Tuesday, Mar 04, 2025 • Brian Lopez : contact

University of Texas at Arlington mechanical and aerospace engineering Professor Endel Iarve has received a contract from the Air Force Research Laboratory to conduct virtual testing of composite materials used in aerospace systems.

His research uses computer models to predict how these materials will perform under real-world conditions, improving aircraft durability and safety.

Dr. Iarve, who directs the Institute for Predictive Performance Methodologies at The University of Texas at Arlington Research Institute in Fort Worth, is collaborating with researchers from the Michigan Institute of Technology, University of Utah, Columbia University and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.

The team will develop and test computer-based modeling technologies that simulate how materials will perform in specific real-world situations. These models will allow researchers to test materials virtually, reducing the need for costly and time-consuming physical experiments. The research could enhance the development of advanced composites, including those made from polymers, ceramics and carbon-based materials.

“We will focus on a wide range of composite materials, primarily high-temperature materials,” Iarve said. “Our work will involve building a computational platform. While there is no single application for the results, it will serve as a framework for future Air Force applications and could also be used for manufacturing process modeling tasks.”

Iarve’s research focuses on developing methods to model damage in composite materials and structures under a variety of conditions. This work will be enhanced by project partners, covering everything from the molecular level to full-scale structure simulations. The research integrates computational materials science and engineering, combining both the manufacturing and performance aspects of advanced composite materials.

The Institute for Predictive Performance Methodologies is a unique resource dedicated to predicting the performance of advanced composites and materials. It develops specialized methods for analyzing, characterizing and assessing materials, allowing for predictions of future performance based on current conditions and the material’s history.

— Written By Jeremy Agor, College of Engineering