The Fabrication and Mechanical Properties of Continuous Fiber Composite Lattice Structures

Table of Contents

• Abstract
• Nomenclature
• Chapter 1: Introduction
  • 1.1 Background
  • 1.2 Literature Review
  • 1.3 Aims and Objectives
  • 1.4 Thesis Organization
• Chapter 2: Fabrication Procedures
  • 2.1 Introduction
  • 2.2 Manufacturing Through-Thickness Lattice Core Structures in Foam
  • 2.3 Fabrication of Free-Standing Lattice Core Structures
  • 2.4 Lattice Structures Manufactured using the Lost-Mold Technique
  • 2.5 Conclusion
• Chapter 3: Mechanical Characterization
  • 3.1 Introduction
  • 3.2 Experimental Procedure
  • 3.3 Compression Testing of Foam Core Structures
  • 3.4 Compression Testing of Free-Standing Lattice Core Structures
  • 3.5 Compression Testing of Lattice Structures Manufactured using the Lost Mold Technique
  • 3.6 Conclusion
• Chapter 4: Analytical Modeling
  • 4.1 Introduction
  • 4.2 Analytical Prediction of Elastic Properties
  • 4.3 Analytical Prediction of Compression Collapse Strength
  • 4.4 Conclusion
• Chapter 5: Numerical Modeling
  • 5.1 Introduction
  • 5.2 Finite Element Modeling of Lattice Structures
  • 5.3 Results and Discussion
  • 5.4 Conclusion
• Chapter 6: Conclusions and Future Recommendations
  • 6.1 Conclusions
  • 6.2 Future Recommendations
• References
• Appendix

Objectives and Key Themes

This research investigates the mechanical properties of novel core materials for use in sandwich panels. The primary objective is to examine the mechanical properties per weight density of these materials. The study focuses on manufacturing and testing composite lattice core sandwich structures with a range of relative densities under quasi-static compression loading conditions.

• Fabrication and testing of lattice core structures with varying densities and geometries.
• Examination of the mechanical properties, including collapse strength, failure mechanisms, and energy absorption characteristics.
• Development of suitable manufacturing methods for unique lattice core structures.
• Comparison of the mechanical performance of various lattice structures with traditional core materials.
• Development of analytical and numerical models to predict the mechanical behavior of lattice structures.

Chapter Summaries

The thesis begins with an introduction providing background information on the use of lattice structures in sandwich panels and a review of relevant literature. Chapter 2 focuses on the fabrication procedures for different types of lattice core structures, including the development of a 'lost mold' manufacturing technique. Chapter 3 presents the results of mechanical characterization experiments, including compression testing of foam core structures, free-standing lattice core structures, and lattice structures manufactured using the lost mold technique. Chapter 4 delves into the analytical modeling of lattice structures, including predictions of elastic properties and compression collapse strength. Chapter 5 provides a detailed analysis of the numerical modeling using finite element methods and compares these results with analytical predictions and experimental data. While the conclusion of the thesis is not included in this preview, Chapter 6 likely provides a comprehensive summary of the findings and suggests future research directions.

Keywords

This research focuses on the fabrication and mechanical properties of lattice structures for use in sandwich panels. Key themes include: lattice structures, sandwich structures, mechanical properties, resin infusion, finite element, composites, VARTM, unidirectional fiber, and energy absorption. The study explores various manufacturing techniques, including the lost mold method, and uses experimental data to investigate the impact of factors such as strut diameter, fiber volume fraction, and geometry on the mechanical performance of these structures. The research also involves the development of analytical and numerical models to predict and analyze the mechanical behavior of lattice structures.