At IRDL, Maria Demsa Demsa Casapu explored the hybridization of carbon fiber composites for the aerospace industry.
Maria Demsa Demsa Casapu, chercheur·e au sein de IRDL (Institut National Polytechnique de Bretagne).
Thèse soutenue en 2023 à l'école doctorale École doctorale Sciences pour l'ingénieur et le numérique.
Référencée dans le réseau ABES/STAR, cette thèse répond aux critères de rigueur de l'enseignement supérieur français.
The rise of carbon fiber composites in the aerospace sector raises crucial questions about their performance, durability, and, above all, their safety. These materials, which combine lightness and strength, have become essential in the design of modern aircraft. However, their use in critical applications, such as those involving aircraft, requires a deep understanding of their limits and behavior under different loading conditions. It is in this context that Maria Demsa Demsa Casapu, within the Research and Development Institute in Materials (IRDL), has conducted in-depth research on the hybridization of these materials, aiming to improve their mechanical behavior under varied loads.
Casapu's study specifically focuses on the impact of hybridization at the laminate level, by varying the types of fibers used and the thicknesses of the layers. This innovative approach allows for a better understanding of how these composites react to extreme conditions, such as high-speed impacts, which are often encountered in the aerospace field. For example, during an airplane accident, composite materials must not only withstand considerable impact forces but also ensure the safety of passengers and crew. The results obtained from this research could transform the design methods of aerospace structures, proposing hybridization alternatives that do not increase manufacturing costs while improving performance.
The challenges faced by researchers in this field are numerous and complex. One of the major issues remains the failure of components under low deformation, a phenomenon that can have dramatic consequences in critical situations. Casapu's research identifies limits of resistance and proposes alternative hybridization methods that could not only improve the performance of materials but also reduce safety risks for aircraft. For instance, by integrating glass fibers or other materials into the carbon matrix, it is possible to optimize strength while maintaining essential lightness for aerospace applications.
It is also suggested to strengthen certification requirements to ensure that these new composites meet the highest safety standards. This raises an essential question: how can the aerospace industry integrate these innovations while adhering to rigorous standards? The answer to this question may involve increased collaboration between researchers, manufacturers, and regulatory bodies. Indeed, a collaborative approach could facilitate the adoption of these new materials while ensuring their compliance with safety standards.
The importance of this research is not limited to aerospace. The results could also have applications in other sectors where the strength and lightness of materials are paramount, such as automotive, sports, or even construction. For example, in the automotive sector, the use of carbon fiber composites could contribute to reducing vehicle weight, thereby decreasing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Similarly, in the sports field, lighter and stronger equipment could enhance athletes' performance.
In summary, this study paves the way for significant innovations while laying the groundwork for a reflection on the safety and performance of composite materials. The implications of this research are vast and could redefine industry standards, both in aerospace and other sectors. By integrating this new knowledge and adopting more advanced design practices, the industry could not only improve aircraft safety but also contribute to a more sustainable and innovative future. Thus, Casapu's research is not merely an academic exercise but represents a true advancement towards safer and more efficient composite materials.
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Sources et accès
Maria Demsa Demsa Casapu. Study of the Mechanical Response of Ply-Level Hybrid Composites under Quasi-Static and Dynamic Loadings. Materials and structures in mechanics [physics.class-ph]. École Nationale Supérieure de Techniques Avancées Bretagne; Universitatea politehnica (Bucarest), 2023. English. ⟨NNT : 2023ENTA0015⟩. ⟨tel-04769734⟩