Bistable composite laminates: Effects of laminate composition on cured shape and response to thermal load

• Published in: Composite structures Vol. 92; no. 9; pp. 2220 - 2225
• Main Authors: Giddings, Peter F., Bowen, Christopher R., Salo, Aki I.T., Kim, Hyunsun A., Ive, Alan
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2010; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Bistable laminates; Composite structures; Computer programs; Curvature; Deflection; Exact sciences and technology; Experimental mechanics; Finite element; Finite element method; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Laminates; Machinery and processing; Mathematical analysis; Mathematical models; Miscellaneous; Moulding; Physics; Plastics; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Solid mechanics; Static elasticity (thermoelasticity...); Structural and continuum mechanics; Technology of polymers; Thermal stress; Thermal stress; Bistable laminates; Experimental mechanics; Composite structures; Finite element; Temperature effect; Composition effect; Curing (plastics); Modeling; Composite material; Finite element method; Optical microscopy; Defect; Production process; Strain rate; Stratified material; Motion estimation; Bulk wave; Material selection; Thermomechanical properties; Thermal load; Experimental study; Bistability; Variable section; Curvature; Residual stress; Structural analysis
• ISSN: 0263-8223; 1879-1085
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compstruct.2009.08.043

This paper develops a finite element (FE) approach using commercial ANSYS V11.0 software to accurately predict the cured shape of bistable composites by including the influence of manufacturing imperfections, such as resin rich areas and ply-thickness variations. Laminate composition was characterised by optical microscopy and their cured shapes measured using a Peak Motus motion analysis system. The FE model accurately predicts observed differences between laminate curvature in the two stable states. Localised reversal of curvature resulting from through-thickness shear stress is also predicted. Structural response to thermal loading was experimentally characterised showing a temperature dependent deflection rate and a residual curvature caused by non-reversible residual stresses. FE-predictions show good agreement with experiment over the range 20–110 °C. The presented data highlights the importance of manufacturing processes and materials selection in the design of thermally stressed multi-stable composite structures.