The objective of this research is to enable new designs of advanced composite structures leveraging computational techniques, specifically Molecular Dynamics simulations (MD) and the Finite Element Method (FEM), to optimize the manufacturing process of fiber-reinforced materials across hierarchical length scales. This approach will completely transform the design and manufacturing of future advanced composites and drastically reduce time and cost of engineering programs.
This project, funded by NASA, is a collaboration between the Mechanical Engineering Departments at the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML) and the Michigan Technological University (MTU).
This project leverages Prof. Maiaru‘s expertise in computational mechanics and in the prediction of cured composites behavior is combined with nearly two decades of academic and industrial experience with Molecular Dynamic modeling and thermoset composites of Prof. Odegard.