Overview
Background
Dr. Michael Tobias Heitzmann is the Co-Director for the Centre for Advanced Materials Processing and Manufacturing (AMPAM) and a Associate Professor at the School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering at The University of Queensland. The centre he co-directs brings together over 60 researchers and 110 PhD students working with over 124 different industry and research partners.
He is an expert in composite materials and processes with a strong industry focus. His research group at The University of Queensland is focused around the two areas: ‘High temperature Composites’ and ‘Composite durability’. His expertise includes manufacturing process development and modelling, materials characterisation and composite mechanics. In the last 5 years, he has been awarded over $8.5M AUD in research funding as chief investigator (CI) of which over $3.5M AUD have been obtained as the lead CI. He has secured significant funding across the funding spectrum including, direct industry funding, CRC, ACARP, ARC Linkage and ARC Discovery projects. Since joining The University of Queensland in 2014, he has produced over 45 academic publications and is the inventor of 3 patents. He has graduated 6PhD students, 2 MPhil students and is the current supervisor of 10 PhD students and 3 research fellows.
As an academic with a strong industry focus, Dr. Heitzmann prides himself on his impact beyond tractional academic outputs. For example, he and his team have developed coal seam gas sucker-rod wear guides that are now use across Australia with over 1 million guides sold. In collaboration, with Prof. Glen Lichtwark, he developed the Cricket Australia test standard for cricket balls and overseen the certifications of all cricket balls currently being played in Cricket Australia men’s competitions. He has also pioneered the development of high temperature ceramic matrix composites for hypersonic applications in Australia. His team has successfully developed and demonstrated the manufacture of polymer-matrix and ceramic-matrix composites for test campaigns including industry primes such as Lockheed Martin and Thales. He also played a significant role in the establishment of the Defence Science and Technology (DST) Eagle Farm Facility and has helped to shape the current high temperature composites development that is undertaken within DST.
From 2012 to July 2015, he was the project leader of the CRC-ACS “Plant fibre biocomposites” project (CRC-ACS P1.1), a 6.5M five year project. He was responsible for leading a multinational team of over 10 researchers including project partners form Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Thailand and Malaysia. Since taking over the project lead, he has successfully established a steering committee for the development of biocomposite design guidelines, engaged three additional research providers and introduced two new commercial end-users to the project. The license for commercialisation of the project outcomes has been issued to Queensland based agronomy company Agri Fibre Industries.
Before joining the University of Queensland he worked as a Senior Research Engineer for the commercial entity of the CRC-ACS, Advanced Composite Structures Australia. In this role he contributed and led composite research and development projects for major local and international companies such as QBE insurance, Brisbane Transport, Australian Aerospace, Airbus and PETRONAS.
Availability
- Dr Michael Heitzmann is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Qualifications
- Postgraduate Diploma, The University of Queensland
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
Research interests
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Composite materials and processes
- Reactive Resin Transfer Moulding - Short cycle-time processes - Filament winding - Automation
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High temperature composite materials
- Resistance of composite materials to high temperatures - High performance thermoset and thermoplastic resins - Ceramic Matrix COmposites
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Product development and innovation
- Product development methodology - CAX and digital fabrication - Numeric optimisation
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Hybrid composite materials
- Wood/FRP hybrid composites - Concrete/FRP hybrid composites - Thermoset/thermoplastic interfaces
Works
Search Professor Michael Heitzmann’s works on UQ eSpace
2024
Journal Article
A geometric model for the number of fibers caught by the barbed needle in the needlepunching process
Singh, Danvendra, Rawal, Amit, Shukla, Siddharth, Kudisonga, Christian, Heitzmann, Michael, Szenti, Imre and Kukovecz, Akos (2024). A geometric model for the number of fibers caught by the barbed needle in the needlepunching process. Textile Research Journal, 94 (23-24), 2876-2880. doi: 10.1177/00405175241268611
2024
Journal Article
Tribological and mechanical characterization of glass fiber polyamide composites under hydrothermal aging
Khakbaz, Hadis, Basnayake, Asanka Pradeep, Harikumar, Akshay Krishna Ambika, Firouzi, Mahshid, Martin, Darren and Heitzmann, Michael (2024). Tribological and mechanical characterization of glass fiber polyamide composites under hydrothermal aging. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 227 110870, 110870. doi: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2024.110870
