13 October 2024

LiU is participating in a new research project, in collaboration with Saab and the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), to test composite materials under various temperatures and mechanical loads.

Six men in  a lab.
The participants in the project visit the lab at Campus Valla, Linköping University. Jens Sjölander (Saab), Zlatan Kapidzic (Saab and LiU), Tobias Karlsson (KTH), Vivekendra Singh (Saab) and Mohamed Loukil (LiU) receive a brief description from Jinghao Xu (LiU). Photographer: Ulrik Svedin

The project, which began in the autumn of 2024, consists of an experimental part where samples are tested to characterise the material properties of the hybrid composites from different aspects. Measurements are made with sensors that are integrated into the material.

"This project strengthens the collaboration between LiU, Saab and KTH in composite materials research. We need to study the durability, damage tolerance and lifespan of the composite materials to know how we can use them in different contexts", says Mohamed Sahbi Loukil, assistant professor at Linköping University.

Aviation sector

Systematic characterisation of material properties, the material's structural behavior and the development of hybridisation methods are expected to contribute to the industrialisation of hybrid composites and built-in sensors in the aviation sector − and thereby a more efficient use of the composite materials.

The project is coordinated by Dr. Zlatan Kapidzic, adjunct professor at LiU and Technical Fellow in the field of fatigue and damage tolerance at Saab AB. Other members of the consortium are from Linköping University (LiU) and the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH).

“Through this work, we aim to develop a strong understanding of hybrid composite materials and their behavior under various thermal and mechanical conditions," says Zlatan Kapidzic, the project coordinator.

Method development

The duration of the project is four years and the total cost is SEK 8 million, of which SEK 4 million is financed by Vinnova within the call for Strengthened Swedish aviation research and innovation - NFFP8.

The project focuses on the development of experimental and analytical methods to characterise the thermomechanical behavior of hybrid glass/carbon fiber composites, as well as the development of experimental measurement technology, based on integrated sensors with carbon nanotubes (CNT), and its application to hybrid composites.

Implementation

The project consists of an experimental part where samples are tested under thermal and mechanical loads to characterise the material properties of the hybrid composites from different aspects and where measurements are made with integrated sensors. Test data is used as a basis for the development of methods and models for strength assessment.

Contact

Organisation

Latest news from LiU

People with face masks

The future of crisis management should be built on openness and transparency

A research group at Linköping University has examined the pandemic response in Nordic municipalities. The findings are summarised in the book Crisis Management, Governance and COVID-19, offering insights for future crises.

A flexible battery pulled in different directions.

A fluid battery that can take any shape

Using electrodes in a fluid form, researchers at LiU have developed a battery that can take any shape. This soft and conformable battery can be integrated into future technology in a completely new way.

A buzzing 3D printer

From sewing to 3D printing

DigiMaker is a unique place at Linköping University where creativity meets technology. Here, students and employees try out everything from 3D printing to programming, learn more about Excel and how to make films and podcasts.