Dirk Heider

Associate Professor

Secondary Appt., Center for Composite Materials

About Dirk Heider

Prof. Heider’s researcher interests include advanced sensing methods and the use of artificial neural networks for online control of composites manufacturing. He develops new non-destructive evaluation devices for online and offline inspection of composite materials based on a better understanding of ultrasonic wave propagation in plate-like structures. His research group develops new materials and sensor systems to add functionality to composites beyond their structural performance. Prof. Heider is investigating the use of integrated fiber optics to measure the health of composite structures during operation. He is funded by the Boeing Corporation to evaluate the use of CNT sheets for in-situ health monitoring of thin gauged carbon structures. Recent projects include studying the effects of high electric fields generated during lightning strikes on changes in electrical properties and investigating improved thermal characteristics in composites using their unique microstructure.

Since 2000, Professor Heider has been the Assistant Director for Technology at the Center for Composite Materials. He has received financial support from various DoD agencies and industrial partners. He has authored or co-authored over 100 scientific papers and has supported more than 50 national and international students.

Professor Heider received his Ph.D. in electrical engineering at the University of Delaware in 1998 and holds the equivalent of bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Technical University of Aachen in Germany.