IMDEA-materials is currently involved in the development of the following research projects and contracts:
Simulation of multiangular mechanical tests on prepreg composite coupons
This research contract with Airbus Spain is aimed at demonstrating the potential of computational micromechanics and mesomechanics to reduce time and costs during material qualification. The objective also includes the development of the experimental techniques to obtain the some of the parameters of the computational models. Within the area of computational micromechanics, the main goal is to predict the mechanical properties of a single composite lamina from the mechanical properties of its constituents: fiber, matrix and interfaces. The second objective at the mesomechanics level is to predict of the mechanical properties of a composite laminate coupon as a function of the lamina properties.
Duration: 2007-2008
Contact address: 
MAAXIMUS (More Affordable Aircraft through eXtended, Integrated and Mature nUmerical Sizing)
A Collaborative Research project funded by the European Union within the Seventh Framework Program in the topic “Integrated approach to life-cycle based development of aircraft structures”. IMDEA-materials is one of the research centers in a consortium of 58 partners from 18 countries made up of aircraft manufacturers, material behavior specialists, software and computer hardware developers, computational mechanics experts and test centers, both from industry and academia. The approximate budget of the project is 70 M€.
The objective of the project is to reduce of the airframe development costs by 5% through the delivery of a predictive virtual test capability for large composite structures up to failure with a quantified level of confidence. This capability will be assessed and validated through an exhaustive comparison with a full-scale physical test of the composite barrel. A new Certification Philosophy, based on Virtual Testing, will be assessed. It will also consider the structure as it is actually manufactured and assembled and not only as it is designed. In addition, Virtual Testing will be a major asset to freeze a trouble–free design earlier than today and will avoid late and costly changes due to unexpected test results. It will provide more mature aircraft to the customers at Entry Into Service, with fewer Service Bulletins or post-entry into service modifications. This will be a key asset for airliner satisfaction.
IMDEA-materials contribution to the project will include the development of modeling tools to simulate the mechanical behavior of composite materials and structures from microscopic to macroscopic level using computational micro- and mesomechanics as well as the definition of a model to characterize composite material properties under hot/wet conditions.
Duration: 2008-2012
Contact address:
INTERFACE (Interfacial Engineering in Cu Carbon Nanofibre MMCs for high thermally loaded applications)
A Specific Targeted Research project funded by the European Union within the Sixth Framework Program. IMDEA-materials is one of the research centers in a consortium of 11 partners from 8 countries, coordinated by CEIT (San Sebastian, Spain). The consortium is made up of experts in processing and modeling of nanocomposites materials, together with several end-users of heat sink devices in thermally high loaded applications, such as high power laser diodes and electronics. The approximate budget of the project is 3 M€.
The main objective of INTERFACE is to gain the necessary knowledge to engineer the interface of Cu matrix composites reinforced by carbon nanofibres, to develop a low-cost material with a dramatically improved thermal conductivity. INTERFACE is driven by industrial needs to develop more efficient low-cost heat sink materials for optoelectronics, LED displays, power switches and laser diodes, among others. The research will contribute to breakthroughs in our understanding of interfacial phenomena and to innovative means of functionalisation of carbon nanofibres, contributing to develop a nanotechnology based industry in Europe.
IMDEA-materials contribution to the project will include the development of modeling tools to simulate the mechanical behavior of nanocomposite materials from microscopic to macroscopic level using computational micro- and mesomechanics, as well as the thermo-mechanical characterization of interfaces.
Duration: 2007-2009
Contact address: 