Mechanical Engineering Graduate Seminar

Zoom link: https://kaust.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIsd-qrrD4vGty3vusK1CPxHR420jgxFsNy

Abstract

Nowadays, composite materials are increasingly being employed across various sectors, including transportation, energy, and healthcare. Due to their diverse microstructures and properties, they hold great promise for future load-bearing components and adaptable structures, ranging from aircraft drag control systems to deployable space structures and flexible electronics. One of the key challenges in advancing these new composite structures lies in comprehending how the microstructures of the materials influence their overall mechanical behaviour.

To tackle this challenge, significant strides in developing new theories and multiscale models for composite materials are imperative. In this work, a bottom-up numerical framework combining phase field fracture model, moisture diffusion and hygroscopic expansion is proposed to predict the environment-assisted failure of composite materials. The coupled phase field fracture method successfully captures moisture distribution, swelling of fibre and matrix, fibre-matrix debonding. This computational framework enables a virtual tool to investigate the role of the microstructure, material properties and environmental effects.

Following this, I will introduce an innovative top-down inverse-design framework for morphing structures utilising functionally graded composites. By leveraging non-linear beam buckling theory and composite micromechanics, we can transform flat 2D sheets (with cuts) into desired 3D axisymmetric structures. We have proposed a voxel-based method for manufacturing Functionally Graded Composites (FGC). This stands in contrast to traditional single-phase homogeneous materials, enabling us to meet specific morphing requirements and enable multifunctionality. Overall, our multiscale virtual test platform opens a new avenue to the efficient design, testing and certification of future composite structures.

Bio

Dr Wei Tan is currently a Senior Lecturer at Queen Mary University of London. He joined Queen Mary as a Lecturer in Jan 2020. Prior to this, he was a Research Associate at the University of Cambridge, working with Norman Fleck. He pursued his PhD at Queen’s University Belfast under the supervision of Prof. Brian Falzon (2012-2016). Dr. Tan's research encompasses a wide array of multidisciplinary challenges, spanning the fields of solid mechanics, materials science, physics and chemistry. He aims to reveal the deformation and failure mechanisms of materials by a combination of experimental, analytical and numerical approaches.

Dr. Tan's recent research endeavours have been centred on addressing pivotal scientific challenges crucial for expediting our transition towards a net-zero carbon society, with a primary focus on the innovative use of lightweight materials. This work also contributes significantly to mitigating our energy and climate crises. His research domains include: (1) Mechanics of Materials: Investigating areas such as plasticity, fracture, fatigue, and liquid-solid impact degradation of materials; (2) Multifunctional Composites: Pioneering the development of multifunctional composites tailored for applications in energy storage, shape-morphing, and sensing. (3) Data-Driven Modelling: Applying data-driven methodologies to accelerate the modelling and optimisation of materials.

These substantial research efforts have received critical backing from prestigious funding programs (~£1.8 million), including the ERC Starting Grant, EPSRC New Investigator Award, Royal Society, and the Graphene Flagship Project. He has made substantial contributions to prestigious journals, including the Journal of Mechanics and Physics of Solids, Composites Science and Technology, Composite Part A/B, and Carbon, receiving over 1,700 citations and an H-index of 18. In recognition of his outstanding research contributions, Dr. Tan has received several awards, including the Cambridge Bluesky Award and the Royal Aeronautical Society Bronze Paper Award.