Vitrimers in Contested Environments (VICE)

The MAM team, in partnership with the University of South Carolina (USC), shall evaluate and recommend the optimal vitrimer configuration through a comprehensive experimental program and accompanying modeling effort to accurately determine the capabilities of vitrimer patches. The hands-on experience with vitrimer has equipped the MAM team with a deep understanding of how to leverage vitrimer's unique properties for effective repair applications, making it an excellent choice for addressing the challenges faced by damaged vehicles in combat zones. The team will perform a comprehensive market survey to identify available vitrimer resin systems. Leveraging our experience, MAM will evaluate various resin systems, selecting a material that meets performance requirements with minimal formulation changes and that is available in a timely manner for this six-month program with an additonal 6 month-option. The MAM and USC teams will leverage a finite element model to meticulously evaluate the formability limits and bonding characteristics of the vitrimer patches. This technique will enable us to replicate various repair scenarios easily. By conducting a thorough analysis of stress distribution, deformation patterns, and bonding efficiency through the finite element method, the team will identify the most effective application strategies and material configurations. This rigorous evaluation will not only reinforce the mechanical integrity of vitrimer repair solutions but will also optimize their performance in real-world situations, positioning the team to deliver a robust and dependable repair solution for the Navy in contested environments. The team shall execute a series of simulations focused on both the drape and bonding processes of the polymer materials. This phase shall involve conducting parametric studies to systematically vary key parameters and assess their impact on drapability and bond quality. The mechanical performance of the vitrimer resin patches shall undergo rigorous testing to determine their capability to restore or surpass the strength of the original composite material. A comprehensive series of standardized tests shall be performed, all adhering to ASTM standards, to meticulously evaluate key material properties. The MAM team's shall alos use a modular forming fixture to assess the stretch-drawn forming limits of the vitrimer-based laminates, as well as to determine the maximum forming depths and loads for different fixture configurations at varying temperatures. One of the principal advantages of vitrimer resins lies in their capacity to be reshaped and re-bonded through the application of heat, rendering them highly suitable for field repairs. However, the potential degradation of material properties due to repeated reforming cycles warrants careful consideration. This component of the task shall concentrate on evaluating the degradation of vitrimer resin patches following multiple reforming cycles.