Master’s thesis of Engineering (Aerospace): Modelling and experimental analysis of aerospace composites in fire

Modelling and Experimental Analysis of Aerospace Composites in Fire

Author: Naadia Nawaz

Field: Aerospace Engineering

Document Content: This thesis investigates the structural response and failure of aerospace-grade composite materials when exposed to fire. The research focuses on analyzing the thermal and mechanical behaviors of carbon/epoxy laminates and sandwich composites under high temperature and fire conditions, which can lead to softening and structural failure. The study aims to validate existing thermal models for fiberglass composites for aerospace applications and adapt them as necessary. A key objective is to develop and validate a comprehensive modeling approach through experimental data generation. The findings are intended to support the aerospace industry in fire assessment of structural composites. The research encompasses a literature review, the development of thermal and mechanical modeling approaches, and validation through experimental fire structural testing.

Detailed Table of Contents:

• Declaration
• Acknowledgements
• Table of Contents
• List of Figures
• List of Tables
• Nomenclature
• Abstract
• 1. Introduction
  • 1.1 Background to Project
  • 1.2 Aims and Scope of MEng Project
  • 1.3 Outline of Thesis
• 2. Literature Review of Composites in Fire
  • 2.1 Introduction
  • 2.2 Composites in Fire
  • 2.3 Thermal Modelling
  • 2.4 Mechanical Modelling of Composites in Fire
• 3. Characterisation of the Thermal and Compressive Properties of Composite Materials for Fire Structural Modelling
  • 3.1 Composite Systems
  • 3.2 Thermal Properties for Fire Structural Testing of the Composite Materials
  • 3.3 Mechanical Properties for Fire Structural Testing of the Composite Materials
• 4. Fire Structural Analysis of Carbon/Epoxy Laminates
  • 4.1 Fire Structural Testing of the Carbon/Epoxy Laminates
  • 4.2 Results and Discussion
  • 4.3 Thermal Analysis of Carbon/Epoxy Laminates
  • 4.4 Mechanical Analysis of Carbon/Epoxy Laminates
• 5. Fire Structural Analysis of Carbon/Epoxy Sandwich Composites
  • 5.1 Fire Structural Testing of the Sandwich Composite
  • 5.2 Results and Discussion
  • 5.3 Thermal Analysis of Sandwich Composite
  • 5.4 Mechanical Analysis of Sandwich Composites
• 6. Conclusions
  • 6.1 Summary of Major Findings
  • 6.2 Future Recommendations
• 7. References