An Introduction to Composites – Materials, Applications and Challenges

JOIN OUR POLYMERS AND COMPOSITES (TG7) WEBINAR

Polymers and composites are challenging the dominance traditional materials in a wide range of applications, mainly due to their potential advantages of low weight, good chemical resistance, and improved design flexibility.

However, in many areas of industry there is a lack of knowledge regarding how these relative newcomers differ from traditional materials and how these differences influence the selection of polymers and composites for any application, and the design of joints between themselves and to other materials.

Who should attend?

If you are involved in the aerospace, automotive, energy, oil and gas or sports and leisure industries and want to learn about composites or if you are familiar with the materials and interested in future opportunities, then this webinar is of interest.

You will learn about these relatively new and unusual materials, see the challenges they provide and find out where they are used in industry.

Experts will be presenting on:

Event Programme

FEES

Please note that payment must be made before the event in order to receive the joining instructions for the event.

CAN'T MAKE IT ON THE DAY?

If you can't join us on the day, you can still access the recording of the webinar and the presentations by registering ahead of the event.*

*presentation dissemination is dependent on presenter consent.

ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP (AWeldI) OF THE WELDING INSTITUTE

Registering on this Technical Group webinar as a non-member or a TWI Training Customer gives you full Associate Membership (AWeldI) for one year. To activate your membership, just complete the highlighted fields on the event registration form.

You will also benefit from:

• Discounted registration fees for Technical Group events (£25 + VAT)
• Free attendance at Branch events
• Access to our knowledge database including our library and information services 

• Information transfer from experts
• Discussion, questions and answers on the specific topics
• A broader understanding of the extent of standards in the industry
• Attendance of this event qualifies for CPD 

The Welding Institute awards points towards CPD for delegates attending this webinar. Every hour attendance of an event will earn 2 points towards your continuing professional development.

Please contact bethaney.butcher@twi.co.uk if you require a certificate of attendance towards your continuing professional development.

MEET OUR EXPERT SPEAKERS

Dr Chris Worrall

Presentation title: What are composites and why should we care?

Chris is responsible for helping solve some of the problems TWI’s Industrial Members face with exploiting the benefits of composite materials. Starting out with a degree in Metallurgy and Materials science, he quickly became fascinated by composites and the opportunities they provided. He has spent 10 years in Japan working in the automotive, aerospace, renewable energy and rail transport industries, and lecturing at a University. Before leaving the UK, Chris worked in a research laboratory on the processing of novel thermoplastic composite materials, manufacturing failure analysis, and developing novel testing and analysis methods for composite materials. 

Dr Geraint Havard

Presentation title: A brief history of composites

Geraint has run R-TECH's Composites Testing laboratory for 9 years and is recognised as the UK expert in composites testing, running training courses on behalf of Zwick Roell and sitting on both the BSI and ASTM standards committees for composites testing. Geraint also hosts the materials evolution podcast, where he regularly discusses advances in the sector with experts in the field.

Dr David Williams

Presentation title: Applications and challenges of composites in the wind energy sector

David is the functional lead for adhesives and resins in the blades module at Vestas. David is part of a team that works with suppliers to secure materials for the production of our blades worldwide and ensure quality from initial deployment in our factories through to problem solving any issues during serial production.

In addition to this David also manages short term planning for new projects, materials selection and material specifications to address any new area that is identified in the business.

Dr Nick Brown

Presentation title: Applications and challenges of composites in Formula 1

Nick has worked as a designer within the Bodywork and Crash Structures team at McLaren Racing for over 6 years designing parts for the Formula 1 race car. For the last 4 years he has also held the role of Deputy Team Leader of this design group covering the front wing, nosebox, floor, bodywork and rear wing.

Prior to working at McLaren, Nick completed his Engineering Doctorate with the University of Surrey and TWI Ltd on the subject of machining and fastening of composites for aerospace. Nick also has a Masters degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Loughborough University.