U.S.-New Zealand Cooperative Research: The Behavior and Application of Fiber-Reinforced Thermoplastic Sheets

该奖项将支持复合材料中心的R. Byron Pipes教授与奥克兰大学机械工程系的Debes Bhattacharyya博士进行合作研究。该研究的主要目标是为纤维增强热塑性复合材料建立一个可集成到工程实践中的基础。热塑性聚合物可以经历从固体到液体的可逆相变，从而能够开发类似于传统金属材料的成型和连接工业方法。也可以加入各种类型的纤维增强以适应成型产品的最终用途。热塑性塑料潜在的加工优势导致了热成型工艺的发展，并采用了典型的金属材料板成型技术。这项研究将研究如何使用现有的金属成型设备，以最小的修改将纤维增强热塑性塑料板转换成三维模型。主要研究者的研究领域是互补的，合作工作应该产生实质性的成果。Bhattacharyya博士是传统金属材料板材成型方面的专家。Pipes教授是复合材料加工领域公认的权威。巴塔查里亚博士前往特拉华州复合材料中心的旅行由新西兰研究、科学和技术部（MORST）资助。

This award will support the travel by Prof. R. Byron Pipes of the Center for Composite Materials to conduct collaborative research with Dr. Debes Bhattacharyya of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Auckland. The principal goal of the research is to establish a base for fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites that can be integrated into engineering practice. Thermoplastic polymers can undergo a reversible phase change from solid to liquid thereby enabling the development of shaping and joining industrial methods analogous to those for conventional metallic materials. It is also possible to incorporate various types of fiber reinforcement to suit the end use of the formed product. The potential processing advantages of thermoplastics have led to the development of thermoforming processes and to the adoption of sheet forming techniques typical of those used with metallic materials. This research will investigate ways fiber-reinforced thermoplastic sheets can be converted into three-dimensional models using existing metal-forming equipment with minimal modification. The research areas of the principal investigators are complementary and the cooperative work should produce substantial results. Dr. Bhattacharyya is an expert in the sheet forming of conventional metallic materials. Prof. Pipes is a recognized authority in composites processing. The travel of Dr. Bhattacharyya to the Center for Composite Materials in Delaware is funded through the New Zealand Ministry of Research, Science and Technology (MORST).