Presentation list as at 24th January 2013
Each title is linked to a description below – Ctrl and click on each title will take you through
Keynote speaker from Japan:
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ProfessorProfessor Takashi Ishikawa – Director - Composite Engineering Research Center
(CERC), Nagoya University: JAXA, CERC, and aviation: Moving beyond metals
Keynote speaker from the U.S.:
 Mr John Vickers – Assist. Manager - Materials and Processes Laboratory, NASA: Insights into
composite manufacturing
Following is a list of papers, presentations, workshops and tutorials in alphabetical order.
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Mr Shaun Bailey - Managing Director - Planet Fibre Industries Pty Ltd: From oil to soil Growing tomorrows fibres (A case for the growing and processing of industrial hemp In
Victoria)
Anurag Bansal - Head of Manufacturing & Process Group - ACCIONA Infraestructuras S.A.
(travelling from Spain): Manufacturing of bridges using Composites
Workshop by Ashton Bishop – Lead Strategist and Facilitator & Adam Long (…strategist
extraordinaire), Step Change Marketing: The future is predatory marketing
Mr Vaughan Bolwell - Director of Design - Bolwell Corporation: Developing manufacturable
and merchantable composite products
Mr Lorin Coutts Smith (Peer Reviewed): Tailoring laminate bend-twist coupling through ply
position
Dr Chris Cranitch – Materials Scientist – PATH Materials Consulting: Shrinkage – Understand
it and avoid it
Dr Lucy Cranitch – Director – PATH Materials Consulting: Why not to buy composites
Mr. Mark Dimond, Air New Zealand ((Peer Reviewed) travelling from New Zealand):
Composite repair technician training and certification
Dr. Paul Falzon – Business Manager, Advanced Composite Structures Australia Pty Ltd:
Development of PIPEASSURE a composite resin for offshore pipeline repairs
Mr Alan Garcia – Partner R&D Incentives, KPMG: A user friendly guide to the R&D Tax
Incentive.
Mr Pierre Gouhier – Manager Engineering, Composites Engineer - RPC Technologies:
Introduction to FEA and its use in composites design
Mr Bruce Grey - Managing Director - Advanced Manufacturing CRC: Shaping the future of FRP
with additive manufacturing
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Dr Rik Heslehurst: Senior Lecturer/SQNLDR (RAAF Reserve), School of Engineering &
Information Technology University College, UNSW: The art and science of bonding
composite materials
Dr Rik Heslehurst: Senior Lecturer/SQNLDR (RAAF Reserve), School of Engineering &
Information Technology University College, UNSW: The effect of resin flow additives on the
mechanical properties of vacuum infused composites
Dr Martin Jones - Intellectual Property and Quality Manager, Advanced Composite Structures
Australia Pty Ltd: Using incentive schemes to fund your company’s initiatives - A guide for 2013
Dr Dr A. A. Khatibi, S. Agius, C. Wang and M. Dingle (Peer Reviewed): Damage detection
techniques for geometrically complex composite structures
Ms Susan Lake and Tim Smyth - Core Builders Composites: Use of CNC in the manufacture
of composite parts and tooling
Chengjun Liu, Y.X. Zhang, Qinghua Qin and Rikard Heslehurst (Peer Reviewed): Numerical
modelling of glass fibre metal laminates subjected to high velocity impact
Mr Phil Maxwell - Group Tech. Manager - Composite Materials Engineering (CME):
Composites in the solar industry
Dr Menghe (Malcolm) Miao – Prinicpal Scientist – CSIRO Materials Science and Engineering:
Improving carbon nanotube alignment in nanocomposites
Mr. Frank Mizzi - Technical Manager - Nuplex Composites: Use of fibre reinforced polymer
linings for controlling corrosion in mineral and chemical processing industries
Mr. Richard Paynting, Director and Ms Leah Paff, Innovation and Industry Engagement
Manager: Pre empting the market
Ms Tanya Redfern - DIAB Group: Creating new opportunities through composites
engineering
Sindu Satasivam, Yu Bai, Xiao-Ling Zhao, Department of Civil Engineering, Monash
University, (Peer Reviewed): GFRP, composite action, sandwich structure
Mr Tony Stanton – Asia Pacific Engineering Manager – Gurit: The use of composites in fire
resistant-critical applications
Tan Minh Le and K.L. Pickering (Peer Reviewed): The mechanical properties of epoxy based
hybrid biocomposites reinforced with harakeke and hemp fibres
Wendland, B and Gries, T ((Peer Reviewed) travelling from Germany): 3D weaving for large
scale composite production on conventional narrow looms
Mr Shaun Bailey - Managing Director - Planet Fibre Industries Pty Ltd
From oil to soil - Growing tomorrows fibres (A case for the growing and processing of industrial
hemp In Victoria)
The ‘decarbonisation’ of the transport system is also driving the need for lighter and more recyclable
vehicles. Because of its technical characteristics of length and strength industrial hemp is a natural
solution for the composite industry. Industrial hemp fibre reinforced plastics show considerable energy
and greenhouse gas (GHG) savings, in comparison to their fossil based counterparts. Mr Bailey will
present the case for developing an industrial hemp processing industry in Victoria.
