Supporting the establishment of the 'Laboratory of Advanced Structures (LAS)': developing experimental investigation of innovative tailored structures under impact and vibration

Abstract

The following application proposes Dr. Robert Birch as a Fellowship Research Visitor (RV) who will, over a 12-month period, advise and assist the Federal University of ABC (UFABC) in establishing a new laboratory facility devoted to the study of advanced materials. This new laboratory, to be known as the 'Laboratory of Advanced Structures (LAS)', will primarily investigate the performance of new tailored (printable) materials and structures under dynamic loading such as impact and vibration. Dr. Birch's unique background of engineering research experience in structural crashworthiness in both academia and industry make him ideally placed to provide the support necessary for the early stages of developing LAS and its immediate research aims. Apart from offering his experience, Dr. Birch will participate fully in LAS research activities to bring a new research to UFABC related to developing adaptive structures for absorbing impact energy, made by additive manufacturing. He will also contribute to teaching activities in graduation and post-graduation, and also to establish links with other universities in Brazil and abroad. (AU)