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Investigations on the Flexibility of ultra-thin Fiber Reinforced Plastic Layups for the use in Deployable Structures
This thesis aims to get a fundamental understanding on the influence of an ultra-thin composite structure layup on the packagability of a deployable device. Therefore suitable tests have to be developed, investigating the minimum bending radius which will lead to a suitable failure prediction model.
The driving parameter to predict a successful folding of a deployable structure (e.g Heart Stent Device) is the minimum achievable radius of the ultra-thin Glas-/ Carbonfiber layup. Having a comparable thickness like human hair, certain factors make the minimum bending radius less predictable, which makes it necessary to gain experimental data. Having small bending radii down to 1mm, common 3-Point Bending Test techniques will not be able to capture a minimum radius at failure, requiring the development of a suitable testing technique. Testing data will lead to a confident choice of used material, fiber reinforcement style as well as layup design.
The driving parameter to predict a successful folding of a deployable structure (e.g Heart Stent Device) is the minimum achievable radius of the ultra-thin Glas-/ Carbonfiber layup. Having a comparable thickness like human hair, certain factors make the minimum bending radius less predictable, which makes it necessary to gain experimental data. Having small bending radii down to 1mm, common 3-Point Bending Test techniques will not be able to capture a minimum radius at failure, requiring the development of a suitable testing technique. Testing data will lead to a confident choice of used material, fiber reinforcement style as well as layup design.
The Thesis should deliver fundamental knowledge and testing data for the development of a deployable ultra-thin fiber reinforced Heart Stent Structure. This covers:
Literature research on composite failure mechanisms,
thin ply layups, as well as testing techniques
Based on the literature research, choice of promising
layup designs for a maximum bending stiffness under
a given minimum radius
Development of a testing technique to acquire the minimum
bending radius and stiffness of an ultra-thin
layup
Manufacture specimen according to the design choices and perform tests
Compare test data to prediction (literature) and formulate material and layup design suggestions for deployable
ultra-thin composite structures
Develop a simulation tool for the prediction of the minimum bending radius taking into account material deviations and imperfections (Optional – Master Thesis)
The Thesis should deliver fundamental knowledge and testing data for the development of a deployable ultra-thin fiber reinforced Heart Stent Structure. This covers: Literature research on composite failure mechanisms, thin ply layups, as well as testing techniques Based on the literature research, choice of promising layup designs for a maximum bending stiffness under a given minimum radius Development of a testing technique to acquire the minimum bending radius and stiffness of an ultra-thin layup Manufacture specimen according to the design choices and perform tests Compare test data to prediction (literature) and formulate material and layup design suggestions for deployable ultra-thin composite structures Develop a simulation tool for the prediction of the minimum bending radius taking into account material deviations and imperfections (Optional – Master Thesis)
ETH Zürich
Arthur Schlothauer
LEE 0 225
Leonhardstrasse 21
8092 Zürich
Phone: +41 44 632 67 02
arthursc@ethz.ch
ETH Zürich Arthur Schlothauer LEE 0 225 Leonhardstrasse 21 8092 Zürich Phone: +41 44 632 67 02 arthursc@ethz.ch