In recent years, a number of large-scale structures using polymer-based composite materials such as civil aircraft and space structures have developed due to the excellent mechanical properties, but their operating environments are going to expect to become so hostile. Because of these situations, from the viewpoint of safety and security in their operation, the importance of research on the long-term durability of PMC has been pointed out.

In our laboratory, as the basic research on deformation and strength of polymer matrix composites (PMC), we investigate PMC’s mechanical characteristics related to fatigue, creep strength and impact strength, through some experimental works.

In addition, we consider the experimental results as the interfacial mechanical problems, propose a damage and/or fracture model at the same time, and verify it by numerical simulation.

The goal is to propose new design criteria for composites and to make new concept of these composites while conducting the following research themes.

1. Stress corrosion cracking mechanism and lower limit characteristics of PMC.
2. Gigacycle fatigue properties of CFRP laminates
3. Fracture mechanics evaluation of interface
4. Study on impact characteristics of heterogeneous materials
5. Fabrication of untwisted carbon nanotube yarn