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Dr Michael Heitzmann
Dr

Michael Heitzmann

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 336 53579

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

  • Composite materials and processes

    - Reactive Resin Transfer Moulding - Short cycle-time processes - Filament winding - Automation

  • High temperature composite materials

    - Resistance of composite materials to high temperatures - High performance thermoset and thermoplastic resins - Ceramic Matrix COmposites

  • Product development and innovation

    - Product development methodology - CAX and digital fabrication - Numeric optimisation

  • Hybrid composite materials

    - Wood/FRP hybrid composites - Concrete/FRP hybrid composites - Thermoset/thermoplastic interfaces

Works

Search Professor Michael Heitzmann’s works on UQ eSpace

108 works between 1989 and 2024

1 - 20 of 108 works

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

A geometric model for the number of fibers caught by the barbed needle in the needlepunching process

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

Tribological and mechanical characterization of glass fiber polyamide composites under hydrothermal aging

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

A DOPO-eugenol linear siloxane as a highly effective liquid flame retardant also imparting improved mechanical properties to an epoxy amine network

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

Partially bio-derived phosphazene-tannic acid microspheres as fire retardant additives for an epoxy tannic acid resin system

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

Graphene/graphene oxide and melamine as synergistic additives for polyester nanocomposite coatings

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

Manufacture and structural performance of modular hybrid FRP–timber thin-walled beams

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

Analysis of tire/gripper slip forces during the handling of large off-the-road tires

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

Mechanical properties and scratch recovery of nanoclay/polyester composite coatings for pre-coated metal (PCM) sheets

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

Assessment of the tribological performance of glass fibre reinforced polyamide 6 under harsh abrasive environments

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

Towards three‐dimensional printed thermal conductive polymeric composites using a binary‐composite hybrid based on boron nitride nanoparticles and micro‐diamonds

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

Finite element analysis of composite mooring tensioner springs in wave energy converters

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

Influence of Counter-Face Grit Size and Lubricant on the Abrasive Wear Behaviour of Thermoplastic Polymers Reinforced with Glass Fibres

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

Residual compressive strength of filament wound hybrid glass/carbon fibre reinforced polymer tubes after exposure to elevated temperature

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

Cure cycle optimisation of structural epoxies used in composite civil infrastructure through the use of TTT diagrams

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

Residual compressive strength of seawater sea sand concrete filled hybrid carbon-glass fibre reinforced polymer tubes under seawater: effects of fibre type and orientation

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

Mechanical and tribological performances of thermoplastic polymers reinforced with glass fibres at variable fibre volume fractions

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

Residual compressive section capacity of filament wound carbon, glass, and basalt fibre-reinforced polymer tubes: Influence of elevated temperatures

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

Towards the development of a fire retardant sugar-cane bagasse ply for composite manufacture: a flammability study

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

Tribological performance of nylon-6/oyster shell composites

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

Composite springs for mooring tensioners: a systematic review of material selection, fatigue performance, manufacturing, and applications

