Title:

Auxetics in Foams and Composites: Manufacturing and Materials Aspects

Speaker:

Mr. Fabrizio Scarpa

Affiliation:

University of Bristol UK

When:

Monday, August 5, 2013 at 2:00:00 PM   Add to Calendar

Where:

MRDC Building, Room 3515

Host:

Bill Wepfer
bill.wepfer@me.gatech.edu

Abstract

This seminar will describe the manufacturing techniques and characterization performed on auxetic polyurethane foams, thermoset and thermoplastic composite materials. The classes of auxetic solids considered in this seminar are open cell PU-PE foams (with passive and magnetic particles doping), electret PVDF foams, and CFRP and PEEK composites. We will show sets of mechanical, acoustic and dielectric properties associated to these materials, together with unusual smart deformation characteristics and shape memory effects.

Biography

Prof. Fabrizio Scarpa obtained a MEng in Aeronautical Engineering and a PhD in Machine Design at the Politecnico of Torino, Italy. In 1997 he joined the Dynamics Research Group at the University of Sheffield to work in the field of negative Poisson's ratio materials for vibroacoustic applications. He then became Lecturer and Senior Lecturer at the Department of Mechanical Engineering of Sheffield working as Aerospace Departmental Coordinator and International Student Exchange Officer. He joined the Department of Aerospace Engineering in Bristol in 2005 where he is now Professor of Smart Materials and Structures. His research activities span the field of auxetics (foams and honeycombs), morphing technologies, vibroacoustics and nanostructures. Dr Scarpa is Principal Investigator in EPSRC, European Framework 6 and 7, Transfer Technology partnerships and DTI projects. He has collaborated in US Army ARO projects with Georgia Institute of Technology. Dr Scarpa is a Fellow of the UK Royal Aeronautical Society.