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
2015
Other Outputs
A process for integrating thermoset and thermoplastic polymers
Vandi, Luigi-Jules, Heitzmann, Michael and Paton, Rowan (2015). A process for integrating thermoset and thermoplastic polymers.
2015
Conference Publication
Probabilistic design: a new approach to look at composite design
Heitzmann, Michael Tobias, Torres, Juan Pablo, Vandi, Luigi-Jules and Schaber, Sarah (2015). Probabilistic design: a new approach to look at composite design. Composites Australia and CRC-ACS Composites Conference and Trade Show 2015, Gold Coast, Australia, 21-23 April 2015.
2015
Conference Publication
GFRP-to-timber bonded joints: Adhesive selection
Miao, Chuang, Fernando, Dilum, Bailleres, Henri and Heitzmann, Michael (2015). GFRP-to-timber bonded joints: Adhesive selection. International Institute for FRP in Construction (IIFC).
2015
Conference Publication
Low-tech recycling strategy for the production of building materials for developing nations
White, Claire A., Wood, Jessica C., Milne, John and Heitzmann, Michael T. (2015). Low-tech recycling strategy for the production of building materials for developing nations. International Conference on Performance-based and Life-cycle Structural Engineering, Brisbane Australia, 9-11 December 2015. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: School of Civil Engineering, The University of Queensland. doi: 10.14264/uql.2016.418
2015
Conference Publication
Hybrid thin-walled members made of FRP and timber
Fernando, Dilum, Gattas, Joseph, Teng, J. G. and Heitzmann, Michael (2015). Hybrid thin-walled members made of FRP and timber. International Institute for FRP in Construction (IIFC).
2015
Conference Publication
Generation of a short fibre biocomposite representative volume element
Thomas, Kelli L., Bryce, Holly C. A. and Heitzmann, Michael T. (2015). Generation of a short fibre biocomposite representative volume element. International Conference on Performance-based and Life-cycle Structural Engineering, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 9-11 December 2015. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: School of Civil Engineering, The University of Queensland. doi: 10.14264/uql.2016.500
2015
Conference Publication
A practical toolbox to overcome the multiple challenges of biocomposites extrusion
Legras, Angelica, Truss, Rowan W., Chaleat, Celine M. and Heitzmann, Michael T. (2015). A practical toolbox to overcome the multiple challenges of biocomposites extrusion. 2015 Australasian Composites Conference (ASC 2015), Gold Coast, QLD, Australia, 21-23 April 2015.
2015
Conference Publication
Hemp hurd flour as an alternative low cost filler in wood plastic composites
Heitzmann, Michael T., Ali, Afifah Md, Legras, Angelica, Vandi, Luigi J. and Milne, John (2015). Hemp hurd flour as an alternative low cost filler in wood plastic composites. International Conference on Performance-based and Life-cycle Structural Engineering, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 9-11 December 2015. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: School of Civil Engineering, The University of Queensland. doi: 10.14264/uql.2016.419
2015
Conference Publication
Composites Training through Development of a Formula SAE Race Car
Farmer, N., Lederhose,, Olszewski, G., Jahn, I. and Heitzmann, M. (2015). Composites Training through Development of a Formula SAE Race Car. Australasian Composites Conference, Sanctuary Cove, QLD Australia, 21-23 April, 2015.
2015
Conference Publication
Comparison of experimental and calculated tensile properties of flax fibres
Soatthiyanon, Niphaphun, Crosky, Alan and Heitzmann, Michael T. (2015). Comparison of experimental and calculated tensile properties of flax fibres. International Conference on Performance-based and Life-cycle Structural Engineering, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 9-11 December 2015. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: School of Civil Engineering, The University of Queensland. doi: 10.14264/uql.2016.423
2014
Conference Publication
Modelling squeeze flow of viscous polymer melts
Shelley, Tristan J., Liu, Xiaolin, Veidt, Martin, Heitzmann, Michael and Paton, Rowan (2014). Modelling squeeze flow of viscous polymer melts. ECFD VI: 6th European Conference on Computational Fluid Dynamics 2014, Barcelona, Spain, 20-25 July, 2014. Barcelona, Spain: International Center for Numerical Methods in Engineering (CIMNE).
2014
Conference Publication
Optimisation of the twin-screw compounding process for short fibre biocomposites
Legras, A., Truss, R., Rao, S., Bhattacharyya, D., Soatthiyanon, N., Crosky, A. and Heitzmann, M. (2014). Optimisation of the twin-screw compounding process for short fibre biocomposites. Composites Australia and CRC-ACS Conference, Newcastle, NSW, Australia, 7-9 April 2014. Hawthorn, VIC, Australia: Composites Australia.
