High energy absorbing materials and composites for building protection from collision damage

Overview

Protection of structures has become a priority for saving lives and preventing structural collapses caused by increased natural or man-made disasters. Most injuries and mortalities in these disasters are caused due to fragmentation of structures, and therefore, structural protection through systems that can absorb more energy and effectively contain the fragments (debris) are needed. Additive manufacturing (such as 3D printing) can be used to develop special geometries called auxetic geometries and composites using sustainable bioplastics which can absorb shock energy effectively.

The aim of this project is to develop a cementitious composite by employing 3D printed energy absorbing geometries for structural protection applications.

Research activities

The students are expected to work on the designing, manufacturing and testing of individual materials and composites. Activities are briefly summarised here:

• designing of new or selection of existing auxetic geometrical designs
• 3D printing of the designed/selected geometries through QUT additive manufacturing hub
• testing of individual geometries in various loadings
• manufacturing of composites by embedding the designed geometries into mortar matrix
• testing of composites for energy absorption capabilities.

Outcomes

This research will develop an evidence of shock energy absorbing capabilities of the proposed auxetic composites which might be applied for building protection from car crashes and other disasters.

Skills and experience

A positive working attitude is ideal. CAD skills are preferred but are not mandatory.

Scholarships

You may be eligible to apply for a research scholarship.

Explore our research scholarships

Keywords

• energy absorption
• auxetics
• impact
• composites

Contact

Contact the supervisor for more information.