Fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) are used in a widespread range, for example in aerospace, mobility or wind energy applications due to their excellent quality profile. Moreover, rotating machine elements, which are applied in dynamic processes, require a primarily high stiffness combined with an elastic behavior. Novel FRP components or modern hybrid structures lead to a lower energy consumption of the entire mechanical system. In this respect, a shaft coupling between two shafts depicts an exemplary machine element for a possible application of FRP. This paper deals with the numerical analysis on the structural behavior of a non-engaging bellows coupling made of prepreg-based carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) for propulsion technology. The presented concept is based on the methodological construction approach for the fulfillment of the compensation and connection functionality. A very high torsional stiffness as well as a certain bending flexibility of the whole coupling geometry is required due to the connection of two torsion-loaded structures. Specific geometrical design variables could be identified with the finite elements method (FEM) and the design of experiments (DoE), which have a significant influence on the structure mechanical behavior of the CFRP bellows coupling. Based on a variable identification scheme according to Shainin, the influence of various geometrical design factors on the structural performance of the CFRP bellows coupling was evaluated.
Numerical Investigation of Structural Behavior Of Fiber Reinforced Polymers Filled Sandwich Panels
