years of experience past their PhD.
|
Additional Benefits
Relocation
Awardees who reside more than 50 miles from their host laboratory and remain on tenure for at least six months are eligible for paid relocation to within the vicinity of their host laboratory.
Health insurance
A group health insurance program is available to awardees and their qualifying dependents in the United States.