Anurag Bansal - Head of Manufacturing & Process Group - ACCIONA Infraestructuras S.A.
Manufacturing of bridges using Composites
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The different manufacturing processes for composite bridges are largely dictated by client needs, intent
on providing simple installation, and the ideal surface finish for final users. Anurag Bansal will present
the processes used to create two award-winning Spanish pedestrian bridges: The Almuñecar bridge,
which employed resin infusion technology, and the Cuenca bridge, manufactured using carbon fibre
pre-stressed cables as the load bearing member. This was a first in composite history for a structure of
this type - at 216 metres long with three equal spans of 72 metres - made using CFRP pre-stressed
cables.
Workshop by Ashton Bishop – Lead Strategist and Facilitator & Adam Long (…strategist
extraordinaire), Step Change Marketing
The future is predatory marketing
We know the applications for fibre composites are limitless, however we’re often in a position of
defending FRP technology against traditional materials in the process of pitching for business.
Predatory Marketing is a new method of convincing a client. It's about standing out and being chosen
above competing products, processes and countries for manufacturing. ‘Step Change’ takes you on a
myth-busting ride through 'giant slaying, marketing style’, and will leave you in no doubt that the future
is predatory. We'll even give you tangible and practical tools to survive.
Mr Vaughan Bolwell - Director of Design - Bolwell Corporation
Developing manufacturable and merchantable composite products
In 2010 the Victorian company ‘Bolwell Corporation’ utilised its industrial design and engineering team’s
expertise in advanced composites and invested in tooling to develop a fully moulded composites-based
touring caravan, complete with lightweight, aerodynamic properties. This marked the Bolwell
Company’s 50th year in transport innovation using composite technology. Vaughan Bolwell will speak
on successfully designing using composites for lucrative manufacturable and merchantable outputs.
Mr Lorin Coutts Smith (Peer Reviewed)
Tailoring laminate bend-twist coupling through ply position
The use of unbalanced symmetrical or unsymmetrical laminates is often avoided due to complex and
undesirable structural behaviour, such as warping and twisting resulting from material elastic couplings.
However, in fields such as aerodynamics, tailored elastic coupling can be exploited to achieve
performance gains via ‘aeroelasticity’. This research explores bend-twist coupling and structural
response in thin laminated cantilever beams subject to transverse loads (with a focus on ‘through
thickness ply position’ effects). Lorin Coutts Smith will present the findings.
Dr Chris Cranitch – Materials Scientist – PATH Materials Consulting
Shrinkage – Understand it and avoid it
Shrinkage plagues composite manufacture, whether producing aerospace components, chemical tanks,
car parts, or even playground equipment. When shrinkage is excessive parts can warp, crack, print, prerelease, or fail. However, interesting concepts and technologies can be utilised to combat the problem.
Dr Chris Cranitch will describe precisely what causes shrinkage and the ways it can be minimised,
including low profile polyesters, matrix controlled shrinkage epoxies and by examining thermal
expansion rates of parts and moulds.
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Dr Lucy Cranitch – Director – PATH Materials Consulting
Why not to buy composites
Engineers and end users have frequently shown resistance to buying composite products, in preference
for alternative materials such as rubber, concrete and steel. A number of major projects which span
infrastructure, chemical and mining applications have been analysed to reveal exactly what these
perceived hurdles were. Dr Lucy Cranitch will present her findings and engage composite industry
members to discuss solutions for the greater promotion and uptake of composites.
Mr. Mark Dimond, Air New Zealand ((Peer Reviewed) travelling from New Zealand)
Composite repair technician training and certification
Safety is the primary concern in the maintenance of aircraft. There has been a rapid growth of
composites used in both commercial and military aircraft. Mark Dimond will break down the regulatory
data and reports to date concerning the control and repair of aircraft built with composite components.
