Capabilities

The Composites Research Network works with small- and medium-sized companies (SMEs) to support the continued growth and maturation of the composites manufacturing capacity. This work takes the form of short term projects which address the business needs of the client organization while also connecting to the underlying fundamental science which supports composites manufacturing.

CRN is a collaboration of academia and industry partners supporting the composites industry in Western Canada and beyond. It was launched in January 2012 with a $9.8m investment from Western Economic Diversification Canada.

Vision: A vibrant leading-edge composites industry, supported by the CRN and partner organizations.

Mission: To create knowledge in practice documents that enable effective and low-risk knowledge-based composites manufacturing and design.

Location: The CRN has its hub at The University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver and other nodes located across Western Canada.

The Composites Research Network (CRN) at the University of British Columbia has the following capabilities in the area of composites manufacturing
and design:

• • Material characterization (thermo-chemical-mechanical)
  • Manufacturing process development (autoclave, OOA, LCM, Compression Moulding, Drape forming)
  • Manufacturing process simulation and optimization
  • Mechanical testing (static, dynamic: low-speed impact, high-speed impact)
  • NDI testing (Ultrasonic, infrared, DIC)
  • Damage characterization and simulation