Composite Materials and Structures Center was established in 1986 to address critical problems hindering the use of advanced composite materials in manufacturing processes and products in the durable goods industry. With $9 million in equipment and annual research expenditures of $5 million, the center is largest integrated facility for composites research and development in a non-industrial environment in the United States. Under the auspices of the center, faculty members have garnered significant support for their research, including the establishment of the National Science Foundation Center for Low- Cost, High-Speed Polymer Composites Processing and the Advanced Materials Engineering Experiment Station.
ABOVE : Dow Institute for Materials Research at Michigan State University. This facility houses the Composite Materials and Structures Center
LEFT : An overview of Composite Manufacturing
and Processing Facility
RIGHT : Composite testing and evaluation takes
place in the Analytical Laboratory.
Composites research is complex. A wide range of disciplines must be combined to address the significant issues. Faculty participants bring a breadth of talent to the center, where multidisciplinary investigations are encouraged.
Current composite materials research projects include:
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Reinforcement of ceramics with continuous fibers for improved fracture toughness, |
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Metal matrix composites reinforced with continuous and short fibers, |
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Polymeric fiber reinforcement of polymeric materials, |
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Composite reinforcement methodology applied to cement materials, |
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Adhesion of glass and carbon fibers to thermoset and thermoplastic polymeric matrices, |
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Ion implantation to modify surfaces, |
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Adhesion of polymer fibers to thermoset matrices, and |
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Methods for measuring fiber-matrix adhesion. |
Composite processing research
projects are:
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Extrusion processing of polymer blends, |
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Continuous processing of polymers and polymer composites using microwave energy, |
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Continuous processing of high-viscosity thermoplastic prepregs, |
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Development of a low-cost composite from recycled plastics and waste reinforcements, |
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Generation and processing of inorganic oxidative and thermal protective coatings for reinforcing fiber surfaces, |
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Development of powder processing techniques for prepreg production, and |
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Fiber wettability in RTM systems. |
Composite design projects
include:
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Fatigue response of metallic composites, |
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Determination of impact damage in composite materials and composite repair, |
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Durability of adhesively bonded interfaces, |
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Environmental response of composite materials, |
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Design of structure for dynamic environments using composite materials, |
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Nondestructive inspection of composite materials, and |
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Stress estimation using nonlinear elasticity "smart" composites. |
The center, in coordination with various departments within the College of Engineering, delivers ten core courses in emerging composites technology to engineering students. Undergraduates have the opportunity to take a full spectrum of additional composite-related courses. Graduate students, while maintaining their specialization in traditional engineering disciplines, can undertake composite research problems suggested by their academic advisors and industrial sponsors as part of their master's or doctoral programs.
As members of the Michigan Polymer Consortium, students also gain access to polymer and composite courses and research facilities at the Michigan Molecular Institute in Midland, Michigan Technological University, Wayne State University, Eastern Michigan University and Central Michigan University.
To assist industry in assimilating composites science and technology, a variety of short courses, seminars and interactive programs are offered at MSU and over the satellite-based Michigan Information Technology Network, including monthly half-day sessions on specific technical topics.
The benefits of utilizing composite materials in structures are numerous. They include a high strength and/or stiffness to weight ratio improved corrosion and environmental resistance, design flexibility, large-part integration, improved fatigue life, and potential reduction of processing, fabrication and life cycle costs. Certain properties, such as increased wear resistance and improved acoustical, electrical, thermal and aesthetic characteristics, can also be tailored into the composites.
At the center, special emphasis is given to the needs of the industrial sector in Michigan and throughout the region. The center focuses on the necessity and potential for composites in the automotive, agricultural, furniture and building materials industries. Research spans the entire class of materials available in order to offer the broadest possible range of opportunity for significantly expanding the state's industrial base.
Faculty interaction with industry in Michigan and elsewhere, from small-scale research projects to major cooperative efforts in composite materials and structures, is expanding. This includes a program for industrial scholars and faculty on sabbatical to conduct research at the center's facilities.
The center seeks counsel
from an advisory board that includes representatives from a cross section
of major companies, including:
The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) also sponsors and collaborates on projects at the Center. The Michigan Materials and Processing Institute merged into NCMS on December 31, 1997.
This special activity brings experienced faculty researchers together with industrial collaborators under federal, state and industrial collaborators under federal, state and industrial funding to focus research in five thrust areas critical to reducing the cost of and decreasing the processing times for polymer composite so that they may be used effectively in the durable goods industries.
The director and faculty researchers at the center continually seek the advice and assistance of its research board as well as governmental and industrial representatives in these efforts.
ABOVE: Dr.Lawrence T. Drzal, Director of CMSC
For more information on the center, its faculty or its programs, or to be placed on its activities mailing list, please contact:
L.T.
Drzal, Director
Composite Materials
and Structures Center
2100 Engineering Building
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824-1226
Phone (517) 353-5466
Fax (517) 432-1634
Please send questions and comments to
web@cmsc.egr.msu.edu
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