Advanced manufacturing of composites via filament winding: evaluation of residual strength after impact for cylinders with variable stiffness

Abstract

The main goal of this research Project consists of developing a package of experimental, numerical and optimization solutions for cylindrical structures with variable stiffness obtained via filament winding (FW). It is known that axisymmetric parts made from traditional FW process have good mechanical properties. However, the low transversal strength of these laminates becomes this kind of structure susceptible to impact damage. Modifications on the traditional FW in order to obtain an advanced manufacturing process will be carried out to produce composite cylinders with variable stiffness, increasing the options for fabrication and facilitating the generation of optimized structures. It will be carried out tests of residual strength after impact, such as axial and/or radial compression, to analyze the cylinder's mechanical behavior. To perform the optimization of these structures, it will be developed models via finite element to predict the progressive failure and damage in the materials, as well as the integration with optimization algorithms. Cylinder prototypes of optimized composites will be manufactured and evaluated via experimental test to validate the predicted results. It is expected to have, through the advanced manufacturing process, composite cylinders with optimized stiffness and weight that will compare to cylinders manufactured via traditional FW. Besides, it is expected that this methodology will be easily implemented in an industrial scale and that interest companies can be benefited by the results obtained and disseminated by the Project. (AU)