CIMNE: Advancing High-Performance Bio-Based Composites
Introduction to CIMNE
The International Centre for Numerical Methods in Engineering (CIMNE) is a globally recognized research institution based in Barcelona, Spain. Specializing in the development and application of numerical methods for engineering and applied sciences, CIMNE fosters innovation in computational modeling and simulation technologies.
Team Contribution
Prof. Lucia Barbu and Prof. Alejandro Cornejo are actively involved in the technical aspects of the BIOntier project, focusing on computational mechanics research and teaching. Their expertise supports the development of numerical methodologies tailored to bio-based composite materials.
Role in the Project
As part of the BIOntier consortium, CIMNE’s role is to provide advanced numerical solutions to model the mechanical behavior of bio-based composites. Our contribution revolves around integrating innovative computational approaches that enhance material characterization and performance prediction.
Materials of Interest
Our current research focuses on bio-based composite materials reinforced with natural fibers, biodegradable polymers, and hybrid eco-friendly laminates. These materials present unique mechanical challenges, such as complex failure modes and variability in mechanical properties due to their organic nature.
Application Areas
The developed numerical tools will be applied to assess material behavior in various sectors, including:
Automotive: Lightweight, impact-resistant composite panels and structural components.
Naval: Eco-friendly hull reinforcements and marine structures.
Aerospace: Sustainable composite solutions for lightweight aircraft components.
Defense: Advanced bio-composite armor and protective materials for military applications.
Future Activities in BIOntier
Technical Developments
Our future research efforts will focus on refining multi-scale modeling techniques, enhancing rule-of-mixtures approaches, and integrating machine learning (ML) algorithms to improve predictive accuracy. Specifically, we aim to:
Develop homogenization techniques for accurate macro-scale material representation.
Implement ML-driven surrogate models to reduce computational costs in high-fidelity simulations.
Advance adaptive mesh refinement strategies for progressive failure tracking.
Technical Challenges
A primary challenge is enabling efficient multi-scale analysis of bio-composites without relying on prohibitively expensive simulations. We are addressing this by leveraging ML-driven computational frameworks that optimize data usage and predictive capabilities.
Impact of BIOntier
For CIMNE
The project fosters collaboration with partners who provide essential experimental data, enabling CIMNE to refine and validate computational models. This synergy strengthens our research portfolio and broadens our expertise in sustainable composite technologies.
For Society and the EU
BIOntier contributes to technological advancements that promote the use and design of environmentally friendly composite materials. By enhancing structural resilience and sustainability, our research supports key European initiatives in green innovation and circular economy practices.