Instability-driven shape forming of fiber reinforced polymer frames
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Date
2021-07-15
Publication Type
Journal Article
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yes
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Abstract
Thin fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are widely implemented in adaptive and morphing structures. However, realization of the necessary complex 3‐dimensional FRP structures requires the use of expensive molds thereby limiting the design space and flexibility. Using the elastic strain energy of pre‐stretched membranes holds potential for addressing this challenge. In this work, a novel manufacturing technique for fabricating 3‐dimensional FRP structures moldlessly is presented where pre‐stretched membranes are used to drive out‐of‐plane buckling instabilities of FRP composite shells. To explore the potential of this approach, a simple square frame design is investigated. An analytical model based on high deformation beam buckling theory is developed for understanding the parameters driving the out‐of‐plane behavior of these structures. Experimental and finite element results are used for model validation and reveal excellent agreement, with errors less than 10% over a large portion of the design space. Analytical and finite element models demonstrate that the out‐of‐plane deformation can be tailored by varying the structure’s geometric and material parameters. A new design space for FRP composite laminates is characterized, enabling highly flexible design. The manufacturing and modeling techniques can be extended to other geometries for the realization and analysis of arbitrarily complex surfaces.
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Publication status
published
Editor
Book title
Journal / series
Volume
268
Pages / Article No.
113946
Publisher
Elsevier
Event
Edition / version
Methods
Software
Geographic location
Date collected
Date created
Subject
Moldless manufacturing; Thin fiber reinforced polymer composite; Beam buckling instability; Adaptive structures
Organisational unit
03507 - Ermanni, Paolo (emeritus) / Ermanni, Paolo (emeritus)
Notes
Funding
192082 - Variable Stiffness Composite Metamaterials (SNF)