About Me
Erik Krämer is a PhD student at ThermoPlastic composites Research Center (TPRC) & in the group of Production Technology (PT) at University of Twente, Netherlands. He studied at the University of Twente where he obtained his BSc and MSc degree in mechanical engineering. For his master thesis, on shape distortions in thermoplastic compositie processing, three awards have been issued for 'best master thesis', by SAMPE Benelux, SAMPE Europe and KIVI.
His research now focuses on the formation of defects in thermoplastic composite processing.
Expertise
Organisations
Research
Thermoplastic composite parts are increasingly used in the aerospace industry because of their superior stiffness to weight ratio and rapid manufacturability. However, there are still some challenges in manufacturing. Defects or nonconformities may be introduced to a composite part during its manufacturing stage, even when the part has been made following the design and manufacturing specifications. Components with such nonconformities are generally scrapped, as the influence on mechanical performance is unknown. More knowledge of the formation and effects of defects could reduce the scrap rate.
The scrap rate can be reduced by properly understanding the defect formation. This will help robust process optimization and allows for a reduction of the possibility for defects, and may even completely remove their occurrence. Fiber waviness is the primary defect in this rersearch. A modeling approach is used in combination with experimental validation.
Publications
UT Research Information System
Contact Details
Visiting Address
University of Twente
Faculty of Engineering Technology
Horst Complex
(building no. 20)
De Horst 2
7522LW Enschede
The Netherlands
Mailing Address
University of Twente
Faculty of Engineering Technology
Horst Complex
P.O. Box 217
7500 AE Enschede
The Netherlands