http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/25440 Brunel Composites Centre (BCC) sits between the knowledge base and industry, supporting partners in industry by transfering academic research in novel composites processing and joining technologies into industrial application. 2026-04-10T17:31:54Z http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/33127 Title: Graphene nanoparticles as data generating digital materials in industry 4.0 Authors: Ali, MA; Irfan, MS; Khan, T; Khalid, MY; Umer, R Abstract: One of the potential applications of 2D materials is to enhance multi-functionality of structures and components used in aerospace, automotive, civil and defense industries. These multi-functional attributes include sensing, energy storage, EMI shielding and property enhancement. In this article, we have explored the potential of using graphene and its variants as data generating sensory elements in Industry 4.0. We have presented a complete roadmap to cover three emerging technologies i.e. advance materials, artificial intelligence and block-chain technology. The utility of 2D materials such as graphene nanoparticles is yet to be explored as an interface for digitalization of a modern smart factory i.e. “factory-of-the-future”. In this article, we have explored how 2D material enhanced composites can act as an interface between physical and cyber spaces. An overview of employing graphene-based smart embedded sensors at various stages of composites manufacturing processes and their application in real-time structural health monitoring is presented. The technical challenges associated with interfacing graphene-based sensing networks with digital space are discussed. Additionally, an overview of the integration of associated tools such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and block-chain technology with graphene-based devices and structures is also presented. Description: Data availability: All data generated or analyzed during this study are included in this published article. 2023-03-27T00:00:00Z http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/33126 Title: Unlocking circular economy value through trusted and decentralised data sharing Authors: Bahrami, F; Maurer, F Abstract: Discover how the JIDEP project evidences unlocking circular economy value through trusted and decentralised industrial data sharing. Europe’s transition to a greener and more digital economy depends on smarter, more efficient use of industrial data. The JIDEP project, completed in May 2025, showed how secure, decentralised data sharing can drive circular innovation across sectors like wind energy, automotive, and electronics. With the Joint Industrial Data Exchange Pipeline (JIDEP) project now concluded, it leaves behind a powerful vision: enabling circular industry by making high-value material and product data accessible, secure, and shareable across sectors. Funded by Horizon Europe, the three-year initiative brought together 13 partners across seven countries to build and demonstrate a platform where manufacturers, recyclers, and technology providers could collaborate through trusted, decentralised data exchange. 2025-07-24T00:00:00Z http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/33084 Title: Analysing Residual Stresses in Wind Turbine Blade Repair: A Hole Drill Method and Digital Image Correlation Approach Authors: Varshney, A; Paul, D; Mahajan, P; Mishnaevsky, L Editors: Alam, N; Khan, AH; Talha, M Abstract: The primary reason for residual stresses in the wind turbine blade during the repair process is mismatch between the chemical shrinkage and thermal expansion coefficients of the base composite (blade) and the patch. These residual stresses have the potential to compromise structural integrity and require thorough investigation and quantification. Among the techniques used for measuring residual stresses, the hole drill technique is used. Digital image correlation (DIC) is employed to measure the strains around the hole both before and after drilling. Calibration coefficients which relate the relaxed strains and residual stresses are derived by finite element method. Subsequently, residual stresses are measured at various points on the patch and base composite near the patch/base composite interface and are compared with those predicted by the computational model from prior studies. Description: Included in the following conference series: International Conference on Mechanical Engineering – Ideas, Innovations & Initiatives 2025-08-02T00:00:00Z http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/33083 Title: Ultraviolet (UV) curable resin-based repair of wind turbine blades: Perspectives and computational analysis Authors: Varshney, A; Paul, D; Mahajan, P; Mishnaevsky, L Abstract: The repair of wind turbine blades is essential for extending their operational lifespan by restoring their structural integrity after property degradation due to damage. Application of ultraviolet (UV)-curable prepregs in the repair process reduces curing time from hours to minutes compared to traditional thermal curing, presenting significant potential for drastic reduction in repair costs. However, thermal and chemical strain differences and the presence of voids can lead to cure-induced residual stresses in repaired section of the blades. A numerical framework is used in this paper to evaluate these residual stresses in wind turbine blade sections repaired using UV-curable prepregs. To repair thick laminates, multi-stage repair is investigated, which shows a 13 % reduction in residual stresses compared to single-stage repair. The post-repair behaviour of the repaired section is studied by performing experimental and numerical analysis on tensile samples obtained from the repaired composites. Debonding between the repair patch and the substrate composite starts at approximately 60 % of the failure load. The developed model can assist in designing advanced repair protocols that minimize residual stresses and enhance the long-term performance of composite wind turbine blades by optimizing the cure parameters in UV-based repair methods. Description: Data availability: Data will be made available on request. 2025-09-08T00:00:00Z