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Load-tailored Design of Composite Lattice Core Sandwich Structures for In-plane Compression
The objective of this thesis is to numerically and experimentally characterize the in-plane compression response of novel composite lattice core sandwich structures currently developed at CMASLab, and to explore the potential performance increase through structural optimization.
Background: Owing to their high specific strength and stiffness, composite lattice structures have recently gained increasing interest for use as sandwich core materials in lightweight aerospace applications. By virtue of a more efficient stress transfer between the macro- and microscale, these structures can reach superior mechanical performance than state of the art core materials such as honeycombs and foams, while offering high potential for integrated functionality and load-tailored design.
Motivation: At CMASLab, novel lattice core sandwich structures made from thermoplastic composites are currently being developed. Experimental studies on the out-of-plane compression and shear response have demonstrated the outstanding mechanical performance of these novel structures compared to conventional sandwich core materials. In addition to out-of-plane compression and shear, in-plane compression is another prevalent load case governing the structural performance of buckling-prone aerospace applications.
Background: Owing to their high specific strength and stiffness, composite lattice structures have recently gained increasing interest for use as sandwich core materials in lightweight aerospace applications. By virtue of a more efficient stress transfer between the macro- and microscale, these structures can reach superior mechanical performance than state of the art core materials such as honeycombs and foams, while offering high potential for integrated functionality and load-tailored design.
Motivation: At CMASLab, novel lattice core sandwich structures made from thermoplastic composites are currently being developed. Experimental studies on the out-of-plane compression and shear response have demonstrated the outstanding mechanical performance of these novel structures compared to conventional sandwich core materials. In addition to out-of-plane compression and shear, in-plane compression is another prevalent load case governing the structural performance of buckling-prone aerospace applications.
To further advance the application of these novel composite lattice core sandwich structures in aerospace, the goal of this thesis is to characterize the mechanical response of composite lattice core sandwich structures under in-plane compression, and to explore the potential performance increase through structural optimization. The major tasks of this thesis are:
• Finite element modeling of composite lattice core sandwich structures under in-plane compression; Numerical characterization of the in-plane compression response based on FEA
• Fabrication of composite lattice core sandwich beams with a reference core topology
• Experimental investigation of the in-plane compression performance of the fabricated structures; Correlation of the structural response with FEA Additionally for MT level:
• Identification of improved lattice core topologies through numerical optimizations
• Fabrication and testing of the optimized lattice core sandwich structures
To further advance the application of these novel composite lattice core sandwich structures in aerospace, the goal of this thesis is to characterize the mechanical response of composite lattice core sandwich structures under in-plane compression, and to explore the potential performance increase through structural optimization. The major tasks of this thesis are: • Finite element modeling of composite lattice core sandwich structures under in-plane compression; Numerical characterization of the in-plane compression response based on FEA • Fabrication of composite lattice core sandwich beams with a reference core topology • Experimental investigation of the in-plane compression performance of the fabricated structures; Correlation of the structural response with FEA Additionally for MT level: • Identification of improved lattice core topologies through numerical optimizations • Fabrication and testing of the optimized lattice core sandwich structures
Christoph Karl
ETH Zurich - CMASLab
Leonhardstr. 21, LEE O225
8092 Zurich
Switzerland
tel: +41 44 632 0840
email: karlc@ethz.ch
Christoph Karl
ETH Zurich - CMASLab Leonhardstr. 21, LEE O225 8092 Zurich Switzerland