Induction Welding of Thermoplastic Composites

IDC in Composites Manufacture

University of Bristol

Welded structures offer many potential benefits in manufacture, but the technology needs to be better understood and developed for aerospace applications. Induction heating is a non-contact heating process, particularly attractive since it provides fast heating, consistency and high control. Induction heating enables heat to be induced directly within an electrically conducting component itself by circulating electric currents. In CFRTP composites and under certain conditions, heat is induced via 'Joule effect' in the fibres, dielectric hysteresis at the resin-rich layers and contact resistance at fibre-fibre contact locations.

Accurate numerical models are required in order to develop and optimise induction welding processes while computing the temperature history within tight tolerances. This involves validated multi-physics models coupling together electromagnetics, heat transfer, fluid flow, structural and chemical models. With strong support from the National Composites Centre's (NCC) Engineering Design team, the successful candidate will be responsible for developing the Centre's capability in this area, both on the experimental and simulation sides, to achieve full understanding and control of the process. The Research Engineer will be responsible for reviewing and maintaining the relevant state-of-the-art (papers, patens, etc.) while identifying available technologies at TRL 3-4 and potential patent opportunities, with a longer-term target to move the technology on to TRL 5-6. Strong interactions with a number of academic experts and industrial partners are envisaged.

Note: There is no fixed date for applying, but candidates are advised to apply as soon as possible. This project is available for immediate start.