The Fibers and Composites Manufacturing Facility (FCMF) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, focuses on comprehensive research and development to prototyping of advanced fiber reinforced plastics and composites. The core competency of the FCMF is in product and process development, characterization, modeling & simulation, nondestructive evaluation of advanced thermoset and thermoplastic composites.
About 20-30 undergraduate and 15+ graduate students work at the FCMF any given semester. Students from UT, collaborating schools and community colleges gain experience in composites technologies. The team collaborates with industry for work force development, training/education, problem-solving, testing, and product development.
East Tennessee Ecosystem in Advanced Materials & Manufacturing Connectivity
The East Tennessee Ecosystem in Advanced Materials & Manufacturing is one of its kind, uniquely connected across University of Tennessee, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, IACMI-The Composites Institute and a large network of industry partners.
News and Partners
ACE (America’s Cutting Edge) – Composites Machining and Machine Tools
The Department of Defense (DoD) Office of Industrial Policy (IndPol) is enabling work in machine tools technology development for America’s Cutting Edge (ACE). This DoD-led initiative, funded through the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) Program, aims to revitalize the U.S. machine tool sector through transformative thinking, technology, and training. ACE has partnered with the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI), and University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UT) to deliver machining workforce training.
Automated Tape Placement (ATP) capability added
IACMI-UT has enabled Automated Tape Placement (ATP) equipment in Knoxville, adding significant integrated manufacturing capabilities to the East Tennessee region. The ATP will be used in IACMI stakeholders and collaborator projects as well as broad workforce development efforts.
Thermoplastic Tapes Reinforced with Textile Grade Carbon Fiber
IACMI-UT has made significant advances with hot-melt impregnated wide tow (300-450k) textile grade low cost carbon fiber tapes. These have wide range of applications in automotive, wind and industrial sectors.
NSF IUCRC – Composites Hybrid Materials Interfacing (CHM) Center – UT, GaTech & Oakland Univ.
University of Tennessee, Georgia Tech and Oakland University have been selected for an NSF IUCRC (Industry University Cooperative Research Center) on Composite Hybrid Materials Interfacing, or dissimilar joining.
The Future of Energy Grid is Distributed
Harnessing energy from micro-grids is the future of energy grids. This work features composite hydrofoils assembled into modular units and placed in water canals to harness energy.
UT FCMF Covid19 Response
UT FCMF staff and students along with UT-wide collaborations have provided unprecedented innovations and rapid response for Covid19. Here is a summary of the representative activities.
UT FCMF researchers develop biodegradable filters with Merv 13 rating
UT researchers have developed fully biodegradable filters use able in hospitals, residences and industrial applications.
Endeavor Composites – A promising start up
We re proud to recognized Endeavor Composites an Innovation Crossroads winner and start-up in Knoxville, TN with technology roots at the FCMF.
Funding Opportunity For Veteran Graduate Student / Graduate Assistant At FCMF
The Fibers and Composites Manufacturing Facility (FCMF) has graduate assistantship opportunities for US Armed Forces Veteran student(s). This will be an excellent opportunity to advance your graduate, networking and community support skills.
Dakota Landrie, FCMF Veteran student
FCMF, IACMI and Team Integrating Composites into the Friendship Bell Park
The team of the Fibers and Composites Manufacturing Facility – FCMF at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville collaborated with many groups supporting the Oak Ridge community, including the City of Oak Ridge; Oak Ridge National Laboratory; and IACMI – The Composites Institute in creating the Friendship Bell Pavillion Carbon Fiber Beams.
Composites Part B: Engineering (JComp B) – Impact Factor 9.078
The field of composites has exploded in recent years, with innovative applications emerging every single day across various sectors. Advanced composites are steadily growing in aerospace, marine, automotive, defense, wind, sporting, biomedical, infrastructure and industrial applications. JComp B has continually aligned with technology trends to bring its readership fresh insights into the science and engineering of advanced composites. We are pleased to report that JComp B has steadily grown in its Impact Factor (IF) rating, attaining an IF=9.078 and Cite Score of 14.5 in 2021, the highest amongst advanced composites journals worldwide.
IACMI
The Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI) is a partnership of industry, universities, and national universities, as well as federal, state, and local governments that are working together to benefit the nation’s energy and economic security.
JEC Composites
With a network of 250,000 professionals, JEC Group is the largest composite organization in the world. It represents, promotes, and helps develop composite markets by providing global and local networking and information services.
ACMA
The American Composites Manufacturers Association provides a forum for members of the composites industry to come together to develop shared market opportunities and deal with common challenges. It is an unmatched source of up-to-date information about the composites industry.
SPE Composites
SPE Composites promotes and disseminates information on the science, engineering fundamentals, and applications of engineered polymer composites. The Composites Division promotes the benefits of composite materials and reports on the latest in materials, processes, and application developments.
Composites World
Composites World is a business-to-business media brand that produces a monthly print magazine, digital media, research, and live events for the global composites market.
SAMPE
The Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering is a global professional member society that provides information and updates on the latest advanced materials and processing technologies.
The University of Tennessee Oak Ridge Innovation Institute (ORII)
The University of Tennessee Oak Ridge Innovation Institute will create a robust talent pipeline in areas of growing national need and demand. As a result, Tennessee will become the “go-to” destination for top-level talent development and discovery.