Mr Dimond will also examine recent aircraft incidents, and those relevant areas of composite repair
technician training and certification.
Dr. Paul Falzon – Business Manager, Advanced Composite Structures Australia Pty Ltd
Development of PIPEASSURE a composite resin for offshore pipeline repairs
To solve the considerable challenge of corrosion and other damage sustained by piping, pipelines and
risers, widely used in the oil and gas industry, a new glass/epoxy prepreg system has been developed.
Applicable for dry, wet and fully submerged underwater conditions this is highly effective for both
rehabilitation and corrosion protection of steel infrastructure. Paul Falzon will present the mechanical,
hydrostatic and corrosion protection testing undertaken to validate the system, and outline a new
carbon fibre reinforced version.
Mr Alan Garcia – Partner R&D Incentives, KPMG
A user friendly guide to the R&D Tax Incentive
The Research & Development Tax Incentive is described by the government as a targeted, generous and
easy to access entitlement program that helps businesses offset some of the costs of doing R&D. The
program is designed to help businesses undertake R&D and to innovate, all of which will assist bringing
new products, processes and manufacturing advances into the Australian market place. Alan’s
presentation will demystify the complexities of the R&D Tax Incentive program and explain how it
applies to firms that make things.
Mr Pierre Gouhier – Manager Engineering, Composites Engineer - RPC Technologies
Introduction to FEA and its use in composites design
Nowadays Finite Elements Analysis (FEA) is a more commonly used engineering tool that is critical to
the reliable design and engineering of composites structure. This presentation provides a practical
introduction to FEA by explaining the general processes and vocabulary used, as well as referring to
some specifics of composites design. Pierre Gouhier will also describe how FEA can support the effective
engineering of composites structures as they relate to final manufactured goods.
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Mr Bruce Grey - Managing Director - Advanced Manufacturing CRC
Shaping the future of FRP with additive manufacturing
Additive manufacturing (or 3D printing) is a process of making three dimensional solid objects from a
virtual design or digital model using additive processes of successively layering material to form a
dimensional shape. This technology is progressively challenging traditional machining techniques that
rely on the removal of material by methods such as cutting and drilling. Mr Grey will outline the additive
manufacturing technologies that will change the future of product design and development and
accelerate the accuracy and process by which moulds are made for fibre-reinforced polymers.
Dr Rik Heslehurst: Senior Lecturer/SQNLDR (RAAF Reserve), School of Engineering & Information
Technology University College, UNSW
The art and science of bonding composite materials
When joining composite structures there is the general option to ‘bolt’ or ‘bond’. Factors which drive
this decision are structural thickness, materials being used (glass, aramid, carbon, etc.), fibre orientation
and stiffness, environmental factors, loads and more. Bonding involves the complex science of adhesive
joint design. Dr Heslehurst will delve into the detailed and evolving design issues that ultimately
determine successful joint design and fabrication. Of central importance, ply layup configuration, peel
and taper arrangement.
Dr Rik Heslehurst: Senior Lecturer/SQNLDR (RAAF Reserve), School of Engineering & Information
Technology University College, UNSW
The effect of resin flow additives on the mechanical properties of vacuum infused composites
For both end-user and fabrication requirements additives are often added to resin systems. In processes
such as ‘Vacuum Infusion’ solvent is added to improve resin infusion rates. Also, fire and smoke
inhibiting agents may be added to resin to meet specific certification authority regulations. In this
investigation both an additive and solvent were separately added to a resin mix for infusion into a glass
fibre composite, via vacuum assistance. Rikard Heslehurst will present the findings.
Keynote speaker from Japan:
Professor Takashi Ishikawa – Director - Composite Engineering Research Center (CERC), Nagoya
University
JAXA, CERC, and aviation: Moving beyond metals
Dr Takashi Ishikawa of the Composite Engineering Research Center (CERC) based in Nagoya University,
Japan directs a team which investigates advanced composites and their capabilities. Recent
developments for Boeing have included the application of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) in
aircraft. Exceptionally strong and lightweight, additional benefits are derived creating a cabin of largely
non-corrosive material, where humidity levels may be elevated for passengers. Dr Takashi will present
on the outcomes of recent CERC research for Japanese and international aviation, and particular
methods used in the development of these breakthrough CFRP’s.
