Advanced Materials and Structures Laboratory

The Advanced Materials and Structures Lab (AMSL), established in 2011, has become a very successful model for partnership with government and industry to address most pressing needs and long-term concerns in materials and structures especially for aircraft applications.

AMSL conducts pioneering theoretical and experimental work sponsored by the US Army, Navy, Air Force, and Aerospace Industry, including integration of design and manufacturing processes to improve performance of composites, advanced material technologies, material characterization, structural diagnostics, and prognostics. Our recent research accomplishments are documented in more than 45 articles in the top refereed journals in the field and recognized by six “best paper” awards at national and international conferences, including the Cheeseman Award at the 36th European Rotorcraft Forum (the first and only time awarded to authors based in the United States); 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017 American Helicopter Society (AHS) Forum best papers in structures and materials; and the American Society for Composites best paper award in 2013. In addition, the impact and innovation of some of AMSL’s work are highlighted in “Composite Structures, A View from Inside,” Office of Naval Research (ONR) Innovation Newsletter, Breakthrough Technologies.

AMSL has unique imaging capabilities for advanced material characterization and structural and microstructural diagnostics, including one-of-a-kind microfocus X-ray computed tomography (CT) facilities for large structures and in-situ mechanical testing (imaging while applying mechanical loading); versatile state-of-the-art digital image correlation (DIC) facilities ranging from high-resolution to ultra-high-speed; and state-of-the-art in-situ scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micro/nanomechanical testing facilities. AMSL also has advanced material testing systems for static, fatigue, and impact loads, thermal analysis and rheology; and manufacturing facilities.

Our unique imaging capabilities are complemented by DIC/CT data-driven modeling techniques and software tools authored by AMSL researchers advancing the state of the art in the integrated structural and microstructural diagnostics, materials characterization, and strength/fatigue prognostics for composite materials and structures, placing UTA as a pioneer in these emerging fields.

As a world-class organization with a critical mass of researchers empowered by state-of-the art facilities, AMSL has become a unique research enterprise, potentially enabling a fundamental shift to efficient diagnostics and prognostics methods addressing the most critical needs of composite aircraft design, certification and sustainment based on the development and integration of breakthrough technologies in nondestructive inspection and structural diagnostics, material characterization, fatigue prognosis, and predictive manufacturing.

We developed the integrated structural methods and prognostics approach to predict life of composite structure, which has been broadly applied to multiple Department of Defense and industry programs to achieve significant and lasting impact. We provided pioneering contributions to the following individual areas and, most importantly, their effective integration including:

1. High-resolution nondestructive imaging and structural diagnostics enabling accurate 3D measurement of material structure in composite parts including location and size of manufacturing defects with automated transition to structural finite element models
2. High-fidelity material characterization driven by DIC and CT data including in-situ experimental methods, capturing all essential material input properties for advanced computational strength and fatigue models and
3. 3. Structural strength/fatigue prognosis analysis able to capture multiple damage modes and their interaction

We concurrently spearheaded new areas of research for predictive manufacturing (i.e. composite process modeling) to predict the formation of the critical manufacturing irregularities in composite structures based on the same strategy. We are currently expanding the originally developed integrated structural methods into the microstructural world to enable the development of new material systems. Our breakthrough in advanced material development included improving fiber-direction compressive strength of high-modulus (HM) carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs) which has been their major weakness prohibiting implementation of such materials in aircraft primary structures despite improving mechanical stiffness at a lower weight. We successfully developed of a HM CFRP achieving fiber-direction compressive strength of the currently used intermediate-modulus (IM) CFRPs but with more than 30% higher modulus.

Personnel

• Andrew Makeev, Ph.D., Director and Jenkins Garrett Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department (MAE)
• Erian Armanios, Ph.D., Professor and Chair, MAE
• John-Eric Dufour, Ph.D., Visiting Assistant Professor, MAE
• Sarvenaz Ghaffari, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Fellow
• Gennadi Nikishkov, D.Sc., Faculty Research Associate
• Yuri Nikishkov, Ph.D., Faculty Research Associate
• Guillaume Seon, Ph.D., Engineering Research Scientist
• Brian Shonkwiler, Engineering Research Scientist
• Bastiaan van der Vossen, Ph.D., Engineering Research Scientist

Funding

More than $12M in external funding from the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and aerospace industry

