ESR3 - Finite element modelling of a micro-robotic test and simulation of the fibre-droplet behaviour

Name: Royson Donate Dsouza

ESR no.: 3

Description of the IRP:

There has been broad innovative work in composite materials by combining different fibres and particles with various matrices which can be tailored to achieve desired properties. The fibre, matrix and the interface of the fibre reinforced composite material are the main factors influencing the structural performance of the composite materials. Interface plays a very major role in defining the performance of the composite materials. Several methods for quantifying the interfacial properties of fibre reinforced composites are established but still remains as a controversial issue in the composite material community.

The microbond test developed by Miller is the most widely adopted micromechanical tests to characterize the properties for single fiber matrix interface. However, it has frequently been pointed out that the microbond test fails to quantify the true interfacial properties representing the interfacial fracture, because the results are not consistent with those determined using other test methods. In addition, many researchers have reported significant data scatter as a limiting aspect of the microbond test. This inconvenience is caused by the fact that the micro-mechanical modeling for the microbond test has not been well developed and the overall damage process during the test is not well understood. This issue is addressed to be solved in the current research by the contributions of a detailed numerical analysis using Finite Element method.

The current research will be focussing on the modelling, simulation and testing of microbond and other microtests of fibers, composites and matrix-fiber combinations. The main tool used for the research is the numerical method finite element method (FEM). The output of the work, along with the targets is to develop models and understanding of the interfacial behavior of micro-scale interfaces and the effects of test systems. A detailed study of the interface fracture taking into consideration of all the crucial parameters will be one of the major research milestone. The research will also focus on meshing effects and Automation of microdroplet tests using well researched microgrippers.

Keywords:

  • Finite Element method, Interfacial shear strength, Cohesive Zone, interface, micromechanics.

Royson's introductory video of his project:

 

About the ESR:

I have graduated with Bachelors in Engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), India in 2011 and completed my Masters by Research from the National Institute of Technology, Karnataka(NITK), India in 2015. I have served as an Assistant Professor, School of Engineering and IT at Manipal University Dubai, UAE for 3 years. I also have an industry experience as Design Engineer. I am certified with "Structural analysis and design optimization of mechanical systems" from IISc (Indian Institute of Science) India.

My primary research areas lie in emerging fields of Finite Element modelling, Microsystems Technology and Structural Health Monitoring. 

Right from my early age I am fascinated with science and technology. With the sound knowledge of mechanical engineering and all the fundamentals of electronics, I have been able to carry out electro-mechanical projects. My master’s thesis is based on Microsystem technology, addressing the problems of micro manipulation. Development of a 2-DOF piezoelectric compliant microgripper capable of grasping and rotating micro objects is an additional credit.

 

Contact information:

  • Royson Donate Dsouza
  • Tampere University (Hervanta campus), Department of Material Science.
  • Amuri, Sotkankantu 18B 34, 33230
  • Phone: +358414774802
  • Email: Royson.dsouza@tuni.fi