Let’s have a deeper look into the material selection progress in FibreGY!
The University of Limerick is doing some fascinating research on composite materials suitable for the prototypes in FibreGY:
The mechanical properties of the composite materials selected for FibreGY are evaluated in static and dynamic loading regimes. These mechanical tests are instrumented with strain gauges, acoustic emission transducers, infrared thermal camera and extensometer to estimate the damage induced by loading. In addition to classic SN curves, the data from these sensors reveals the progression of loading induced damage. This gives a better understating of fatigue behavior and failure mechanisms of the material, which is essential for reducing maintanence on sea. Also, a new innovative technique called temperature stabilisation method is employed for the fatigue characterization. Here in this picture you can see Akshay Amaranath Hejjaji from University of Limerick testing different material samples.