Selected Publications

Refereed Journal Articles

• Ghaffari, S., Makeev, A., Seon, G. (2021) In-situ SEM based Method for Assessing Fiber-Matrix Interface Shear Strength in CFRPs, Materials & Design, 197, 1 January 2021, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2020.109242
• Nikishkov, Y., Kuksenko, D., Makeev, A. (2020) Variable Zoom Technique for X-Ray Computed Tomography, NDT & E International, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ndteint.2020.102310
• Ghaffari, S., Makeev, A., Seon, G., Cole, D., Magagnosc, D., Bhowmick, S. (2020) Understanding Compressive Strength Improvement of High Modulus Carbon-Fiber Reinforced Polymeric Composites through Fiber-Matrix Interface Characterization, Materials & Design, 193 (2020), DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2020.108798
• Seon, G., Makeev, A., Nikishkov, Y., Fergusson, L. (2020) Towards a Digital Twin for Mitigating Void Formation during Debulking of Autoclave Composite Parts, Engineering Fracture Mechanics, 225 (15), DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engfracmech.2019.106792
• Seon, G., Makeev, A., Schaefer, J., Justusson, B. (2019) Measurement of Interlaminar Tensile Strength and Elastic Properties of Composites Using Open-Hole Compression Testing and Digital Image Correlation, Applied Sciences, 9 (13), DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/app9132647
• Seon, G., Makeev, A., Nikishkov, Y., Fergusson, L. (2019) Predicting Formation of Manufacturing Defects in Contoured Composites, Journal of the American Helicopter Society, 64 (4), DOI: https://doi.org/10.4050/JAHS.64.042005
• Makeev, A., Ghaffari, S., Seon, G. (2019) Improving Compressive Strength of High Modulus Carbon-Fiber Reinforced Polymeric Composites through Fiber Hybridization, International Journal of Engineering Science, 142 (2019) 145-157.
• Nikishkov, Y., Seon, G., Makeev, A., Nguyen, D. (2019) Progressive Fatigue Damage Simulation in Composites based on Explicit Finite Element Formulation, Journal of the American Helicopter Society, 64 (2), DOI: https://doi.org/10.4050/JAHS.64.022004.
• Makeev, A., Seon, G., Nikishkov, Y., Nguyen, D., Mathews, P., Robeson, M. (2019) Analysis Methods Improving Confidence in Material Qualification for Laminated Composites, Journal of the American Helicopter Society, 64 (1), DOI: https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/ahs/jahs/2019/00000064/00000001/art00006;jsessionid=rbcb47r810ya.x-ic-live-02
• Iarve, E., Hoos, K., Nikishkov, Y., Makeev, A. (2018) Discrete Damage Modeling of Static Bearing Failure in Laminated Composites, Composites: Part A, 108 (2018), 30-40.
• He, T., Liu, L., Makeev, A. (2018) Uncertainty Analysis in Composite Material Properties Characterization Using Digital Image Correlation and Finite Element Model Updating, Composite Structures, 184 (2018) 337-351.
• Nikishkov, Y., Seon, G., Makeev, A., Shonkwiler, B. (2016) In-Situ Measurements of Fracture Properties in Composite Laminates, Materials and Design, 94 (2016) 303-313.
• He, T., Liu L., Makeev, A., Shonkwiler, B. (2016) Characterization of Stress-Strain Behavior of Composites using Digital Image Correlation and Finite Element Analysis, Composite Structures, 140 (2016) 84-93.
• Seon, G., Nikishkov, Y, Makeev, A., & Shonkwiler, B. (2016) Mesh Morphing Methodology for Strength Predictions in Composites, Composite Structures, 140 (2016) 612–620.
• Carpentier, P., Makeev, A., Liu, L., Shonkiwler, B. (2016) An Improved Short-Beam Method for Measuring Multiple Constitutive Properties for Composites, ASTM Journal of Testing and Evaluation, 44 (1), DOI: 10.1520/JTE20130335.