2013
Journal Article
Fluorine mobility during SEM-EDX analysis: A challenge for characterizing epoxy/fluoropolymer interfaces
Vandi, Luigi-Jules, Truss, Rowan, Veidt, Martin, Rasch, Ronald, Heitzmann, Michael T. and Paton, Rowan (2013). Fluorine mobility during SEM-EDX analysis: A challenge for characterizing epoxy/fluoropolymer interfaces. Journal of Physical Chemistry C, 117 (33), 16933-16941. doi: 10.1021/jp403314t
2013
Journal Article
Single-plant biocomposite from Ricinus Communis: preparation, properties and environmental performance
Heitzmann, M., Veidt, M., Ng, C. T., Lindenberger. B., Hou, M., Truss, R. and Liew, C. K. (2013). Single-plant biocomposite from Ricinus Communis: preparation, properties and environmental performance. Journal of Polymers and the Environment, 21 (2), 366-374. doi: 10.1007/s10924-012-0517-3
2012
Other Outputs
In-mould priming of fibre reinforced plastic helicopter components using thermoplastic polymers: Process integration, material selection and interface characterisation
Heitzmann, Michael (2012). In-mould priming of fibre reinforced plastic helicopter components using thermoplastic polymers: Process integration, material selection and interface characterisation. PhD Thesis, School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering, The University of Queensland.
2012
Journal Article
Morphology of an interface between polyetherimide and epoxy prepreg
Heitzmann, Michael T., Hou, Meng, Veidt, Martin, Vandi, Luigi-Jules and Paton, Rowan (2012). Morphology of an interface between polyetherimide and epoxy prepreg. Advanced Materials Research, 393-395, 184-188. doi: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.393-395.184
2012
Conference Publication
Interface diffusion and morphology of aerospace grade epoxy co-cured with thermoplastic polymers
Vandi, Luigi-Jules, Hou, Meng, Veidt, Martin, Truss, Rowan W., Heitzmann, M. and Paton, R. (2012). Interface diffusion and morphology of aerospace grade epoxy co-cured with thermoplastic polymers. 28th International Congress of the Aeronautical Sciences (ICAS 2012), Brisbane, Australia, 23-28 September 2012. [London], U.K.: International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences (ICAS).
2012
Conference Publication
Bond surface analysis using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS)
Virk, Amandeep, Vandi, Luigi-Jules, Meeuwissen, Marieke and Heitzmann, Michael (2012). Bond surface analysis using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). Diversity in Composites 2012 Conference, Blue Mountains, NSW, Australia, 15-16 March 2012. Hawthorn, VIC, Australia: Composites Australia.
2011
Journal Article
Influence of nonlinearities on the accuracy of the analytical solution for the shaft loaded blister test
Heitzmann, M.T., Hou, M., Veidt, M. and Falzon, P. (2011). Influence of nonlinearities on the accuracy of the analytical solution for the shaft loaded blister test. International Journal of Solids and Structures, 48 (10), 1424-1435. doi: 10.1016/j.ijsolstr.2011.01.024
2011
Conference Publication
Measurements of interface fracture strength between fiber-reinforced composite laminates and thin surface films using the blister test
Heitzmann, Michael T., Hou, Meng, Veidt, Martin and Paton, Rowan (2011). Measurements of interface fracture strength between fiber-reinforced composite laminates and thin surface films using the blister test. 8th International Conference on Composite Science and Technology (ICCST8), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 22-24 March 2011. Stafa-Zurich, Switzerland: Trans Tech Publications. doi: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.471-472.315
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
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
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
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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
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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
-
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
-
Doctor Philosophy
Harnessing Architected Nonwoven Materials to Design and Develop Lightweight Composites
Principal Advisor
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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
Optimising performance and integration of thermal protection systems
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Chris James, Dr Christian Kudisonga
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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 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
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
Characterisation and Optimisation of Large Composite Springs for Wave Energy Converters
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Martin Veidt, Dr Milad Bazli
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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
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
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Doctor Philosophy
Thermal Modelling and Characterisation Framework of Ceramic Matrix Composites for Hypersonic Applications
Principal Advisor
-
Doctor Philosophy
Large Scale Asset Procurement and Management
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Peter Knights
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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
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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
Developing high performance nanocomposite coatings for manufacturing domestic appliances
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Lisbeth Grondahl, Dr Grant Edwards, Professor Darren Martin
Completed supervision
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2025
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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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
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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
-
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: Associate Professor 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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