Information and Communications Fabrication & Processing Technology Qualtiy, Reliability, & Maintenance
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Center for Advanced Polymer and Composite Engineering (CAPCE)The Ohio State University (lead institution)A National Science Foundation Industry/University Cooperative Research Center since 1997Partner Institutions:
Fundamental advances and technology development benefit the polymer and composite processing industry Center Mission and RationaleThe dynamic and expanding polymer industry is one of the few industries in which the United States maintains strong leadership in an extremely competitive global market. CAPCE fosters increased collaboration among applications researchers in industry and fundamental researchers in universities, to enable more rapid modernization and commercialization of new ideas. The Center addresses the need for industry-university collaboration by building a base of research, engineering education, and technology transfer, resulting in improved industrial practice and productivity. Research ProgramCAPCE's interdisciplinary research is supported by industry (over 20 companies are active members), the National Science Foundation, the State of Ohio's Thomas Edison Program, and The Ohio State University. The research concentrates on manufacturing polymeric materials via melt, powder, and reactive liquids, and forming from sheet and bulk materials. Interactions among materials, part design, processing conditions, and product properties are key concerns. The program is structured according to the four areas of emphasis described below. The Thermoplastic Processing thrust area focuses on polymer rheology and advanced processing techniques such as injection molding (IM), gas-assist and thin-wall IM, and extrusion technology. Both this and the following area of emphasis address demands for reduced part weight and faster cycle times while maintaining part strength and appearance. The Thermoset Polymers and Composite Manufacturing thrust area studies resins, fibers, composites, and nanocomposites. Some of the current projects include material characterization, process analysis and modeling of liquid molding processes (RTM, SCRIMP and injection-pultrusion), development and characterization of low pressure SMC and BMC, application of low-profile additives to composite processing, in-situ permeability measurement, and carbon nanotube reinforced composites. The Integral Attachment (Snap-Fit) Design thrust area is advancing snap-fit design from an art to an engineering science. The goal is to develop snap-fits with at least an order of magnitude increase in performance as compared to conventional designs. This will allow the use of snap-fits in applications for which they are currently not suited. The Integrated Development of Composite Products and Processes thrust area studies the various life cycle issues regarding affordable composite materials using an integrated product and process development approach. The goal is to make advanced composite materials affordable through the development and deployment of process modeling, design optimization, lifecycle cost estimation, and statistical process control. Technology DeploymentExamples of CAPCE's research advances that are improving industrial practice include:
FacilitiesOver $4 million in modern equipment is housed in the laboratories below.
Center Headquarters Center for Advanced Polymer and Composite Engineering
Center Director: Dr. L. James Lee
Research Site at Florida State University
Research Site at University of Wisconsin-Madison
Center Evaluator: Scott Morris
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