• Seon, G., Makeev, A., Cline, J., Shonkwiler, B (2015) Assessing 3D Shear Stress-Strain Properties of Composites Using Digital Image Correlation and Finite Element Analysis Based Optimization, Composites Science and Technology, 117 (2015), 371-378.
• Makeev, A., Seon, G., Nikishkov, Y., Lee, E. (2015) Methods for Assessment of Interlaminar Tensile Strength of Composite Materials, Journal of Composite Materials, 49 (2015), 783-794.
• Makeev, A., Bakis, C., Strauch, E., Chris, M., Holemans, P., Miller, G., Nguyen, D., Spencer, D., Patz, N. (2015) Advanced Composite Materials Technology for Rotorcraft through the use of Nanoadditives, Journal of the American Helicopter Society, 60 (3), DOI: 10.4050/JAHS.60.032008.
• Seon, G., Nikishkov, Y., Makeev, A. (2015) Structures Perspective for Strength and Fatigue Prognosis in Composites with Manufacturing Irregularities, Journal of the American Helicopter Society, 60 (1), 1-10 DOI: 10.4050/JAHS.60.011002.
• Gulli, S., Maddalena, L., McKelvey, C., Brown, A., Nikishkov, Y., Makeev, A. (2015) Characterization of Complex Porous Structures for Reusable Thermal Protection Systems: Porosity Measurements, Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, 52 (2015), 166-176.
• Makeev, A., Seon, G., Cline, J., Shonkwiler, B. (2014) In Quest of Methods for Measuring 3D Mechanical Properties of Composites, Composites Science and Technology, 100 (2014), 105-112.
• He, Y., Makeev, A., (2014) Nonlinear Shear Behavior and Interlaminar Shear Strength of Unidirectional Polymer Matrix Composites: A Numerical Study, International Journal of Solids and Structures, 51 (2014), 1263-1273.
• Makeev, A., Carpentier, P., Shonkwiler, B. (2014) Methods to Measure Interlaminar Tensile Modulus of Composites, Composites: Part A, 56 (2014), 256-261.
• Nikishkov, Y., Seon, G., Makeev, A. (2014) Structural Analysis of Composites with Porosity Defects based on X-Ray Computed Tomography, Journal of Composite Materials, 48 (17), 2131-2144.
• Seon, G., Makeev, A., Nikishkov, Y., Lee, E. (2013) Effects of Defects on Interlaminar Tensile Fatigue Behavior of Carbon/Epoxy Composites, Composites Science and Technology, 89 (2013), 194-201.
• Nikishkov, Y., Airoldi, L., Makeev, A. (2013) Measurement of Voids in Composites by X-Ray Computed Tomography, Composites Science and Technology, 89 (2013), 89-97.
• Makeev, A., He, Y., Schreier, H. (2013) Short-Beam Shear Method for Assessment of Stress-Strain Curves for Fiber-Reinforced Polymer-Matrix Composite Materials, Strain (2013) 49, 440-450.
• Makeev, A. (2013) Interlaminar Shear Fatigue Behavior of Glass/Epoxy and Carbon/Epoxy Composites, Composites Science and Technology, 80 (2013), 93–100.
• Nikishkov, Y., Makeev, A., Seon, G. (2013) Progressive Fatigue Damage Simulation Method for Composites, International Journal of Fatigue, 48 (1), 266-279.
• Nikishkov, G., Nikishkov, Y., Makeev, A. (2013) Finite Element Mesh Generation for Composites with Ply Waviness based on X-Ray Computed Tomography, Advances in Engineering Software, 58 (2013), 35-44.
• Makeev, A., He, Y., Carpentier, P., Shonkwiler, B. (2012) A Method for Measurement of Multiple Constitutive Properties for Composite Materials. Composites: Part A, 43 (12), 2199–2210.
• He, Y., Makeev, A., Shonkwiler, B. (2012) Characterization of Nonlinear Shear Properties for Composite Materials Using Digital Image Correlation and Finite Element Analysis, Composites Science and Technology, 73 (2012), 64–71

