10/26/2022
By Murat Inalpolat

The Francis College of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, invites you to attend a doctoral dissertation defense by Sagar Shah on “Transverse Property Prediction of Thermoset Polymer Matrix Composites.”

Candidate Name: Sagar P. Shah
Defense Date: Wednesday Nov. 9, 2022
Time: 9:30 to 11 a.m. EDT
Location: This will be a virtual defense via Zoom. Those interested in attending should contact sagar_shah@student.uml.edu and the committee chair marianna_maiaru@uml.edu at least 24 hours prior to the defense to request access to the meeting.

Committee: Advisor: Marianna Maiaru, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell

Committee Members

  • Christopher J. Hansen, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • Alireza V. Amirkhizi, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • Gregory M. Odegard, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering–Engineering Mechanics, Michigan Technological University
  • Stephen C. Nolet, Senior Director, Innovation and Technology, TPI Composites, Inc.

Brief Abstract:

Despite the widespread use of Polymer Matrix Composites (PMCs) in several engineering applications, accurate estimations of their transverse strength for optimum design are still challenging. Computational micromechanics-based simulations can provide valuable insights into the physical mechanisms that affect the transverse composite strength and address the fundamental limitations of the analytical solutions that lead to poor transverse strength predictions.

This thesis addresses the enhancement of transverse property prediction for thermoset PMCs using computational micromechanics. Transverse strength and stiffness are predicted through a novel computational framework that allows process modeling and virtual mechanical testing of randomly-packed composite microstructures based on continuum damage mechanics. The computational framework is informed by a comprehensive material characterization database of evolving in-situ matrix mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties during composite processing for a wind energy resin to predict the residual stress build-up during curing. Experimental validation for transverse strength prediction is provided by manufacturing and testing of single-ply composites. Finally, a preliminary closed-form solution is derived from the numerical data by defining a stress concentration factor for multi-fiber microstructures.

All interested students and faculty members are invited to attend the online defense via remote access.