• Mechanical behaviour of polymers
elastic, viscoelastic, viscoplastic
• Mathematical modelling
John Sweeney
Prof of Polymer
Mechanics
composites, processes, flow, diffusion…
• Soft solids
gels, biological
• Shape memory applications
medical, civil
1
5 May, 2016
Presentation Day, School of Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Informatics
Example – Monte Carlo / RVE simulations (Dr Paul Spencer)
• Generate composite by filling box with particles
• Periodic boundary conditions
• Overall composite mechanical, thermal, gas diffusion properties
Example – Concrete reinforcement with shape memory polymer
(Cardiff)
• Production of oriented fibre at kilometre scale
• Shrinkage force measurements and effect on crack healing
2
5 May, 2016
Presentation Day, School of Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Informatics
Soft Solids
Modelling of hydrogel production process (BASF)
• Measurements of gel mechanics
and friction
• Incorporation of properties into
ABAQUS FE
Biological system –eye pressure
• Pressurised system
• ABAQUS model including
elastic liquid interior and
anisotropic elastic shell
3
5 May, 2016
Presentation Day, School of Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Informatics