Last October, we received the visit of the doctoral students participating in the first NEWFRAC-1 workshop.
The overall objective of the NEWFRAC network is the high-level training of a new generation of researchers for the development of the prediction and analysis of fracture phenomena in heterogeneous engineering systems at different scales. More specifically, the creation of a new computational framework is envisaged through the integration of Finite Fracture Mechanics (FFM) and Phase Field (PF) modeling strategies. The potential impact of this modeling and simulation framework on the design of heterogeneous materials and structures can be enormous, for example, in a weight reduction with respect to current design concepts, increasing strength-to-weight and stiffness-to-weight ratios.
During the visit, we were able to tour Sofitec’s facilities, explaining to the members of NEWFRAC the technologies of the integral manufacturing process, both in composite and metallic materials. Special attention was paid to the potential defectology in fiber parts, and we jointly reviewed both the equipment to detect these possible defects (sealing, tap coin, pulse-echo, AUTT robot) and the processes used to repair defects.
The meeting was very interesting and very useful. On the one hand, possibilities for collaboration with the NEWFRAC network in the field of R&D have been opened up, and on the other hand, its members have been able to learn first-hand about current technologies in the manufacture of elementals and aerostructures for the aeronautical sector.
The NEWFRAC network is a coordinated proposal within the EU and is composed of seven research groups (University of Seville, Sorbonne Université, Universidade do Porto, Politecnico di Torino, Tel Aviv University, IMT Lucca and ETH Zürich) and five high-tech companies (Robert Bosch GmbH, FIDAMC + Bottero, Cubicoff, Safran) with special interest as end users in the developments and results of this network.
More information : www.newfrac.eu
