Dynamic Optimization of Functionally Graded Thin-Walled Box Beams

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (09) ◽  
pp. 1750109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karam Y. Maalawi

This paper introduces a mathematical model for optimizing the dynamic performance of thin-walled functionally graded box beams with closed cross-sections. The objective function is to maximize the natural frequencies and place them at their target values to avoid the occurrence of large amplitudes of vibration. The variables considered include fiber volume fraction, fiber orientation angle and ply thickness distributions. Various power-law expressions describing the distribution of the fiber volume fraction have been implemented, where the power exponent was taken as the main optimization variable. The mass of the beam is kept equal to that of a known reference beam. Side constraints are also imposed on the design variables in order to avoid having unacceptable optimal solutions. The mathematical formulation is carried out in dimensionless quantities, enabling the generalization to include models with different cross-sectional types and beam configurations. The optimization problem is solved by invoking the MatLab optimization ToolBox routines, along with structural dynamic analysis and eigenvalue calculation routines. A case study on the optimization of a cantilevered, single-cell spar beam made of carbon/epoxy composite is considered. The results for the basic case of uncoupled bending motion are given. Conspicuous design charts are developed, showing the optimum design trends for the mathematical models implemented in the study. It is concluded that the natural frequencies, even though expressed in implicit functions, are well-behaved, monotonic and can be treated as explicit functions in the design variables. Finally, the developed models can be suitably used in the global optimization of typical composite, functionally graded, thin-walled beam structures.

2009 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 717-726 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Bedjilili ◽  
A. Tounsi ◽  
H. M. Berrabah ◽  
I. Mechab ◽  
E. A. Adda Bedia ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
M. Kemal Apalak ◽  
Recep Ekici ◽  
Mustafa Yildirim

In this study the three dimensional vibration analysis of an adhesively bonded cantilevered composite single lap joint was carried out. The first four bending natural frequencies and mode shapes were considered. The back-propagation Artificial Neural Network (ANN) method was used to determine the effects of the fiber angle, fiber volume fraction, overlap length and plate thickness on the bending natural frequencies and the mode shapes of the adhesive joint. The bending natural frequencies and modal strain energies of the composite adhesive lap joint were calculated using the finite element method for random values of the fiber angle, the fiber volume fraction, the overlap length and the plate thickness. Later, the proposed neural network models were trained and tested with the training and testing data. The fiber angle was more dominant parameter than the fiber volume fraction on the natural bending frequencies and corresponding bending mode shapes, and the plate thickness and the overlap length were also important geometrical design parameters whereas the adhesive thickness had a minor effect. In addition, the present ANN models were combined with Genetic Algorithm to search a joint design satisfying maximum natural frequency and minimum modal strain energy conditions for each natural bending frequency and mode shape.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 94
Author(s):  
Toshiyuki Kanakubo ◽  
Takumi Koba ◽  
Kohei Yamada

The objective of this study is to investigate the flexural characteristics of functionally graded fiber-reinforced cementitious composite (FG-FRCC) concerning the fiber volume fraction (Vf) varying in layers and the layered effect in bending specimens. The FG-FRCC specimens, in which Vf increases from 0% in the compression zone to 2% in the tensile zone, are three-layered specimens using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) FRCC that are fabricated and tested by a four-point bending test. The maximum load of the FG-FRCC specimens exhibits almost twice that of homogeneous specimens, even when the average of the fiber volume fraction in the whole specimen is 1%. The result of the section analysis, in which the stress–strain models based on the bridging law (tensile stress–crack width relationship owned by the fibers) consider the fiber orientation effect, shows a good adaptability with the experiment result.


