Geometry and certain loading conditions combine to create pronounced free-edge effects in corrugated laminates. The free-edge effects can have an influence on the structural response which is not considered in homogenization models.
Keywords: corrugated laminates, free-edge effects, FEM structural analysis
The geometric effects of corrugation on the structural response of multidirectional laminates can create extreme degrees of structural anisotropy with regard to membrane and bending stiffness. The anisotropy leads to peculiar quasi-static load carrying behavior as well as non-classical vibration behavior featuring natural vibrations with in-plane mode shapes. Apart from the aspect of new application opportunities which are not yet sufficiently explored, we want to understand the mechanical effects of corrugation. Existing homogenization models create the stiffness parameters of substitute plates based on the assumptions of periodicity and generalized plane strain. As the periodicity assumption ceases to be valid at free edges, the homogenization models relate to an inner solution which must be completed with a free-edge solution. This thesis solution aims at a better phenomenological understanding of the free edge effect by means of complete geometrical mapping corrugated laminates. The figure shows a result of some preliminary numerical analysis of edge effects.
The geometric effects of corrugation on the structural response of multidirectional laminates can create extreme degrees of structural anisotropy with regard to membrane and bending stiffness. The anisotropy leads to peculiar quasi-static load carrying behavior as well as non-classical vibration behavior featuring natural vibrations with in-plane mode shapes. Apart from the aspect of new application opportunities which are not yet sufficiently explored, we want to understand the mechanical effects of corrugation. Existing homogenization models create the stiffness parameters of substitute plates based on the assumptions of periodicity and generalized plane strain. As the periodicity assumption ceases to be valid at free edges, the homogenization models relate to an inner solution which must be completed with a free-edge solution. This thesis solution aims at a better phenomenological understanding of the free edge effect by means of complete geometrical mapping corrugated laminates. The figure shows a result of some preliminary numerical analysis of edge effects.
The study aims to understand the influence of loading conditions and geometric parameters on the free-edge effects and to identify the validity limits of the inner solution underlying substitute-plate modeling.
The study aims to understand the influence of loading conditions and geometric parameters on the free-edge effects and to identify the validity limits of the inner solution underlying substitute-plate modeling.