Dr Michael Heitzmann
Dr

Michael Heitzmann

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+61 7 336 53579

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

Search Professor Michael Heitzmann’s works on UQ eSpace

110 works between 1989 and 2025
All (110) Journal Article (67) Book Chapter (1) Conference Publication (36) Other Outputs (6)

61 - 80 of 110 works

2018

Journal Article

Process modelling in Anionically Polymerised Polyamide-6 (APA6) for the in situ polymerisation of composite matrices

Humphry, J., Wolter, N., Yang, N., Vandi, L. J., Truss, R., Martin, D. J. and Heitzmann, M. T. (2018). Process modelling in Anionically Polymerised Polyamide-6 (APA6) for the in situ polymerisation of composite matrices. Composites Communications, 8, 111-114. doi: 10.1016/j.coco.2017.12.011

Process modelling in Anionically Polymerised Polyamide-6 (APA6) for the in situ polymerisation of composite matrices

2018

Other Outputs

Literature review of natural fibre composite fire properties

Basnayake, Asanka, Medina, Juan Hidalgo, Vandi, Luigi and Heitzmann, Michael (2018). Literature review of natural fibre composite fire properties. CIC1_16-020-004_002. School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering, The University of Queensland.

Literature review of natural fibre composite fire properties

2018

Journal Article

Mechanical properties of polyamide 11 reinforced with cellulose nanofibres from Triodia pungens

Rohner, Sven, Humphry, Jarrad, Chaleat, Celine M., Vandi, Luigi-Jules, Martin, Darren J., Amiralian, Nasim and Heitzmann, Michael T. (2018). Mechanical properties of polyamide 11 reinforced with cellulose nanofibres from Triodia pungens. Cellulose, 25 (4), 2367-2380. doi: 10.1007/s10570-018-1702-x

Mechanical properties of polyamide 11 reinforced with cellulose nanofibres from Triodia pungens

2018

Journal Article

Additive manufacturing of cobalt-based dental alloys: analysis of microstructure and physicomechanical properties

Hitzler, Leonhard, Alifui-Segbaya, Frank, Williams, Philipp, Heine, Burkhard, Heitzmann, Michael, Hall, Wayne, Merkel, Markus and Öchsner, Andreas (2018). Additive manufacturing of cobalt-based dental alloys: analysis of microstructure and physicomechanical properties. Advances in Materials Science and Engineering, 2018 (1) 8213023, 1-12. doi: 10.1155/2018/8213023

Additive manufacturing of cobalt-based dental alloys: analysis of microstructure and physicomechanical properties

2018

Conference Publication

Folding fabrication of curved-crease spindle beams

Cui, W. Q., Gfeller, T., Fernando, D., Heitzmann, M. T. and Gattas, J. M. (2018). Folding fabrication of curved-crease spindle beams. 7th International Meeting on Origami in Science, Mathematics, and Education, Oxford, United Kingdom, 4–7 September 2018. St Albans, United Kingdom: Tarquin.

Folding fabrication of curved-crease spindle beams

2017

Journal Article

Folded hybrid FRP-timber sections: concept, geometric design and experimental behaviour

Gattas, Joseph M., O'Dwyer, Mitchell L., Heitzmann, Michael T., Fernando, Dilum and Teng, J. G. (2017). Folded hybrid FRP-timber sections: concept, geometric design and experimental behaviour. Thin-Walled Structures, 122, 182-192. doi: 10.1016/j.tws.2017.10.007

Folded hybrid FRP-timber sections: concept, geometric design and experimental behaviour

2017

Journal Article

Inverse gas chromatography for natural fibre characterisation: dispersive and acid-base distribution profiles of the surface energy

Legras, A. , Kondor, A. , Alcock, M. , Michael Heitzmann and Truss, R. W. (2017). Inverse gas chromatography for natural fibre characterisation: dispersive and acid-base distribution profiles of the surface energy. Cellulose, 24 (11), 4691-4700. doi: 10.1007/s10570-017-1443-2

