Research Projects

The development of lightweight bio-inspired covalently functionalized composite laminate is crucial for protective and crashworthiness structures in the face of terrorism and armor-piercing bullets. This project focuses on the development of bio-inspired laminates and their dynamic response through experimentation and numerical modeling. The synergetic effect of the covalent functionalized interface and bio-inspired composites laminate will be studied using experimental and numerical approaches. The bio-inspired functionalized laminate will be fabricated using a vacuum curing oven, and their dynamic and mechanical characterization will be performed using impact set-up and conventional mechanical testing. The project aims to showcase the influence of bio-inspired layups in designing composite laminates for armor-based impact loading applications. The damage response of the bio-inspired composites will be analyzed using the continuum damage mechanics model, which includes failure mechanisms such as fiber and matrix failure, delamination, debonding, and strain rate dependence. The results from simulations will be validated with experimental work. This methodology can be helpful for designers studying composite laminates under impact loadings and open to the armor manufacturing industry.