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RESEARCH IN THE MATERIALS GROUP

RESEARCH RELATED TO COMPOSITE MATERIALS

Index

 

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    Composite Leaf Springs and Suspensions for Commercial Vehicles

    Sponsored by: EPSRC - Materials Committee, DTI-Structural Copmosites LINK and Shiotech, 9 Heathwood Close, Yately

    Researchers: Prof. G. Jeronimidis, Prof. C.R. Chaplin, Dr. R. Rezakhanlou, Mr. D.G. Keeley and Mr. O. Beard

    To develop cost-effective glass reinforced composite leaf springs for London Taxi and semi-trailers. The study involves integration of material properties, design considerations and fabrication issues. Finite element methods are being used for stiffness and strength predictions and verified experimentally on a purpose-built four-axis testing machine capable of full simulation of multiple load conditions in real components. The study is providing scientific and technical information on critical material properties, effective design solutions, methods of analysis, manufacturing variables, static and fatigue strength of springs. A summary of objectives and results is available

    References:
    Chianumba A., Jeronimidis G. and Mayer R.M., Advanced vehicle suspensions using glass reinforced plastics; Proc. 6th European Congress on Lightweight and Small Cars: The Answer to Future Needs; Cernobbio, Italy; 97, A2.11108: 549-558, 1997
    Chaplin C.R., Rezakhanlou R. and Mayer R. A new approach to composite springs; AutoTech 95, I.Mech.E. (1995)
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    Passive Blade Pitching for Overspeed Control of a HAWT

    Sponsored by: ETSU (DTI) and Marlec Engineering, Corby

    Researchers: Prof. G. Jeronimidis and Dr. A.C. Hunt

    To develop composite wind-turbine blades with stretching-twisting coupling for overspeed control. The turbine needs to have high reliability and low maintenance; the elimination of active pitching mechanisms simplifies the design and increases reliability. Composite blades have been designed to change the angle of attack of the blade in a beneficial manner when wind speed increases, limiting the ultimate rotational speed of the rotor and hence ensuring its integrity.

    References:
    Jeronimidis, G. Design in composites. The William Brandt-Goldsworthy Seminar on Engineering Design - Advanced Materials Concepts in Education. COSARGUB, Evee University of Brussels, Brussels. (1993)
    Jeronimidis, G. and Rezakhanlou, R. ALGOR Software aids UK Scientists designing "smart" wind turbine blades. ALGOR Design World. ALGOR, Pittsburgh, USA. (1994)
    Feuchtwang J.B., Infield D.G. Schmeer A. and Jeronimidis G. Development of self- twisitng composite blades for passive pitch control of a wind turbine. Proc. European Wind Energy Conference 96. Goteborg, . May (1996)
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For further information, please write to:

Engineering Building, School of Construction Management and Engineering, The University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, Berkshire,  RG6 6AY, UK

Tel: 0118 378 8567, Fax: 01118 931 3327

D.J.Fulford
15/12/2004
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