Composite Materials Lab

The Composite Materials Laboratory engages in the design, manufacture, and experimental evaluation of polymer matrix composite materials applied mainly in structural applications. 

Key Faculty:

• Charles Bakis

Recent Research Projects:

• Development and characterization of advanced fiber and particle reinforced polymer composites for flywheel energy storage systems, self-sensing structures, and adaptive structures with variable shape and stiffness
• Characterization of mechanical and durability characteristics of composites for civil, mechanical, and aerospace applications
• Development of lightweight vehicular structures with integral energy storage

Manufacturing Facilities:

• Programmable 4-axis filament winder with a 78-in. carriage and 15-in. cross-feed
• Programmable 25 and 50 ton hot presses with 850°F maximum temperature
• Resin transfer molding mix/pump station with 1-146:1 mix ratio and 54-362 cc/cycle pump rate
• Pultrusion line with a 32-spool creel
• Horizontal braiding machine with 36 bobbin carriers
• Two-roll mill
• Prepreg layup room with environmental control
• Composite cutting tools and machine shop
• Walk-in and chest freezers
• Ultrasonic and magnetic mixing systems
• Chemical hood
• Multiple curing ovens
• Access to a 3´7 ft. autoclave with 750°F maximum temperature capability

Testing Equipment:

• 3- and 5-kip servo-hydraulic load frames
• 60-kip screw-driven load frame
• Two 12-kip creep frames with 550°F ovens
• Split Hopkinson pressure bar setup
• Contact and non-contact strain measurement systems
• Digital data acquisition systems
• 10-50´ optical microscope
• 150´ long-distance microscope
• Hydraulic jacks to 100 kip
• Multiple environmental conditioning chambers
• Pneumatically driven sled for crash simulation
• High-range electrical current measurement systems and voltage generation systems
• Cryogenic testing chamber
• Flywheel spin test chamber
• Access to higher force and torque testing systems