Durability and Reliability of Carbon Fibre-reinforced Polymer (CFRP) under Service Conditions

Abstract

The rapid expansion of the low-altitude economy has catalysed significant growth in the CFRP market, with modern eVTOLs utilising CFRP for over 70% of the structural weight. However, the widespread application of CFRP in these aircraft is challenged by two critical factors: moisture-induced degradation and low impact resistance. These vulnerabilities raise serious concerns about the durability and reliability of operations at low altitudes. To address these challenges, this seminar presents a two-part investigation. First, it introduces integrated experimental-modelling methods to unravel the ageing mechanisms of CFRP, with a focus on matrix degradation, fibre-matrix interfacial ageing, and the multiscale finite element analysis (FEA) prediction. Second, it discusses recent breakthroughs in impact-resistant composites, specifically the development of shear thickening gel (STG) applied CFRP (SACFRP). Notably, this novel composite demonstrates a 267% increase in specific impact strength compared to the CFRP counterpart.

Speaker

Dr Wanrui Zhang is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). He received his PhD from CUHK and his MSc in Mechanical Engineering from Northwestern University (Evanston). Dr Zhang’s research focuses on the durability and reliability of CFRP, specifically addressing fibre-matrix interfacial degradation, developing impact-resistant composites, and establishing multiscale modelling methods. He has authored 17 peer-reviewed journal papers since 2024, including seven as the first or co-first author. He also serves as a reviewer for several high-impact journals, including Thin-Walled Structures.