The Composites Research Centre (CRC) is based within the Materials and Surface Science Institute (MSSI) at the University of Limerick Ireland, and carries out extensive research in the area of modelling and testing of composite materials and structures.

The centre has outstandingly well-equipped laboratories and computational resources, with the capability to manufacture, test, inspect and analyse virtually any type of composite structure. With experienced faculty and research staff, the CRC has been collaborating with industry within Ireland, across Europe and further afield for more than 20 years.

Projects which the CRC are actively participating in are:

• MAAXIMUS: More Affordable Aircraft through Extended, Integrated and Mature Numerical Sizing, funded by: EU FP7
• Three-dimensional Multi-scale Composites Damage Model - Funded by: SFI - Research Frontiers Programme
• Rain erosion of leading edge materials (Environmentally Friendly Engine) - Funded by: Bombardier Aerospace
• Global Bolted Joints Modelling - Funded by: IRCSET
• Friction testing and Modelling in Composite Joints - Funded by: IRCSET
• BOJCAS - Bolted Joints in Composite Aircraft Structures - Funded by: EU Framework V

In 2007 the CRC had a requirement to perform high strain rate tests on metals, polymers, and polymer composite systems.  The testing machine would have to carry out dynamic and high speed testing with a load capacity of 50 kN and at velocities up to 20 m/s.  The testing system would then be used to collaborate with other Irish and UK universities as well as other European research institutions.

After evaluating many different products in the market CRC chose a Zwick Roell product as they felt that it offered the best value for money, and an acceptable delivery schedule for such a specialised product. 

As Dr. Walter Stanley, Assistant Dean, Academic Affairs for the Faculty of Science and Engineering explains, “The decision to purchase Zwick Amsler HTM 5020 was primarily based on a requirement for reliability and validation.  This was evident in peer reviewed journals and through established users in Ireland, UK and Europe.  In addition Zwick has a professional and dedicated local sales and service support organisation in Ireland.

Regarding some of the tests carried out with the new testing systems he adds: “One of the primary reasons to purchase the new machine was to assess the effect of loading rate on the progression of damage within open hole tension specimens manufactured from carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP).  A number of CFRP laminates of different stacking sequences were examined at a number of different loading rates, and 2D digital image correlation (DIC) was used to measure full field strains on the surface of the specimens”.

Whilst looking towards the future Dr. Stanley envisages many benefits: “The Zwick system enables us to have a unique facility within Ireland and helps us to be more competitive in research grant applications. It has also allowed us to open up a new field of mechanical characterisation. Overall, our experience with the system has been excellent as it gives us both flexibility and ease of use on a daily basis“, he says.