Ongoing Research

Origami-inspired sandwich panels


Origami-inspired sandwich panels are composite materials designed to mimic traditional origami designs' structural properties. These panels are made up of two or more thin layers of material bonded together with a core material, similar to how traditional sandwich panels are constructed. One of the main advantages of origami-inspired sandwich panels is that they can be designed to have a specific shape or geometry tailored to meet the needs of a particular application. It allows them to be used in various applications, including structural components for the defence sector, aerospace and automotive industries, and architecture and design. Origami-inspired sandwich panels can be made from multiple materials, including metals, plastics, and composite materials. The choice of material will depend on the application's specific requirements, such as the desired strength and stiffness, as well as the intended operating environment.

Overall, origami-inspired sandwich panels have the potential to revolutionize the way we design and build structures by providing a lightweight and strong alternative to traditional materials. They can be tailored to meet the specific needs of a particular application and have a wide range of potential uses. It is possible to design origami-inspired sandwich panels that have improved ballistic resistance properties, which could potentially be used as safety equipment. However, more research is needed to fully understand these materials' potential applications and develop the necessary technology to produce and optimize them. Our present interest is to identify & engineer different origami patterns which can be helpful to provide predictable failure behaviour depending upon the unit cell and folding patterns.

Bio-inspired FRP composites

Bioinspired composites are materials that are designed to mimic the structural and functional properties of natural materials. These materials are often used in applications where high strength and stiffness are required, such as in the aerospace, automotive, and construction industries. One area where bioinspired composites have been explored for their potential use is in developing materials with improved impact resistance properties. The most common approach to designing bioinspired composites for impact resistance is to use a combination of different fibers, such as carbon and glass fibers, in a specific arrangement to create a composite material that can absorb and dissipate the energy of an impact. Another approach is to use a combination of fibers and a polymer matrix, such as plastic or resin, to create a composite material that can withstand the impact of a projectile. Overall, bioinspired composites have the potential to revolutionize the way we design materials for ballistic resistance by providing a lightweight and robust alternative to traditional materials. However, more research is needed to fully understand these materials' potential applications and develop the necessary technology to produce them in large quantities. In our work, we are trying to identify the unique combinations of laminate designs (Bioligand structure) to maximize the impact resistance in fiber-reinforced polymer composites.

Natural and Biodegradable Composites

Natural fiber-reinforced composites (NFRCs) are a more sustainable and environmentally friendly solution for high-strength materials. In NFRCs, natural fibers are used as the reinforcing material and are combined with a matrix material, such as a thermoplastic or thermosetting resin, to create a composite material. These materials have several benefits compared to traditional materials, such as metals and plastics. They are typically lighter, making them easier to handle and transport. They also have good mechanical properties, such as high strength and stiffness, making them suitable for use in various applications. In addition, natural fibers are biodegradable, which means they can be safely absorbed back into the environment after the end of their useful life.

NFRCs have a wide range of potential applications, including in the automotive, furniture, and sports industries. Due to their excellent mechanical properties, they can be used as semi-load-bearing materials in these applications. Overall, research into natural fiber-reinforced composites is crucial worldwide due to growing environmental concerns. Currently, our objective is to develop our own manufacturing methods for 100% biodegradable + recyclable composite materials. In addition, we are also looking for specific applications where this new class of material can make significant difference in terms of sustainability.

High Performance Materials for Safety Applications

Bioinspired flexible body armor refers to protective clothing that is designed to mimic the properties of biological materials in order to provide protection against impact, penetration, and other types of physical damage. These materials are typically lightweight, flexible, and strong, making them ideal for use in body armor.

Cellular Solid Structures

A cellular solid structure is a type of material that has a repeating pattern of cells or voids within it. These cells can be either closed, meaning that they are completely surrounded by solid material, or open, meaning that they are connected to the exterior of the material. Cellular solid structures are known for their high strength-to-weight ratio and their ability to absorb energy, making them useful in a variety of applications, such as in the construction of airplanes, automobiles, and sporting goods. There are several types of cellular solid structures, including honeycomb, foam, and sponge structures. Honeycomb structures are made up of a series of hexagonal cells that are connected to one another to form a lattice-like structure. Foam structures are made up of a series of interconnected cells that have a more irregular shape, while sponge structures are made up of a series of interconnected cells that have a more open and porous structure. Cellular solid structures can be made from a variety of materials, including metals, plastics, and ceramics. They can be fabricated using a variety of methods, including extrusion, injection molding, and blow molding. The choice of material and fabrication method will depend on the specific properties and requirements of the application. Our current target is to identify and develop some novel designs using which mechanical strength, fracture and crushing behaviour can be controlled.