Inverse gas chromatography for natural fibre characterisation: dispersive and acid-base distribution profiles of the surface energy

2017

Journal Article

The mechanical properties of natural fibre composite laminates: a statistical study

Torres, J.,P., Vandi, L .-J., Veidt, M. and Heitzmann, M. T. (2017). The mechanical properties of natural fibre composite laminates: a statistical study. Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 98, 99-104. doi: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2017.03.010

The mechanical properties of natural fibre composite laminates: a statistical study

2017

Conference Publication

Time-temperature transformation modelling for the in situ processing of thermoplastics as a composite matrix

Humphry, Jarrad, Vandi, Luigi-Jules, Martin, Darren and Heitzmann, Michael Tobias (2017). Time-temperature transformation modelling for the in situ processing of thermoplastics as a composite matrix. International Conference on Processing and Fabrication of Advanced Materials (PFAM), Auckland, New Zealand, 22-25 January 2017.

Time-temperature transformation modelling for the in situ processing of thermoplastics as a composite matrix

2017

Conference Publication

The variability of mechanical properties in natural fibre composite laminates

Torres, Juan Pablo, Heitzmann, Michael and Legras, Angelica (2017). The variability of mechanical properties in natural fibre composite laminates. International Conference on Processing and Fabrication of Advanced Materials (PFAM), Auckland, New Zealand, 22-25 January 2017. Auckland, New Zealand: PFAM.

The variability of mechanical properties in natural fibre composite laminates

2017

Conference Publication

Behavior of FRP confined ultrahigh-strength concrete columns under axial compression: An experimental study

Jiang, S., Fernando, D., Ho, J. C.M. and Heitzmann, M. (2017). Behavior of FRP confined ultrahigh-strength concrete columns under axial compression: An experimental study. 24th Australasian Conference on the Mechanics of Structures and Materials, ACMSM 2016, Perth, WA, December 6, 2016-December 9, 2016. CRC Press/Balkem.

Behavior of FRP confined ultrahigh-strength concrete columns under axial compression: An experimental study

2017

Conference Publication

Behavior of FRP confined ultra-high strength concrete columns under compression: An experimental study

Jiang, S., Fernando, D., Ho, J. C. M. and Heitzmann, M. (2017). Behavior of FRP confined ultra-high strength concrete columns under compression: An experimental study. 24th Australasian Conference on the Mechanics of Structures and Materials, Perth, WA, United States, 6-9 December 2016. Boca Raton, FL, United States: CRC Press. doi: 10.1201/9781315226460-272

Behavior of FRP confined ultra-high strength concrete columns under compression: An experimental study

2016

Journal Article

Technical note: on modelling thermo-chemical degradation of poly(lactic acid)

Khanlou, Hossein Mohammad, Hall, Wayne, Heitzman, Michael T., Summerscales, John and Woodfield, Peter (2016). Technical note: on modelling thermo-chemical degradation of poly(lactic acid). Polymer Degradation and Stability, 134, 19-21. doi: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2016.09.033

Technical note: on modelling thermo-chemical degradation of poly(lactic acid)

2016

Other Outputs

Process for preparing a hybrid thermoplastic/thermoset polymer material

Vandi, Luigi-Jules, Heitzmann, Michael Tobias and Humphry, Jarrad (2016). Process for preparing a hybrid thermoplastic/thermoset polymer material.

Process for preparing a hybrid thermoplastic/thermoset polymer material

2016

Journal Article

Experimental and numerical analysis of drop-weight low-velocity impact tests on hybrid titanium composite laminates

Reiner, Johannes, Torres, Juan Pablo, Veidt, Martin and Heitzmann, Michael (2016). Experimental and numerical analysis of drop-weight low-velocity impact tests on hybrid titanium composite laminates. Journal of Composite Materials, 50 (26), 3605-3617. doi: 10.1177/0021998315624002

Experimental and numerical analysis of drop-weight low-velocity impact tests on hybrid titanium composite laminates

