A low-cost automated fastener painting method based on machine vision (2018)
Conference Proceeding
Zhao, R., Drouot, A., Griffin, J., Crossley, R., & Ratchev, S. (2019). A low-cost automated fastener painting method based on machine vision. In S. Ratchev (Ed.), Precision Assembly in the Digital Age: 8th IFIP WG 5.5 International Precision Assembly Seminar, IPAS 2018, Chamonix, France, January 14—16, 2018, Revised Selected Papers, 92-100. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-05931-6_9

Fastener painting of aerospace structures, in particular legacy products , relies heavily on the skill or rather craftsmanship of the human operator. This process is time-consuming while automated operations with industrial robots can be a more effic... Read More

Aerospace assembly gap measurement using low cost smart tools with machine vision (2018)
Conference Proceeding
Crossley, R., & Ratchev, S. (2019). Aerospace assembly gap measurement using low cost smart tools with machine vision. In S. Ratchev (Ed.), Precision Assembly in the Digital Age: 8th IFIP WG 5.5 International Precision Assembly Seminar, IPAS 2018, Chamonix, France, January 14—16, 2018, Revised Selected Papers, 158-168. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-05931-6_15

This paper details the conversion of mature machine vision technology from a fixed position automation line based device to a handheld technology and addresses the problems associated with maintaining a consistent camera distance and light source by... Read More

Design and characterization of a diamond-shaped monopole antenna (2017)
Journal Article
Maricar, M. I., Bahar, A., Greedy, S., Smartt, C., Phang, S., Gradoni, G., …Thomas, D. W. (2017). Design and characterization of a diamond-shaped monopole antenna. Microwave and Optical Technology Letters, 59(10), doi:10.1002/mop.30790. ISSN 0895-2477

We report a new planar antenna design in the shape of a diamond. The performance of the antenna design is initially obtained through simulation, then fabricated, and its performance evaluated through experiment. Experimental characterization of the d... Read More

Development of in-situ monitoring systems for the thermoforming of pre-preg composite laminates (2016)
Conference Proceeding
Land, P., Branson, D. T., Crossley, R. J., & Ratchev, S. (2016). Development of in-situ monitoring systems for the thermoforming of pre-preg composite laminates

Recent developments in automated composite manufacturing technologies, such as Automated Fibre Placement, AFP, and Automated Tape Layup, ATL, have enabled larger components to be produced efficiently, leading to an increased use of prepreg composites... Read More

Technology review of thermal forming techniques for use in composite component manufacture (2015)
Journal Article
Land, P., Crossley, R., Branson, D. T., & Ratchev, S. (2016). Technology review of thermal forming techniques for use in composite component manufacture. SAE International Journal of Aerospace, 9(1), doi:10.4271/2015-01-2610. ISSN 1946-3901

There is a growing demand for composites to be utilised in the production of large-scale components within the aerospace industry. In particular the demand to increase production rates indicates that traditional manual methods are no longer sufficien... Read More

Time–temperature equivalence in the tack and dynamic stiffness of polymer prepreg and its application to automated composites manufacturing (2013)
Journal Article
Crossley, R. J., Schubel, P. J., & De Focatiis, D. S. (2013). Time–temperature equivalence in the tack and dynamic stiffness of polymer prepreg and its application to automated composites manufacturing. Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 52, doi:10.1016/j.compositesa.2013.05.002. ISSN 1359-835X

A recently developed peel test designed to simulate the automated tape lay-up (ATL) process was used to measure tack and dynamic stiffness of newly developed ATL prepregs. Resin was extracted from the prepreg process before impregnation of the fibres... Read More