2024
Journal Article
A DOPO-eugenol linear siloxane as a highly effective liquid flame retardant also imparting improved mechanical properties to an epoxy amine network
Gan, Houlei, Senanayake, Rusheni B., Nunna, Srinivas, Zhang, Juan, Basnayake, Asanka P., Heitzmann, Michael T. and Varley, Russell J. (2024). A DOPO-eugenol linear siloxane as a highly effective liquid flame retardant also imparting improved mechanical properties to an epoxy amine network. Chemical Engineering Journal, 498 155293, 155293. doi: 10.1016/j.cej.2024.155293
2024
Journal Article
Partially bio-derived phosphazene-tannic acid microspheres as fire retardant additives for an epoxy tannic acid resin system
Senanayake, Rusheni Bhagya, Gan, Houlei, Liu, Dan, Zhang, Juan, Basnayake, Asanka P., Heitzmann, Michael T. and Varley, Russell J. (2024). Partially bio-derived phosphazene-tannic acid microspheres as fire retardant additives for an epoxy tannic acid resin system. Composites Part B: Engineering, 287 111831, 111831. doi: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2024.111831
2024
Journal Article
Graphene/graphene oxide and melamine as synergistic additives for polyester nanocomposite coatings
Zhao, Yitian, Lin, Weikang, Edwards, Grant, Zou, Yanbin, Zhao, Xiujuan, Song, Shuning, Heitzmann, Michael, Martin, Darren, Grøndahl, Lisbeth, Lu, Mingyuan and Huang, Han (2024). Graphene/graphene oxide and melamine as synergistic additives for polyester nanocomposite coatings. Materials Chemistry and Physics, 320 129384. doi: 10.1016/j.matchemphys.2024.129384
2024
Journal Article
Manufacture and structural performance of modular hybrid FRP–timber thin-walled beams
Cui, Weiqi, Gattas, Joseph M. and Heitzmann, Michael T. (2024). Manufacture and structural performance of modular hybrid FRP–timber thin-walled beams. Construction and Building Materials, 435 136705, 136705. doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2024.136705
2024
Journal Article
Analysis of tire/gripper slip forces during the handling of large off-the-road tires
Knights, P.F., Joseph, S., McInnes, L. and Heitzmann, M.T. (2024). Analysis of tire/gripper slip forces during the handling of large off-the-road tires. Journal of Industrial Safety, 1 (1) 100007, 1-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jinse.2024.100007
2024
Journal Article
Mechanical properties and scratch recovery of nanoclay/polyester composite coatings for pre-coated metal (PCM) sheets
Lin, Weikang, Zhao, Yitian, Edwards, Grant, Guo, Qiang, Chen, Tianzhen, Song, Shuning, Heitzmann, Michael, Martin, Darren, Grøndahl, Lisbeth, Lu, Mingyuan and Huang, Han (2024). Mechanical properties and scratch recovery of nanoclay/polyester composite coatings for pre-coated metal (PCM) sheets. Composites Part B: Engineering, 273 111217. doi: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2024.111217
2024
Journal Article
Assessment of the tribological performance of glass fibre reinforced polyamide 6 under harsh abrasive environments
Zaghloul, Moustafa Mahmoud Yousry, Steel, Karen, Veidt, Martin and Heitzmann, Michael T. (2024). Assessment of the tribological performance of glass fibre reinforced polyamide 6 under harsh abrasive environments. Tribology International, 191 109059. doi: 10.1016/j.triboint.2023.109059
2023
Journal Article
Towards three‐dimensional printed thermal conductive polymeric composites using a binary‐composite hybrid based on boron nitride nanoparticles and micro‐diamonds
Khakbaz, Hadis, Sayyar, Sepidar, Beirne, Stephen, Heitzmann, Michael and Innis, Peter C. (2023). Towards three‐dimensional printed thermal conductive polymeric composites using a binary‐composite hybrid based on boron nitride nanoparticles and micro‐diamonds. Macromolecular Rapid Communications, 44 (21) 2300335, e2300335. doi: 10.1002/marc.202300335
2023
Conference Publication
Finite element analysis of composite mooring tensioner springs in wave energy converters
Cai, Yuanzhen and Heitzmann, Michael T. (2023). Finite element analysis of composite mooring tensioner springs in wave energy converters. 42nd International Conference on Ocean, Offshore and Arctic Engineering (OMAE 2023), Melbourne, Australia, 11-16 June 2023. New York, NY, United States: American Society of Mechanical Engineers. doi: 10.1115/omae2023-105262
2023
Journal Article
Influence of Counter-Face Grit Size and Lubricant on the Abrasive Wear Behaviour of Thermoplastic Polymers Reinforced with Glass Fibres
Zaghloul, Moustafa Mahmoud Yousry, Steel, Karen, Veidt, Martin, Martin, Darren, Firouzi, Mahshid and Heitzmann, Michael T. (2023). Influence of Counter-Face Grit Size and Lubricant on the Abrasive Wear Behaviour of Thermoplastic Polymers Reinforced with Glass Fibres. Tribology Letters, 71 (3) 102, 1-22. doi: 10.1007/s11249-023-01774-9
2023
Journal Article
Residual compressive strength of filament wound hybrid glass/carbon fibre reinforced polymer tubes after exposure to elevated temperature
Abolfazli, Milad, Bazli, Milad, Rajabipour, Ali, Heitzmann, Michael, Pourasiabi, Hamid, Wang, Hao and Arashpour, Mehrdad (2023). Residual compressive strength of filament wound hybrid glass/carbon fibre reinforced polymer tubes after exposure to elevated temperature. Composite Structures, 316 117050, 1-18. doi: 10.1016/j.compstruct.2023.117050
2023
Journal Article
Cure cycle optimisation of structural epoxies used in composite civil infrastructure through the use of TTT diagrams