Funding

Current funding

  • 2023 - 2027
    High value biocoke for low emission steel production
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2025
    Ceramic Matrix Composite Components for Hypersonic Flight
    Sovereign Manufacturing Automation for Composites CRC
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2026
    Polymer Matrix Composite Thermal Protection Liners
    Sovereign Manufacturing Automation for Composites CRC
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2025
    Developing high performance nanocomposite coatings for domestic appliances
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2024
    Development of next generation smart sucker rod wear guides
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2024
    Hypersonic Science and Enabling Technologies - General Support
    Commonwealth Defence Science and Technology Group
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2022 - 2023
    Tyre Handler Testing Rig Stage 2: Lifting guidelines
    Australian Coal Association Research Program
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2024
    MoorPower - Scaled Demonstrator (BECRC project administered by Carnegie Clean Energy Limited)
    Blue Economy CRC-Co Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2022
    SPLR Development for Airbus
    Airbus Australia Pacific Limited
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2021
    Developing high performance nanocomposite coatings for manufacturing domestic appliances
    HBIS Group Co, Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2024
    Developing a robust collar tie
    Blue Economy CRC-Co Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2020
    Blue Economy Biofouling Challenges and Possible Solutions
    Blue Economy CRC-Co Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2021
    Design, construction and commissioning of a skid-mounted tyre handler testing rig
    Australian Coal Research Limited
    Open grant
  • 2020
    Development of Sustainable Engineered Materials for the Transportation Industry
    Innovation Connections
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2021
    Smart wear guide detection system
    Innovation Connections
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2020
    Addressing bio-composite technology gaps
    Composites Innovation Centre Manitoba Inc
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2021
    Design optimisation of Cascade Australia's Tyre handler
    Innovation Connections
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2023
    Functional Antenna Structures
    Defence Materials Technology Centre
    Open grant
  • 2019
    Engineered Composite Dunnage
    Innovation Connections
    Open grant
  • 2019
    Advanced Nanoparticle, Colloid and Microparticle Characterisation and Precision Engineering Nanosystems Facility
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2019
    Scientific basis for the fire safe design of concrete tunnel structures
    UQ Early Career Researcher
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2019
    Development of flow control devices for Coal Seam Gas Industry
    Innovation Connections
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2019
    Next generation sucker rod wear guide development
    Innovation Connections
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2019
    Product innovation project: cascade tyre handler
    Innovation Connections
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2022
    Material Library of Cladding Materials
    Queensland Department of Housing and Public Works
    Open grant
  • 2018
    Characterisation of epoxy cure kinetics and mechanical performance
    Teakle Composites
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2019
    Advanced Testing and Product Innovation Collaboration (Part 2)
    Innovation Connections
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2018
    Cricket Ball Standard Development
    Cricket Australia
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2019
    Development of an iPlug - mechanical isolation plug for CSG systems
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2019
    High power density motors incorporating advanced manufacturing methods (CRC - Project led by MagniX)
    Cooperative Research Centre Projects
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2017
    Advanced Testing and Product Innovation Collaboration
    Crimsafe Security Systems Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2017
    High temperature Composite Research in support of the HiFiRE program
    Commonwealth Department of Defence Science and Technology Organisation
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2017
    National rock, concrete and advanced composite testing capability
    ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
    Open grant
  • 2016
    Investigation of filament winding as an alternative manufacturing route for C/C SCRAM jet combustors
    Commonwealth Defence Science and Technology Group
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2019
    Fibre-Reinforced Timber for Novel Hybrid Folded Thin-Walled Structures
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2018
    Light Weight Material Solutions
    Defence Materials Technology Centre
    Open grant
  • 2015
    Innovating short cycle time manufacturing process for aerospace thermoplastic composites
    UQ Collaboration and Industry Engagement Fund - Seed Research Grant
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2015
    Thermo mechanical resin analysis Advanced Composites Structure Australia
    Advanced Composite Structures Australia Pty Ltd
    Open grant

Supervision

Availability

Dr Michael Heitzmann is:
Available for supervision

Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.

Supervision history

Current supervision

  • 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

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Optimising performance and integration of thermal protection systems

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Chris James, Dr Christian Kudisonga

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Integration of Cooling into Ceramic Matrix Composite Structures

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Vincent Wheatley, Dr Chris James, Dr Christian Kudisonga

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Buckling Analysis of Hybrid Fibre-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) ¿ Timber (HFT) Thin-Walled Cee Section Columns

    Principal Advisor

  • 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

  • Doctor Philosophy

    System integration of high temperature composite materials into hypersonic flight vehicles

    Principal Advisor

  • Master Philosophy

    Adding value to underutilized small-diameter plantation grown trees in Laos

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Joe Gattas

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Development of all-CMC joining systems

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Martin Veidt

  • 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

  • Doctor Philosophy

    In-service splits in glued-laminated timber; Mechanisms and Control Strategies

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Harnessing Architected Nonwoven Materials to Design and Develop Lightweight Composites

    Principal Advisor

  • 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

  • Master Philosophy

    Adding value to underutilized small-diameter plantation grown trees in Laos

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Joe Gattas

  • Doctor Philosophy

    System integration of high temperature composite materials into hypersonic flight vehicles

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Large Scale Asset Procurement and Management

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Peter Knights

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Developing high performance nanocomposite coatings for manufacturing domestic appliances

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Lisbeth Grondahl, Dr Grant Edwards, Professor Darren Martin

  • 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

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Robotic FRP fabrication for large scale customizable structure

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Joe Gattas, Dr Dan Luo

Completed supervision

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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