Dr Martin Jones - Intellectual Property and Quality Manager, Advanced Composite Structures
Australia Pty Ltd
Using incentive schemes to fund your company’s initiatives - A guide for 2013
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State government vouchers, enterprise connect incentives and the core federal R&D Tax Credit are
among the wide range of incentives that can be leveraged by composites companies to make a
significant improvement to their bottom line. Incentives can help a company achieve key objectives,
while reducing or even eliminating the investment made. Unfortunately, each incentive has different
eligibility and entitlement rules. Mr Jones will suggest ‘adopting’ an incentive to do what the
organisation had planned to do anyway - modifying the business plan just enough to meet the criteria.
Dr A. A. Khatibi, S. Agius, C. Wang and M. Dingle (Peer Reviewed)
Damage detection techniques for geometrically complex composite structures
Traditional non-destructive evaluation (NDE) methods used to characterise materials and inspect
products are visual, operator-dependent, and subjective - often slow and imprecise. New methods use
automated, digital techniques such as digital radiography and computed tomography, which can be
manipulated for computational analysis. Dr Khatibi presents an experimental study on NDE methods for
complex shaped composite structures - such as vehicle composite wheels - using a novel Laser Scanning
Vibrometery (LSV) technique, for high-speed identification of manufacturing defects and service
damage. This paper investigates the capability and sensitivity of LSV.
Ms Susan Lake and Tim Smyth - Core Builders Composites
Use of CNC in the manufacture of composite parts and tooling
Core Builders Composites have been highly successful in their approach to integrated Computer
Numerically Controlled (CNC) technology, used to manufacture tooling for composite parts used in
boatbuilding. In 2012 Core successfully built 10 identical 45’ wing-sailed catamarans in a single year and
is currently building the AC72 catamarans that will defend the America’s Cup in 2013. Susan Lake will
present the integrated use of CNC technology. Also, the key features of tooling used for ambient out-ofautoclave and autoclave composite curing. The primary goal has been to maximise the efficiencies
possible for the manufacture of composite parts.
Chengjun Liu, Y.X. Zhang, Qinghua Qin and Rikard Heslehurst (Peer Reviewed)
Numerical modelling of glass fibre metal laminates subjected to high velocity impact
As a type of fibre metal laminate, ‘glass fibre metal’ laminates (GLAREs) exhibit superior properties to
conventional lamina, and to monolithic aluminium alloys. - GLARE is extensively used in the aviation
industry due to its light-weight and impact resistant qualities. Chengjun Liu presents the finite element
model (FEM), or numerical model, developed to predict dynamic behaviour of a GLARE beam under high
velocity impact (HVI). (Validated against a FEM created for basic ‘glass fibre composite’ lamina only).
The FEM for GLARE can computationally predict HVI results well, and may be suitable for investigating
impact on different composite laminates, as well as different GLAREs.
Mr Phil Maxwell - Group Tech. Manager - Composite Materials Engineering (CME)
Composites in the solar industry
The explosion of alternative energy generation in Australian homes has been satisfied by fixed
photovoltaic and heat absorbing panels. CME has been working with an Australian company to develop
an electricity / hot water cogeneration system that combines these functions in one package. The core
of this technology is solar cells bonded to a heat exchanger that generates electricity, while the waste
heat is used to produce hot water. Phil Maxwell will outline this system, also able to track the sun, and
the potential for successful manufacture in Australia.
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Dr Menghe (Malcolm) Miao – Prinicpal Scientist – CSIRO Materials Science and Engineering
Improving carbon nanotube alignment in nanocomposites
There are significant challenges in scaling up carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into larger structures
(macroscopic structures) that express the same, or similar, qualities of bonding strength suitable for
fibres/textiles. Proven techniques are by twisting or using solvent to give ‘aligned’ CNTs density and
strength. The first step, traditionally, has been to mobilise or break apart the tiny CNTs so they can then
be appropriately aligned. Dr Menghe will present a different method, which uses a lubricant to more
gently loosen the CNTs, followed by a drawing out operation which slides them into superior
longitudinal alignment, to enhance strength.
Mr. Frank Mizzi - Technical Manager - Nuplex Composites
Use of fibre reinforced polymer linings for controlling corrosion in mineral and chemical processing
industries
Fibre reinforced (FRP) epoxy vinyl ester resin demonstrates excellent chemical resistance. When applied
as a protective lining for highly corrosive materials of construction, such as steel and concrete
(commonly found in tanks, process vessels and piping) this material requires minimal maintenance over
the life of the equipment. As an alternative to rubber lining fibre reinforced epoxy vinyl ester resin is
also simple to apply. Frank Mizzi will explain how selecting the appropriate resin is fundamental to liner
performance, and how outstanding abrasion resistance can be achieved through various additives
during the formulation stage.
