Fea-Based Structural Heat Transfer Characteristic of 3-D Orthogonal Woven Composite Subjected to the Non-Uniform Heat Load

The thermodynamic behavior of 3-D orthogonal woven composite is studied to explore its structural heat transfer mechanism in a non-uniform heat load field based on finite element analysis (FEA). The temperature distribution characteristics of the resin matrix and the fabric reinforcement are observed to compare the heat absorption. Furthermore, the dynamic expansion and distribution characteristics of temperature in the 3-D orthogonal woven composite structure have also been quantitatively studied, together with simultaneously obtaining the path characteristics of the heat transfer in each system (i.e., warp yarns, weft yarns, and Z-yarns). In addition, the spatial temperature distribution characteristics of each yarn system in the fabric reinforcement are also explored. Thus, the structural mechanism of heat conduction for 3-D orthogonal woven composite is obtained.

Characterization of Woven Composite Material Properties by Using an Inverse Technique Based on Vibration Tests

A mixed numerical-experimental technique based on vibration tests is modified and applied to determine the elastic material properties of woven composites. This non-destructive technique consists of physical experiments, numerical modelling and material identification procedure. For the purpose of characterization, two carbon fiber panels were prepared by manual layout technology. An evaluation of the accuracy of woven composite elastic properties is executed comparing the numerical and experimentally obtained resonant frequencies.

Reliability-based design optimization of 3D orthogonal woven composite automobile shock tower

Three-dimensional orthogonal woven composites are noted for their excellent mechanical properties and delamination resistance, so they are expected to have promising prospects in lightweight applications in the automobile industry. The multi-scale characteristics and inherent uncertainty of design variables pose great challenges to the optimization procedure for 3D orthogonal woven composite structures. This paper aims to propose a reliability-based design optimization method for guidance on the lightweight design of 3D orthogonal woven composite automobile shock tower, which includes design variables from material and structure. An analytical model was firstly set up to accurately predict the elastic and strength properties of composites. After that, a novel optimization procedure was established for the multi-scale reliability optimization design of composite shock tower, based on the combination of Monte Carlo reliability analysis method, Kriging surrogate model, and particle swarm optimization algorithm. According to the results, the optimized shock tower meets the requirements of structural performance and reliability, with a weight reduction of 37.83%.