Overview of the New Zealand Defence Technology Agency
Structural Composites Research Programme
Ian Gatehouse
The Defence Technology Agency (DTA) provides specialist science and technology support,
advice and solutions to the New Zealand Defence Force’s (NZDF) current and future
capabilities. The organisation originated in the 1950’s as the Underwater Research
Laboratory of the Department of Science & Industrial Research and after a number of
organisational changes has evolved today as the prime source of defence science support to
the NZDF. Close links to the Navy remain; DTA is located in the Devonport Naval Base,
Auckland, although today technical support is provided for all three services of the NZDF
through four research groups: Sensor Systems, Network Systems, Applied Vehicle Systems
and Human Systems.
The DTA undertakes three generic project types to support existing capabilities, enhance or
upgrade existing capabilities and core projects developing long-term technology capabilities.
The DTA Structural Composites programme is developing expertise in the engineering of
advanced fibre reinforced polymer composite structures primarily to support NZDF
aerostructures. There are a number of current and planned development activities in
mechanical testing, characterisation of through thickness reinforced composites, adhesively
bonded joints and repair technology, NDI & fractography of composite structures.
This seminar will provide a brief overview of the DTA structural composites research
programme and the initial results characterising fracture toughness, tensile and permeability
properties of 3D woven reinforced polymer composites.
Ian Gatehouse received a B.Eng in Composites Engineering from the University of Plymouth,
UK in 1992 sponsored by Westland Helicopters with a background in composite rotorcraft
structures development and the British Experimental Rotor Programme (BERP). After
further aerostructures experience with British Aerospace Military Aircraft and developing
structural composite reinforcement options for Royal Navy surface ships & offshore
structures with Devonport Management Ltd in the UK, a sabbatical period to New Zealand
has developed into permanent residency.
Following aerostructures analysis, design and project management experience at Air New
Zealand and Boeing Australia Ian’s current position is Platform Structures Research Leader
at the New Zealand Defence Force’s (NZDF) Defence Technology Agency. He is currently
co-ordinating the structural composites R&D programme for the NZDF and recently
completed a Masters Degree at the University of Auckland studying the characteristics of 3D
woven composite structures.