Overview

Tidal Blades are subjected to varying loads depending on ocean currents, tides, and weather conditions. As such, they can be prone to fatigue failure due to accumulated damage from repeated loading. However, an inspection of blades is relatively difficult and expensive in subsea conditions. Therefore, the PhD project aims the development of self-monitoring composite materials for undersea application focused in Tidal Blades, combining the self-sensing capacity to mechanical performance.

Background

Rodrigo is a Master of Science in Materials Engineer who graduated in the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP-Brazil) with experience in manufacturing of reinforced polymer composites. It worked 4 years in the development and improvement of filament winding, thermoforming and VARTM composites manufacturing during the undergrad and masters. Worked in projects in association to Center for Composite Materials at the University of Delaware-USA, and ALLTEC-Brazil. After this period, was hired by BASF where he worked in controlling and marketing intelligence for engineering plastics and polyurethane. Now, is part of Bernal Institute sponsored by MaREI as a PhD student under Dr. Paul Weaver supervision.