Fernando, Shanelle, Vandi, Luigi-Jules, Heitzmann, Michael and Fernando, Dilum (2023). Cure cycle optimisation of structural epoxies used in composite civil infrastructure through the use of TTT diagrams. Construction and Building Materials, 383 131332, 1-10. doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.131332
2023
Journal Article
Residual compressive strength of seawater sea sand concrete filled hybrid carbon-glass fibre reinforced polymer tubes under seawater: effects of fibre type and orientation
Bazli, Milad, Benny, Benzen, Rajabipour, Ali, Pourasiabi, Hamid, Heitzmann, Michael T. and Arashpour, Mehrdad (2023). Residual compressive strength of seawater sea sand concrete filled hybrid carbon-glass fibre reinforced polymer tubes under seawater: effects of fibre type and orientation. Journal of Building Engineering, 70 106383, 1-19. doi: 10.1016/j.jobe.2023.106383
2023
Journal Article
Mechanical and tribological performances of thermoplastic polymers reinforced with glass fibres at variable fibre volume fractions
Zaghloul, Moustafa Mahmoud Yousry, Steel, Karen, Veidt, Martin and Heitzmann, Michael T. (2023). Mechanical and tribological performances of thermoplastic polymers reinforced with glass fibres at variable fibre volume fractions. Polymers, 15 (3) 694, 1-23. doi: 10.3390/polym15030694
2023
Journal Article
Residual compressive section capacity of filament wound carbon, glass, and basalt fibre-reinforced polymer tubes: Influence of elevated temperatures
Abolfazli, Milad, Bazli, Milad, Rajabipour, Ali, Heitzmann, Michael T. and Amirzadeh, Zhila (2023). Residual compressive section capacity of filament wound carbon, glass, and basalt fibre-reinforced polymer tubes: Influence of elevated temperatures. Composite Structures, 304 116490, 1-10. doi: 10.1016/j.compstruct.2022.116490
2023
Journal Article
Towards the development of a fire retardant sugar-cane bagasse ply for composite manufacture: a flammability study
Basnayake, Asanka P., Hidalgo, Juan P. and Heitzmann, Michael T (2023). Towards the development of a fire retardant sugar-cane bagasse ply for composite manufacture: a flammability study. Journal of Composite Materials, 57 (2), 297-311. doi: 10.1177/00219983221144709
2023
Conference Publication
Tribological performance of nylon-6/oyster shell composites
Ambika Harikumar, Akshay Krishna, Basnayake, Asanka, Khakbaz, Hadis, Martin, Darren and Heitzmann, Michael (2023). Tribological performance of nylon-6/oyster shell composites. ASME 2023 42nd International Conference on Ocean, Offshore and Arctic Engineering, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 11 - 16 June 2023. New York, NY, United States: American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). doi: 10.1115/OMAE2023-104611
2022
Journal Article
Composite springs for mooring tensioners: a systematic review of material selection, fatigue performance, manufacturing, and applications
Cai, Yuanzhen, Bazli, Milad, Basnayake, Asanka P., Veidt, Martin and Heitzmann, Michael T. (2022). Composite springs for mooring tensioners: a systematic review of material selection, fatigue performance, manufacturing, and applications. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 10 (9) 1286, 1-34. doi: 10.3390/jmse10091286
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Michael Heitzmann is:
- Available for supervision
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Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Mechanical and Tribological Performances of Glass Fibre Reinforced Thermoplastics - Investigation into Material Responses, Abrasive Sensitivity and Adverse Operating Conditions
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Martin Veidt, Associate Professor Karen Steel
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Doctor Philosophy
Optimising performance and integration of thermal protection systems
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Chris James, Dr Christian Kudisonga
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Doctor Philosophy
Integration of Cooling into Ceramic Matrix Composite Structures
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Vincent Wheatley, Dr Chris James, Dr Christian Kudisonga
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Doctor Philosophy
Buckling Analysis of Hybrid Fibre-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) ¿ Timber (HFT) Thin-Walled Cee Section Columns
Principal Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Optimising the Tribomechanical Performance of Engineering Polyamide 6 through Synergistic Incorporation of Functionalised Organoclay and Solving Wear-Related Issues in Aquaculture Pens Subjected to High-Energy Conditions
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Darren Martin, Dr Byron Villacorta
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Doctor Philosophy
System integration of high temperature composite materials into hypersonic flight vehicles
Principal Advisor
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Master Philosophy
Adding value to underutilized small-diameter plantation grown trees in Laos
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Joe Gattas
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Doctor Philosophy
Development of all-CMC joining systems
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Martin Veidt
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Doctor Philosophy
