Abstract
A novel form of fiber steering (Continuous Tow
Shearing (CTS)) which eliminates manufacturing
defects found in other steered fiber techniques, e.g.
tow-overlaps, tow gaps and tow wrinkling, has
recently been developed. By using CTS to steer
fibers in-plane, structures with improved buckling
capacity can be achieved leading to lower mass
designs. Such optimal designs for minimum mass
CTS laminates have been produced using the infinite
strip program VICONOPT. The resulting
distribution of fiber orientation and mass across the
width of these optimized laminates results in regions
of high stress near supports. These regions, which
are vital to the integrity of the CTS laminate, are at
risk of reduction in compressive strength caused by
Barely Visible Impact Damage (BVID). Hence,
using experimental tests combined with a unique
analytical approach, the paper explores the effect of
near support impact damage on the compressive
strength of CTS panels. Results indicate a failure
strain that matches industrial straight fiber
alternatives but that is below the design failure
strain. Hence there is scope for further optimization
of CTS laminates for improved damage tolerance.
Shearing (CTS)) which eliminates manufacturing
defects found in other steered fiber techniques, e.g.
tow-overlaps, tow gaps and tow wrinkling, has
recently been developed. By using CTS to steer
fibers in-plane, structures with improved buckling
capacity can be achieved leading to lower mass
designs. Such optimal designs for minimum mass
CTS laminates have been produced using the infinite
strip program VICONOPT. The resulting
distribution of fiber orientation and mass across the
width of these optimized laminates results in regions
of high stress near supports. These regions, which
are vital to the integrity of the CTS laminate, are at
risk of reduction in compressive strength caused by
Barely Visible Impact Damage (BVID). Hence,
using experimental tests combined with a unique
analytical approach, the paper explores the effect of
near support impact damage on the compressive
strength of CTS panels. Results indicate a failure
strain that matches industrial straight fiber
alternatives but that is below the design failure
strain. Hence there is scope for further optimization
of CTS laminates for improved damage tolerance.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Number of pages | 10 |
Publication status | Published - 28 Jul 2013 |
Keywords
- Compression after impact
- tow-steering
- Damage tolerance