Mr. Richard Paynting, Director and Ms Leah Paff, Innovation and Industry Engagement Manager
Advanced Manufacturing CRC
Pre empting the market
INNOVATIVITY® is a real-world innovation management training program developed by the Advanced
Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (AMCRC) to provide Australian organisations with the skills
and tools to grow profit and reach global markets through innovation.
AMCRC has extensive experience in backing high tech, IP based projects providing you with real insight
into what Australian companies really need to commercialise technology. AMCRC doesn't just teach
innovation, it backs its own projects. Funding and commercialising Australian IP is their core business real Innovators telling real stories about real experiences around products and services in the real
world. This two hour workshop will give you insight into one of the learning areas of the 3 day program
– “Pre-empting the Market” which provides your business the tools to develop and apply a formal
process to planning the next generation of novel products and processes.
Ms Tanya Redfern - DIAB Group
Creating new opportunities through composites engineering
Many new markets are opening up to the use of composites. However, it can be daunting to approach
an opportunity when composites are unfamiliar to stakeholders. Different terminology, unknown
Standards, cost structures and networks create unfamiliar territory for the composites fabricator. Tanya
Redfern will describe the active role DIAB has played in approaching new potential market segments.
The DIAB vision is to provide increased opportunities for composite fabricators by actively familiarising
potential new end-users with the versatility and durability of composite materials. This presentation
provides an overview of avenues to entry, feedback and learnings, gleaned from DIAB’s global
experience.
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Sindu Satasivam, Yu Bai, Xiao-Ling Zhao, Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University, (Peer
Reviewed)
GFRP, composite action, sandwich structure
Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites are increasingly being used in structural engineering due to
their high strength, low weight and resistance to corrosion. This paper describes an innovative modular
assembly system of FRP sandwich structures used for beams and slabs in building construction. Sindu
Satasivam presents the findings, and explains the potential prefabrication and rapid onsite installation,
now possible.
Mr Tony Stanton – Asia Pacific Engineering Manager – Gurit
The use of composites in fire resistant-critical applications
Despite the stringent fire requirements that apply to architecture, infrastructure, public transport and
more, the relevant regulations have, generally, not been designed with composite materials in mind.
Gurit has been involved in many projects where fire resistance has been a key objective, and has carried
out a number of in-house and project-specific research initiatives to examine optimal approaches for
tackling these challenges. Mr Stanton will provide an overview of the issues, plus a number of case
studies from different market sectors which highlight particular areas to be addressed for fire safety and
compliance.
Tan Minh Le and K.L. Pickering (Peer Reviewed)
The mechanical properties of epoxy based hybrid biocomposites reinforced with harakeke and
hemp fibres
Harakeke is the Maori name for the New Zealand native plant commonly known as New Zealand flax.
Long fibre extracted from harakeke leaves has an extensive history, used in the production of clothes,
sacking and rope. Now harakeke is being investigated for use in composites. For this research Tan Minh
Le explains how the harakeke fibre was hybridised with hemp fibre in epoxy resin. Hybrid composites
with different layering patterns were prepared using hand lay-up, followed by compression moulding, to
evaluate the full range of strength and flexibility.
Keynote speaker from the U.S.:
Mr John Vickers – Assist. Manager - Materials and Processes Laboratory, NASA
Insights into Composite Manufacturing
Cutting-edge ‘óut-of-autoclave’ technology, developed for composite curing during manufacture, has
been utilised by NASA as they seek new methods to reduce the weight and cost of launch vehicles used
in space exploration. Through the ‘Composite Cryotank’ project John Vickers engineered a cryotank
spanning almost 10 metres in diameter for storing super-cold fuels. Mr Vickers will explain parallel
developments in both cryotank and out-of-autoclave technologies, further opening up the US aerospace
industry, along with new areas of renewable energy manufacture, to small business.
Wendland, B and Gries, T ((Peer Reviewed) travelling from Germany)
3D weaving for large scale composite production on conventional narrow looms
3D woven fabrics are about to shift from niche markets to large scale applications. For example, Airbus
will be using 3D woven carbon turbine blades in new LEAP engines for the A320neo. Due to the complex
‘weave architecture’ these fabrics require careful testing. Benedikt Wendland will present the
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dependencies evident between weaving parameters and impact properties, along with a cost
calculation tool which is programmed to compare conventional prepreg to 3D woven and RTMimpregnated parts.
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