<% dim ResSelect Set ResSelect=Server.CreateObject("ADODB.recordset") ResSelect.open "select * from [offres et demandes] where ABOL='" & Request.QueryString("id") & "'", ConnBaseCRI,1,1 %> Euro-innovation : la place de marché des technologies, service du Centre Relais Innovation Grand Est

 

A new method to control the behaviour of composite materials - A new approach in smart materials
05 FR GECA 0BZF
Abstract
A French technical centre has developed a new way of controlling the deformation of composite materials. The method uses the anisotropic properties and the thermo-mechanical behaviour of the composite structure combined with a heat elevation either to control the shape according the set point or to build lighter.The technical centre is looking for industrial partners for technical co-operation and commercial agreement with technical assistance.

Description
 A French technical centre has developed a new way of controlling the deformation of multi-layered composite materials. The intrinsic properties of a composite structure are used: during a temperature rise, the anisotropic behaviour leads to a variation of the structure shape. So the dilatation properties of the multi-layered materials are used to control their deformation. In other words, during a temperature increase, the difference between the thermo-mechanical properties of the layers generates internal stresses. These stresses are homogeneous in each layer and deform the structure. The increasing heat is controlled by a layer called "the active layer". It is a polymer layer made electrically conductive with the adjunction of carbon fibres or pellets. When it's connected to a current generator, it warms up according to the Joule law. The deformation is controlled with a modulation of the energy supplies to the active layer. This control is made with a PID system programmed on a computer.

Innovative Aspects:
Nowadays, structures are deformed with the integration of actuators (SMAs - Surface Mounted Actuators, piezoelectric, magneto-restrictive materials, etc.) in or on the structure. This causes an increase of weight, volume, and implies stress concentration, which can involve damage phenomena. Moreover, the process of integrating the actuators in or on a structure must be done carefully to avoid adhesion or cohesion and ageing problems. The company’s use of composite material using an internal source of heat skips this problem with the use of the whole structure as an actuator, giving the possibility to the engineer to create a smart composite structure with a proportional and complete control of the deformation of shape and surface.

Main Advantages:
The main advantage of this use of composite material is that the whole structure becomes an actuator. So a higher useful power, a lighter and more durable structure are expected. Like this, the control of the surface deformation or of the shape becomes a realistic project.

 Development phase
Available for demonstration - field tested

 Intellectual Property Rights
Patent(s) granted

Collaboration details
Technical Co-operation; License agreement; Commercial Agreement with Technical Assistance; Manufacturing agreement (Subcontracting &amp; Co-contracting); Financial resources
- Type of partner sought: Industrial partners
- Specific area of activity of the partner: Partners working in the field of aerospace technology, transport, automotive sector
- Task to be performed: They are looking for partners interested in industrial applications, co-development or technical co-operation for further development.
Manufacturing agreement can combine licensing and partnership because new means of production are necessary to develop the new materials .
Commercial Agreement with technical assistance includes engineering, technical consultancy and technical training.

 For more information
 Isabelle Gouriou

 

home | @ to contact us