Research Program 3

Simulation, Performance Prediction

Through this Program, we are focusing on the development of simulation and performance prediction technologies for composites materials, supporting critical technology and know-how implementation and building analyses for the circular economy.


Our specific research projects, targeted outputs and proposed impact are as follows.


Develop advanced simulation of external environmental stresses and internal mechanics for realistic prediction of composite performance

  • Overview

    Physics, mechanics and other models enabling engineering simulation of composites structures and their operating environments including specialised surfaces and embedded sensors.

  • Targeted outputs

    Multi-physics and multi-scale simulation of composites in the hydrogen supply chain, electric vehicles, aircraft, space equipment and heavy industrial infrastructure.

  • Projected impact

    An increase in adoption of composite material in manufacturing and infrastructure industry, and a reduction in the material cost of composites.

Develop lifetime prediction capability and in-service performance understanding for a range of realistic service environments

  • Overview

    Correlated models and datasets enabling lifetime prediction leading to certification by simulation of future composite structures.

  • Targeted outputs

    Simulation and prediction approaches for certification in high-performance regulated industries such as hydrogen storage tanks and aircraft manufacturing.

  • Projected impact

    A reduction in inspection and testing costs in the composites manufacturing industry and costs of maintenance and repairs of heavy industrial infrastructure.

Develop digital twins to accelerate implementation of automation, reduce the development cycle and improve prediction of as-manufactured performance

  • Overview

    Simulation tools mimicking the manufacturing process enabling rapid advances in manufacturing automation and associated product design-to-realisation speed.

  • Targeted outputs

    Composites manufacturing industry investment de-risking for automated infrastructure through the application of digital twin simulation. 

  • Projected impact

    A step-change in manufacturing speed, a reduction in new build and internal process capital expenditure, and in inspection, testing and rework costs and an increase in the digital export market.

Development of physical analysis approaches to support the validation of predictive models for structure manufacturing, performance and lifetime

  • Overview

    Validated techniques for visualising, sizing and further characterising anomalies and flaws from manufacturing and operational use of composite structures.

  • Targeted outputs

    Physical analysis approaches facilitating the implementation of composites structures in the manufacturing and heavy infrastructure industry.

  • Projected impact

    Higher adoption of composites from better predictability of performance in the manufacturing and heavy infrastructure sector.

Develop analysis schemas to justify whole-of-life approaches and end-of/second life programs for future international regulations

  • Overview

    Analysis and decision tools for the composites industry to project whole-of-life costs for a wide array of composites and complex structures.

  • Targeted outputs

    Material re-use of composites in the manufacturing industry, particularly large-scale semi-structural products and export products.

  • Projected impact

    Prevention from losses caused by the risk of exclusion of supply into key markets due to regulatory requirements.