The University of British Columbia

• Refereed Journal
• Conference

Research Interests

• Polymer matrix composites
  
• Biomaterials
• Adhesive bonding

More robust and efficient processing techniques need to be developed for polymer matrix composites to compete with traditional light-weight structural materials such as aluminum and titanium in terms of life-cycle cost. During processing there are large changes in the properties and the volume of polymeric resins. This combined with a large mismatch in thermo-elastic properties between resin and fibres results in large residual stresses, which affects the strength and the dimensional fidelity of the component.

Research is underway to experimentally identify and characterize sources and mechanisms of residual stress build-up in composite materials. Developed physical models are then implemented in a process-simulation software to create a virtual manufacturing environment where processes can be developed and optimized.

Primary Collaborators: Anoush Poursartip (UBC), Reza Vaziri (UBC), The Boeing Company, Institute for Aerospace Research (NRC)

Failure of Total Hip Replacements (THRs) is often associated with osteolysis, which is characterized by destruction of bone. Revision of the failed THR with associated extensive bone loss is a challenge for the orthopaedic surgeon, as bone deficiency makes the fixation of the revision components difficult. The long-term objectives in this research project are to assess and improve current surgical techniques and to develop and evaluate novel methods for restoring bone loss. These new methods include biomaterials such as synthetic bone substitutes to better control the biology, mechanics, and restoration of bone stock. Materials under consideration are osteoconductive scaffolds with or without molecular supplements to stimulate surrounding osteoinduction.

Primary Collaborators: Thomas Oxland (UBC/VGH), Clive Duncan (UBC/VGH), Bassam Masri (UBC/VGH)

Adhesive bonding has many advantages over traditional fastening and joining techniques and has outstanding strength and stiffness characteristics if joints are properly designed and prepared. However, there is currently not a general agreement in the community of the criteria for joint failure and how joints should be dimensioned and prepared to meet a specific design life. Research is done to develop "compliant bondlines", which evenly carries the load to avoid the high stress concentrations typically found in adhesive joints. Other emerging areas of research are optimal patch repair of damaged aircraft structures and tissue adhesives for wound closure.

Primary Collaborators: Institute for Aerospace Research (NRC).

Selected Publications

Refereed Journal

1. Bebamzadeh, T. Haukaas, R. Vaziri, A. Poursartip, G. Fernlund. Response Sensitivity and Parameter
   Importance in Composites Manufacturing. J. Comp. Materials 2009; 43 621-659.
2. Albert C, Masri B, Duncan C, Oxland T, Fernlund G. Impaction allografting – The effect of impaction force
   and alternative compaction methods on the mechanical properties of the graft bed. Journal of Biomedical
   Materials Research: Part B – Applied Biomaterials, (2008) Nov; 87(2): 395-405.
3. T. Curiel, G. Fernlund. Deformation and Stress Build-up in Bi-Material Beam Specimens with a Curing FM 300 Adhesive Interlayer. Composites Part A, 39, 2, (2008) 252-261.
4. Albert C, Patil S, Frei H, Masri B, Duncan C, Oxland T, Fernlund G. Cement penetration and primary stability of the femoral prosthesis after impaction allografting: A biomechanical study in the cadaver femur. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery British Edition, 89-B, 7, (2007) 962-970.
5. C. Yip, G. Fernlund, K. Pinder, D. Walker. Role of dermal fibroblasts on rat skin tissue biomechanics. Bio-Medical materials in Engineering, 17, 2 (2007) 109-117.
6. G. Fernlund. Stress analysis of bonded lap joints using fracture mechanics and energy balance. Int. J. Adhesion and Adhesives 27 (2007) 584-592.
7. M. Robinson, G. Fernlund, R.M. D. Meek, B. A. Masric, C. P. Duncan and T. R. Oxland. Structural Characteristics of Impaction Allografting for Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty. J. Clinical Biomechanics, 20 (2005), 853-855.
8. C. Wonderly, J. Grenestedt, G. Fernlund and E. Cěpus, Comparison of mechanical properties of glass fiber/vinyl ester and carbon fiber/vinyl ester composites. Composites B, 36, 5, (2005) 417-426.
9. G. Fernlund. Spring-in of angled sandwich panels. Composites Science & Technology 65 (2005) 317-323.
10. G. Twigg, A. Poursartip and G. Fernlund. Tool-Part Interaction in Composites Processing.  Part I:  Experimental Investigation and analytical model. Composites A, 35, 1, (2004) 121-133.
11. G. Twigg, A. Poursartip and G. Fernlund. Tool-part interaction in composites processing.  Part II:  numerical modelling. Composites A, 35, 1 (2004) 135-141.

Conference

1. G. Fernlund, A.A. Arafath, A. Poursartip. Gas transport in prepregs: model and permeability experiments.
   To be presented at ICCM-17, Edinburgh, Scotland, July 27-31 (2009).
2. G. Fernlund. Reduction of risk and uncertainty in composites processing using process modelling and Bayesian statistic. 13th European conference on composite materials, Stockholm, June 2-5 (2008).
3. G. Fernlund, A. Floyd, G. Manchur, M. Shewfeldt, M. Hudek. Process analysis and tool compensation for the Boeing 787 main landing gear door. American Society for Composites 22nd Annual Technical Conference, Seattle, WA, September 17-20 (2007)
4. G. Fernlund, A. Floyd, S. McKay. Process analysis and tool compensation for The Boeing 787 composite shear ties. 6th Canadian International Conference on Composite Materials, Winnipeg, August 14-17 (2007).
5. C. Albert, S. Patil, H P. Frei, B. Masri, C. Duncan, T R. Oxland, G. Fernlund. Impaction Allografting - The importance of the cement-bone interface on implant primary stability. Engineers & Surgeons: Joined at the Hip, Institution of Mechanical Engineers, London, April 19-21, 2007.
6. C. Albert, S. Patil, H P. Frei, B. Masri, C. Duncan, T R. Oxland, G. Fernlund. Impaction Allografting - The effect of impaction force and alternative compaction methods on the mechanical properties of the graft bed. Engineers & Surgeons: Joined at the Hip, Institution of Mechanical Engineers, London, April 19-21, 2007.
7. Albert C, Masri B, Duncan C, Oxland TR, Fernlund G. Impaction allografting – The effect of impaction force and alternative compaction techniques on the graft bed mechanical properties. 53rd Annual Meeting of the Orthopaedic Research Society, San Diego, February 11-14, 2007.
8. Albert C, Patil S, Frei H, Masri B, Duncan C, Oxland TR, Fernlund G. Impaction allografting – The importance of the cement-bone interface on implant primary stability. 53rd Annual Meeting of the Orthopaedic Research Society, San Diego, February 11-14, 2007.
9. C. Albert, G. Fernlund. T. Oxland. Cement penetration and primary stability of the femoral prosthesis after impaction allografting. UBC Orthopaedic Research Day, Vancouver, Nov 24, 2006.
10. C. Albert, S. Patil, H P. Frei, B. Masri, C. Duncan, T R. Oxland, G. Fernlund. Effect of Cement Pressurization on Stem in-vitro Stability with Impaction Allografting. 5th World Congress of Biomechanics, Munich, Germany, July 29 – August 4, 2006.
11. C. Albert, Y. B. Park, H.P. Frei, G. Fernlund, Y. S. Yoon, T. R. Oxland. Effect of Abductor and Posterior Hip Contact Load on In-vitro Cementless Stem Motion. 40th Canadian Orthopaedic Research Society Meeting, Toronto, June 2-4,  2006.