2016

Conference Publication

Experimental behaviour of hybrid FRP-concrete-steel double-skin tubular arches

Jiang, S., Fernando, D., Teng, J. G., Heitzmann, M. and Angliss, G. (2016). Experimental behaviour of hybrid FRP-concrete-steel double-skin tubular arches. 8th International Conference on Fibre-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Composites in Civil Engineering, CICE 2016, Hong Kong, China, 14 - 16 December 2016. Hong Kong, China: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

Experimental behaviour of hybrid FRP-concrete-steel double-skin tubular arches

2016

Book Chapter

Quality assurance

Jones, M., Heitzmann, M. T. and Raverty, R. (2016). Quality assurance. Composite materials for aircraft structures. (pp. 227-254) edited by Alan A. Baker and Murray L. Scott. Reston, VA, United States: American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics. doi: 10.2514/5.9781624103261.0227.0254

Quality assurance

2016

Conference Publication

Folded fabrication of FRP-timber thin-walled beams with novel non-uniform cross-sections

Hansen, B. J., Tan, J., Gattas, J. M., Fernando, D. and Heitzmann, M. (2016). Folded fabrication of FRP-timber thin-walled beams with novel non-uniform cross-sections. World Conference on Timber Engineering, Vienna, Australia, 22-25 August 2016. Vienna, Australia: Vienna University of Technology.

Folded fabrication of FRP-timber thin-walled beams with novel non-uniform cross-sections

2016

Conference Publication

Surface chemistry and surface energy of natural fibres by XPS, in-lens SEM and inverse gas chromatography

Legras, A., Heitzmann, M. T. and Truss, R. W. (2016). Surface chemistry and surface energy of natural fibres by XPS, in-lens SEM and inverse gas chromatography. 17th European Conference on Composite Materials, Munich, Germany, 26 June 2016 - 30 June 2016. European Conference on Composite Materials, ECCM.

Surface chemistry and surface energy of natural fibres by XPS, in-lens SEM and inverse gas chromatography

2015

Journal Article

Inverse gas chromatography for natural fibre characterisation: Identification of the critical parameters to determine the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller specific surface area

Legras, A., Kondor, A., Heitzmann, M.T. and Truss, R.W. (2015). Inverse gas chromatography for natural fibre characterisation: Identification of the critical parameters to determine the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller specific surface area. Journal of Chromatography A, 1425, 273-279. doi: 10.1016/j.chroma.2015.11.033

Inverse gas chromatography for natural fibre characterisation: Identification of the critical parameters to determine the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller specific surface area

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

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
  • 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
  • 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 - 2024
    Hypersonic Science and Enabling Technologies - General Support
    Commonwealth Defence Science and Technology Group
    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

Availability

Dr Michael Heitzmann is:
Available for supervision

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Supervision history

Current supervision

  • 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

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

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    System integration of high temperature composite materials into hypersonic flight vehicles

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Harnessing Architected Nonwoven Materials to Design and Develop Lightweight Composites

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

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

    Principal Advisor

  • 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

    Novel methods to improve high temperature resistance and integrate functionality in ceramic matrix composites through the use of reactive processing methods

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Christophe Fumeaux, Dr Christian Kudisonga

  • 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

    Integration of Cooling into Ceramic Matrix Composite Structures

    Principal Advisor

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

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Characterisation and Optimisation of Large Composite Springs for Wave Energy Converters

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Martin Veidt, Dr Milad Bazli

  • 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

    Thermal Modelling and Characterisation Framework of Ceramic Matrix Composites for Hypersonic Applications

    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

    Thermal Modelling and Characterisation Framework of Ceramic Matrix Composites for Hypersonic Applications

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Optimising performance and integration of thermal protection systems

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Chris James, Dr Christian Kudisonga

  • 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

    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

    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

    Developing high performance nanocomposite coatings for manufacturing domestic appliances

    Associate Advisor

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

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Large Scale Asset Procurement and Management

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Peter Knights

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Robotic FRP fabrication for large scale customizable structure

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Joe Gattas, Dr Dan Luo

Completed supervision

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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