2021 ◽  
pp. 002199832110420
Author(s):  
Mert Akin ◽  
Cagri Oztan ◽  
Rahmi Akin ◽  
Victoria Coverstone ◽  
Xiangyang Zhou

Co-curing holds great promise to minimize assembly weight, time, and cost for stiffened aerospace structures, which are conventionally fabricated separately and then integrated either through mechanical fastening or adhesive bonding—also known as secondary bonding. This study presented a low-cost co-curing process using VARTM to fabricate stiffened shells, particularly composite box beams. The experimental investigation was performed and the co-curing process was improved by scrutinizing the critical process parameters, such as foam strength and coating, and curing cycle. This work was also intended to present the demonstration of the proposed co-curing method and its comparison with the conventional secondary bonding technique for three-cell carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite box beams. Fiber volume fraction measurements were carried out to the specimens extracted from the various section of the co-cured part, namely top skin, web, and bottom skin and as a result, around 60% of fiber volume fraction was measured, which was in good agreement with the results obtained from optical microscopy-based image analysis. Structural-level four-point bending test results showed that the weight normalized maximum and the ultimate load of the part increased by 44% and 45% with the use of the co-curing process, respectively. The improved mechanical properties indicated that stronger structural integration can be achieved by integrally curing structures. SEM micrographs revealed a favorable fiber-matrix interface, bolstering the superior integration of the co-cured part. These findings suggest that the low-cost co-curing process can be a potential candidate for the fabrication of stiffened aerospace structures, such as composite box beams.


2021 ◽  
pp. 002199832110047
Author(s):  
Mahmoud Mohamed ◽  
Siddhartha Brahma ◽  
Haibin Ning ◽  
Selvum Pillay

Fiber prestressing during matrix curing can significantly improve the mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced polymer composites. One primary reason behind this improvement is the generated compressive residual stress within the cured matrix, which impedes cracks initiation and propagation. However, the prestressing force might diminish progressively with time due to the creep of the compressed matrix and the relaxation of the tensioned fiber. As a result, the initial compressive residual stress and the acquired improvement in mechanical properties are prone to decline over time. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the mechanical properties of the prestressed composites as time proceeds. This study monitors the change in the tensile and flexural properties of unidirectional prestressed glass fiber reinforced epoxy composites over a period of 12 months after manufacturing. The composites were prepared using three different fiber volume fractions 25%, 30%, and 40%. The results of mechanical testing showed that the prestressed composites acquired an initial increase up to 29% in the tensile properties and up to 32% in the flexural properties compared to the non-prestressed counterparts. Throughout the 12 months of study, the initial increase in both tensile and flexural strength showed a progressive reduction. The loss ratio of the initial increase was observed to be inversely proportional to the fiber volume fraction. For the prestressed composites fabricated with 25%, 30%, and 40% fiber volume fraction, the initial increase in tensile and flexural strength dropped by 29%, 25%, and 17%, respectively and by 34%, 26%, and 21%, respectively at the end of the study. Approximately 50% of the total loss took place over the first month after the manufacture, while after the sixth month, the reduction in mechanical properties became insignificant. Tensile modulus started to show a very slight reduction after the fourth/sixth month, while the flexural modulus reduction was observed from the beginning. Although the prestressed composites displayed time-dependent losses, their long-term mechanical properties still outperformed the non-prestressed counterparts.


2021 ◽  
pp. 152808372110003
Author(s):  
M Atta ◽  
A Abu-Sinna ◽  
S Mousa ◽  
HEM Sallam ◽  
AA Abd-Elhady

The bending test is one of the most important tests that demonstrates the advantages of functional gradient (FGM) materials, thanks to the stress gradient across the specimen depth. In this research, the flexural response of functionally graded polymeric composite material (FGM) is investigated both experimentally and numerically. Fabricated by a hand lay-up manufacturing technique, the unidirectional glass fiber reinforced epoxy composite composed of ten layers is used in the present investigation. A 3-D finite element simulation is used to predict the flexural strength based on Hashin’s failure criterion. To produce ten layers of FGM beams with different patterns, the fiber volume fraction ( Vf%) ranges from 10% to 50%. A comparison between FGM beams and conventional composite beams having the same average Vf% is made. The experimental results show that the failure of the FGM beams under three points bending loading (3PB) test is initiated from the tensioned layers, and spread to the upper layer. The spreading is followed by delamination accompanied by shear failures. Finally, the FGM beams fail due to crushing in the compression zone. Furthermore, the delamination failure between the layers has a major effect on the rapidity of the final failure of the FGM beams. The present numerical results show that the gradient pattern of FGM beams is a critical parameter for improving their flexural behavior. Otherwise, Vf% of the outer layers of the FGM beams, i.e. Vf% = 30, 40, or 50%, is responsible for improving their flexural strength.


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