Book Chapters

• Seon, G., Makeev, A., Nikishkov, Y., Shonkwiler, B., (2017) DIC Data-Driven Methods Improving Confidence in Material Qualification of Composites, International Digital Imaging Correlation Society, Sutton, M., Reu, P. (Ed.), Springer, 251-253.
• Makeev, A. and Nikishkov, Y. (2011) Fatigue Life Assessment for Composite Structure, ICAF 2011 Structural Integrity: Influence of Efficiency and Green Imperatives, Komorowski, J. (Ed.), Springer, 119-135.

Conference Proceedings

• Ghaffari, S., Seon, G., Makeev, A., Iarve, E., Mollenhauer, D. (2020) Microstructural Methods for Developing High-Performance Composite Materials, AIAA SciTech Forum, Orlando, FL, 6-10 January 2020. AIAA 2020-2109, DOI: https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2020-2109
• Ghaffari, S., Seon, G., Makeev, A. (2019) High-Modulus CFRP Compressive Strength Improvement, American Society for Composites 34th Annual Technical Conference, Atlanta, GA, September 23-25, 2019.
• Seon, G., Shonkwiler, B., Makeev, A. (2019) Predicting Defect Formation at Early Stages of Manufacturing Process, American Society for Composites 34th Annual Technical Conference, Atlanta, GA, September 23-25, 2019.
• Van der Vossen, B., Makeev, A. (2019) Characterization of Interface Shear Stress-Strain and Mode II Fracture Properties using DIC in Thick Adherent Shear Tests, American Society for Composites 34th Annual Technical Conference, Atlanta, GA, September 23-25, 2019.
• Nikishkov, Y., Nikishkov, G., Seon, G., Shonkwiler, B., Makeev, A. (2019) Structures Technology for Component Damage and Failure Prediction, Vertical Flight Society’s 75th Annual Forum & Technology Display, Philadelphia, PA, USA, May 13-16, 2019.
• Justusson, B., Schaefer, J., Liguore, S., Nikishkov, Y., Nikishkov, G., Seon, G., Makeev, A., Iarve, E., Hoos, K., McQuien, S., Adluru, H. (2019) A Technical Approach for Assessing Progressive Damage and Failure Analysis Methods for Structural Performance, AIAA 2019-2275. DOI: 10.2514/6.2019-2275.
• Armanios, E., Seon, G., Nikishkov, Y., Makeev, A. (2018) Progress in Failure: Toward Reliable Failure Predictions in Composites, Proceedings of the American Society for Composites 33rd Technical Conference, Seattle, Washington.
• Van Der Vossen, B., Makeev, A. (2018) Characterization of Cohesive Zone Laws using Digital Image Correlation, Proceedings of the American Society for Composites 33rd Technical Conference, Seattle, Washington.
• Seon, G., Makeev, A., Nikishkov, Y., Fergusson, L. (2018) Predicting Formation of Manufacturing Defects in Contoured Composites, Vertical Flight Society’s 74th Annual Forum & Technology Display, Phoenix, Arizona, USA, May 14-17, 2018.
• Seon, G., Nikishkov, Y., Makeev, A. (2018) Bearing Strength and Fatigue Analysis of Tape Composites Based on Continuum Damage Mechanics Methodology, 2018 AIAA/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics, and Materials Conference, AIAA SciTech Forum, (AIAA 2018-0739) Kissimmee, Florida, https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2018-0739
• Rouseau, C., Engelstad, S., Clay, S., Knoth, P., Makeev, A., Nikishkov, Y. (2018) Validation Testing for Progressive Double-Shear Bearing Damage Analysis of Composites, 2018 AIAA/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics, and Materials Conference, AIAA SciTech Forum, (AIAA 2018-0737) Kissimmee, Florida, https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2018-0737
• Seon, G., Makeev, A., Nikishkov, Y., Shonkwiler, B., (2017) DIC Data-Driven Methods Improving Confidence in Material Qualification of Composites, International Digital Imaging Correlation Society, Sutton, M., Reu, P. (Ed.), Springer, 251-253.
• Schaefer, J., Justusson, B., Pike, M., Nikishkov, Y., Makeev, A. (2017) Application of In-situ Computed Tomography for Validation of Open Hole Fatigue Model Predictions, Proceedings of the American Society for Composites 32nd Technical Conference, West Lafayette, Indiana. DOI 10.12783/asc2017/15262
• Nikishkov, Y., Seon, G., Makeev, A., Nguyen, D. (2017) Progressive Fatigue Damage Simulation in Composites based on Explicit Finite Element Formulation, Best Paper Award , Structures and Materials, American Helicopter Society International 73rd Annual Forum, Fort Worth, Texas.
