Topology design for composite components of minimum weight

Abstract

This work presents a new philosophy for optimisation of composite structures in relation to lightweight design. It is based on Michell optimum lay-out theory, which uses orthogonal mesh structures disposed in the direction of principal stress trajectories, associated with an absolutely uniform distribution of stress in the fibres. The fibres in the composite component micro structure are disposed orthogonally like the minimum weight Michell structures, with voids filled with resin. This is the same mechanical principle which governs the optimisation of natural composites such as bones, hom, trees etc. Based on this natural rule, a procedure to find the optimum topology for the design of optimum composite mechanical components has been developed. A CAD-CAE software system based on finite element analysis using ABAQUS produces interactively on a screen the structure of optimum topology where the optimum fibre arrangement will be made.

Photoelastic and numerical analyses of the stress distribution around a fiber in a pull‐out test for a thermoplastic fiber/epoxy resin composite

“…The importance of finding the principal stress trajectories is that they could be used to determine the angle between the maximum shear stress directions, which must occur at 45° to the principal tensile stresses . Also, principal stress trajectories provide a means of guiding the placement of fibers in composite laminates and may assist with the design of composite materials .…”

Optimum Design of Composite Structures: A Literature Survey (1969–2009)

“…In many of these studies, plain fiber-reinforced laminated composite plates were considered for optimization; besides, others types of composite structures were optimized: Structures reinforced with short or long fibers, 6,70,113,300,545,618,696,899,958 particulate fillers, 352,425,737,821 braided or woven fibers, 291,326,336,347,425,530,531,710,880,884,923,1006 or carbon nanotubes, 993 laminates with layers having variable fiber orientation, 149,173,219,243,247,271,311,325,355,359,446,564,633,709,720,730,732,771,787,796,797,814,831,877,885,900,906,910,951–954 or variable fiber density, 325,472,…”

“…In composite optimization studies, usually the material system or dimensions (size) were optimized. In some studies, shape 55,72,183,190,200,241,242,289,313,354,383,547,588,619,668–670,675,683,707,733,742,779,800,810,829,855,875,916,1000,1003 or topology 149,219,243,247,291,325,348,358,378,427,446,447,463,466,472,490,503,514,528,547,582,596,607,651,688,730,732,744,774,776,806,826,828…”