Multifunctional Composites and Structural Integration Lab. @ Inha University
Research Fields
Fiber-Reinforced Composites
Numerical Analysis & Optimization
Multifunctional Polymer Composites
Magnetic Composites
I. Fiber-Reinforced Composites
Weaving Pattern Design
for multifunctional structures
CNT-loaded glass fabrics
for load-bearing RAS
Adhesion / Interface design
for moving vehicles
Intro
Fiber-reinforced composites (FRPs) get popular for structures requiring lightweight and high performance.
Carbon / glass fibers are widely used for transportation vehicles.
We explore 1) design of fiber configuration, 2) fabrication processes, 3) relationship between the fiber configuration and material properties, and 4) construction method in real structures.
Technology Tree
Level 0. Research Direction
- Design of fiber configuration
- > Enhancement in material properties
- > Lightweight and energy-saving
Level 1. Weaving Pattern Design
- Design fiber reinforcement direction
- Hybridization of carbon / dielectric fibers
Level 2. Fabrication process
- Stacking and autoclave
- Extrusion/blading/RTM
Level 3. Adhesion/interfacial strength
- between CFRPs and GFRPs
- between FRPs and metals
Applications
. Aerial/automotive/marinal vehicles
- Airplane, stealth, conformal antenna, rocket
- Car body, wind blade, train
- Ships, yachts, tanks
- Wearable robots
- Composite shafts
. Electronics:
- EMI shielding
- Wearable devices
II. Numerical Analysis & Optimization of Material and Structure
Constructing Constituitive Model
for polymer composites and FRPs
Numerical Analysis
Finite element analysis / EM simulation
Optimization
Genetic algorithm for optimal structure
Intro
Optimization is important for material properties, geometries, and performances.
We explore 1) construction of constituitive model of material and structural properties of polymer composites and fiber-reinforced composites, 2) link the constructed models with numerical simulation, 3) optimization of characteristics, and 4) feedback of the optimization and the experimental results, finally leading to realization of novel structures with required properties.
Technology Tree
Level 0. Research Direction
- Construction of constituitive model
- > Optimization of performance
Level 1. Construction of constitutive models
- Design of material & structural properties
Level 2. Numerical Analysis/Simulation
- (Thermo)mechanics/ electromagnetics
- Finite element analysis
Level 3. Optimization
- Genetic algorithm
- Machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI)
Applications
. Multifunctional conductive composites
. Magnetic composites
. Fiber-reinforced composites
. Metal-matrix composites
. Aerial/automotive/marinal vehicles
- Airplane, stealth, conformal antenna, rocket
- Car body, wind blade, train
- Ships, stealth, tanks
- Composite shafts
. Electronics:
- EMI shielding, antennas
- Wearable devices / fibers / fabrics
III. Multifunctional Polymer Composites
Dynamically stiff electroconductive Composites
Thermomechanical composite structure
Superhydrophobic Coatings
Large-scale & durable antifouling
Cellulose Composites
CNT/Cellulose fiber for wearable device
Intro
Reinforcing and/or conductive fillers, such as CNT (carbon nanotube), graphene, fullerene, and Ag nanowire, makes polymers be 1) electrically-conductive, thermally- conductive, and 2) surface enregy be in control.
Cellulose is one of the most aboundant and eco-friend materials in nature, and can have various form factors, polymeric chains, nanocrystals, nanofibers, and macrofibers with excellent mechanical properties.
We explore 1) synergy of the unique fillers and matrices 2) along with their interfacial interaction (surface functionalization), 3) design and control of material behaviors, and 4) embedment of the composites into devices.
Technology Tree
Level 0. Research Direction
- Design in nano- and microscales
- > Multifunctionality in polymeric composites
Level 1. Filler
- Matching of appropriate fillers and matrics
Level 2. Dispersion
- Optimization of dispersion processing
- Control in filler surface energy
- Matching solubility or dispersants
Level 3. Composite
- Control in conductive filler network
- Control in filler orientation / alignment
- Processing: extrusion/injection molding
Applications
. Smart paint/coating/pattern
. Heaters with unique characteristics
. EMI (ElectroMagnetic Interference) shielding
- Microwave absorption
. Sensors (strain, force)
. Actuators, artificial muscles, speakers
. Surface with controlled surface energy
- Superhydrophobic coating
- Flow drag reduction
IV. Magnetic composites
Magnetic particle Synthesis
Hexaferrite (nano)platelet for antennas
Magnetic CNT papers
EMI shielding &
magneto-mechanical actuation
Magnetic antennas
Skin / conformal magnetic antenna
Intro
Magnetic Composites are other types of multifunctional composites, with magnetic particles and polymer matrix. We are especitally interested in geometrically-anisotropic magnetic particles, such as platelets, which makes magnetic composites with unique properties in certain directions.
We explore mechanical and electromagnetic properties of the composites, with regard to particle dynamics related to magnetic field orientation.
Technology Tree
Level 0. Research Direction
- Particle design in shape and composition
- > Multifunctionality in polymeric composites
Level 1. Filler
- Synthesis of magnetic particles
- Design in particle shapes and composition
Level 2. Dispersion
- Optimization of dispersion processing
- Control in filler surface energy
- Matching solubility or dispersants
Level 3. Composite
- Control in filler orientation / alignment
- by using external field (ex. magnetic field)
Applications
. EMI (ElectroMagnetic Interference) shielding
- microwave absorption
. RAMs (Radar Absorbing Materials)
. RASs (Radar Absorbing Structures)
. Antennas (skin, conformal, load-bearing)
. Antennas (implantable, or on-body)
. Magnetomechanical actuators
. Magnetorheological (MR) elastomers and fluids
. Smart paint/coating/pattern
Multifunctional Composites and Structural Integration Lab.
Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, 100 Inha-ro, Michuhol-gu Incheon 22212, South Korea
Tel: +82-32-860-7377 / Fax: +82-32-868-1716 / E-mail: selee@inha.ac.kr
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