• Makeev, A., Seon, G., Nikishkov, Y., Nguyen. D., Mathews, P., Robeson, M. (2016) Analysis Methods Improving Confidence in Material Qualification for Laminated Composites, Best Paper Award, Structures and Materials, American Helicopter Society Forum International 72nd Annual Forum, West Palm Beach, Florida.
• Nikishkov, Y., Seon, G., Makeev, A. (2015) In-Situ Measurements of Structural Damage in Notched Composite Laminates, Proceedings of the 20th International Conference on Composite Materials, Copenhagen, Denmark.
• Seon, G., Makeev, A., Cline, J., Armanios, E. (2015) Assessing 3D Mechanical Properties of Composites Based on Digital Image Correlation, Proceedings of the 20th International Conference on Composite Materials, Copenhagen, Denmark.
• Nikishkov, Y., Bostaph, E., Makeev, A. (2015) Nondestructive Inspection of Composite Structures based on Limited Angle X-ray Computed Tomography, American Helicopter Society 71th Annual Forum, Virginia Beach, VA.
• Makeev, A., Nikishkov, Y., Seon, G., Armanios, E. (2014) New Perspectives for Material Characterization and Structural Diagnostics of Composites, Proceedings of the American Society for Composites 29th Technical Conference, San Diego, California.
• Nikishkov, Y., Bostaph, E., Makeev, A. (2014) Detection of Defects in Composites by Limited-Angle Tomography, Proceedings of the American Society for Composites 29th Technical Conference, San Diego, California.
• Nikishkov, Y., Makeev, A., Seon, G., Bostaph, E., Armanios, E. (2014) Challenges and Perspectives for Nondestructive Inspection and Structural Diagnostics of Composites, Proceedings of the 40th European Rotorcraft Forum, Southampton, UK.
• Seon, G., Nikishkov, Y., Makeev, A. (2014) Structures Perspective for Strength and Fatigue Prognosis in Composites, Best Paper Award, Structures and Materials, American Helicopter Society 70th Annual Forum, Montreal, Canada.
• Makeev, A., Nikishkov, Y., Seon, G., Armanios, E. (2013) Methods for Assessing Interlaminar Tensile Properties in Composite Materials, Best Paper Award of American Society for Composites 28th Technical Conference, University Park, Pennsylvania
• Makeev, A., Bakis, C., Strauch, E., Chris, M., Holemans, P., Miller, G., Spencer, D., Patz, N. (2013) Advanced Composite Materials Technology for Rotorcraft, Proceedings of the 39th European Rotorcraft Forum, Moscow, Russia
• Makeev, A., Nikishkov, Y., Seon, G., Armanios, E. (2013) Effects of Defects of Interlaminar Performance of Composites, Proceedings of the 39th European Rotorcraft Forum, Moscow, Russia
• Seon, G., Nikishkov, Y., Makeev, A. (2013) Structural Methods for Assessment of Interlaminar Tensile Properties of Composites In the Presence of Porosity/Voids, Proceedings of the 19th International Conference on Composite Materials, Montreal, Canada
• Nikishkov, G., Nikishkov, Y., Makeev, A. (2013) Ply Waviness Detection and Mesh Generation for Composites Based on X-Ray Computed Tomography, Proceedings of the 19th International Conference on Composite Materials, Montreal, Canada
• Nikishkov, Y., Seon, G., Makeev, A. (2013) Effects of Defects on Interlaminar Tensile Behavior in Carbon/Epoxy Composites, Best Paper Award, Structures and Materials, American Helicopter Society 69th Annual Forum, Phoenix, Arizona
• Makeev, A., Nikishkov, Y., Seon, G., Armanios, E. (2012) Structural Analysis Methods to Account for Manufacturing Defects in Composites, Proceedings of the 38th European Rotorcraft Forum, Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Nikishkov, Y., Airoldi, L., Seon, G., Makeev, A. (2012) Structural Methods to Account for Porosity/Voids in Composites, Proceedings of American Helicopter Society 68th Annual Forum, Fort Worth, Texas
• Makeev, A., He, Y., Shonkwiler, B., Lee, E., Schreier, H., Nikishkov, Y. (2011) A Method for Measurement of Three-Dimensional Constitutive Properties for Composite Materials, ICCM 18, Jeju, Korea.
• Nikishkov, Y., Makeev, A. (2011) Fatigue Life Assessment for Composite Materials, ICCM 18, Jeju, Korea
• Nikishkov, Y., Makeev, A., Cline, C., Beasley, J., Fay, R. (2011) Finite Element-Based Damage Tolerance Methods for Aircraft Composites, Proceedings of the American Helicopter Society 67th Forum, (Updated Cheeseman Award Paper of the 36th European Rotorcraft Forum)