Optimising the Tribomechanical Performance of Engineering Polyamide 6 through Synergistic Incorporation of Functionalised Organoclay and Solving Wear-Related Issues in Aquaculture Pens Subjected to High-Energy Conditions
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Darren Martin, Dr Byron Villacorta
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Doctor Philosophy
In-service splits in glued-laminated timber; Mechanisms and Control Strategies
Principal Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Harnessing Architected Nonwoven Materials to Design and Develop Lightweight Composites
Principal Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Characterisation and optimisation of the fatigue performance of large composite springs for the usage in Wave Energy Converters.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Martin Veidt, Dr Milad Bazli
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Master Philosophy
Adding value to underutilized small-diameter plantation grown trees in Laos
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Joe Gattas
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Doctor Philosophy
System integration of high temperature composite materials into hypersonic flight vehicles
Principal Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Large Scale Asset Procurement and Management
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Peter Knights
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Doctor Philosophy
Developing high performance nanocomposite coatings for manufacturing domestic appliances
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Lisbeth Grondahl, Dr Grant Edwards, Professor Darren Martin
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Doctor Philosophy
Rheological enhancement of biopolymer composites for commercial-scale processing of novel products
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Peter Halley, Professor Darren Martin, Dr Clement Chan, Dr Luigi Vandi
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Doctor Philosophy
Robotic FRP fabrication for large scale customizable structure
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Joe Gattas, Dr Dan Luo
Completed supervision
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2024
Doctor Philosophy
Mechanical and Tribological Performances of Glass Fibre Reinforced Thermoplastics - Investigation into Material Responses, Abrasive Sensitivity and Adverse Operating Conditions
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Martin Veidt, Associate Professor Karen Steel
-
2023
Doctor Philosophy
Cure cycle optimisation and behaviour prediction of structural epoxies used in composite civil infrastructure
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Luigi Vandi
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Characterising the material properties that influence fire growth of fire retardant natural fibre composites
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Luigi Vandi, Dr Juan Hidalgo Medina, Dr Byron Villacorta
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Sustainable Formaldehyde-Free Particleboards from Cotton-Stalk Agricultural Waste
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Luigi Vandi
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
The constitutive behaviour of hybrid glass fibre-reinforced polymer and timber veneer composite laminates
Principal Advisor
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
Reactive Processing of e-caprolactam for Application in Thermoplastic Resin Transfer Moulding (TP-RTM)
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Darren Martin, Dr Luigi Vandi, Dr Byron Villacorta
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2020
Master Philosophy
Improving the adhesion of high-density softwoods with isocyanate based adhesives.
Principal Advisor
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
Towards the Development of a Test and Design Framework for the Fire Engineering with Fibre Reinforced Thermoplastics
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Darren Martin, Dr Byron Villacorta
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Mouldless Manufacture and Performance of Hybrid FRP-Timber Thin-Walled Structures
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Joe Gattas
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
A novel methodology for the optimization of composite structures
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Matthew Mason
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
3D Printing and injection molding of sustainable high temperature composites
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Luigi Vandi
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2017
Master Philosophy
Evaluation and Development of Large Track Type Tractor Logging Sweeps
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Martin Veidt
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2016
Doctor Philosophy
Manufacture and Characterisation of Short Fibre Biocomposites
Associate Advisor
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
Understanding Joint Formation in Thermoset Composite Welding (TCW) Joints for New-Generation Advanced Composite Commercial Aircraft
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Martin Veidt
Media
Enquiries
Contact Dr Michael Heitzmann directly for media enquiries about:
- Aerospace
- Composite materials
- High temperature composites
- Impact testing
- Innovation
- Materials
- Product development
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