Dynamic performance of hygro-thermal-mechanically preloaded variable stiffness composite fairing structures

Giuseppe Sciascia, Vincenzo Oliveri, Paul M. Weaver

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Since the introduction of variable stiffness composites, the design philosophy for highperformance lightweight composite structures has broadened greatly. Indeed, variable stiffness composites have been shown to increase buckling performance and dynamic stability, as well as to modify the dynamic response by tailoring stiffness distributions. Thus, efficient linear analysis tools play a significant role in the early design of variable stiffness structures, allowing designers to identify many viable solutions when considering preloaded dynamically excited aerospace components. To address this need, a Ritz-based method for eigenfrequency and dynamic instability analysis of hygro-thermal and mechanically prestressed variable stiffness laminated doubly-curved payload fairing structures is presented. Flexibility in modeling and design is achieved using Sanders-Koiter based shell kinematics that allow general orthogonal surfaces to be modelled without further assumptions on the shallowness or on the thinness of the structure. The efficiency of the proposed Ritz method is enabled by using Legendre orthogonal polynomials as displacement trial functions. By comparing the present approach with finite element solutions for variable-curvature, variable angle tow fairing shell geometries excellent accuracy is shown accompanied by an order of magnitude reduction in variables by the present method. Original solutions are presented comparing the dynamic behaviour of prestressed constant and variable stiffness composite shell structures, showcasing the viability of the variable stiffness concept to significantly increase the structural performance of critical doubly-curved variable-curvature components such as launch vehicle payload fairings.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAIAA SciTech Forum and Exposition, 2023
PublisherAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc, AIAA
ISBN (Print)9781624106996
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023
EventAIAA SciTech Forum and Exposition, 2023 - Orlando, United States
Duration: 23 Jan 202327 Jan 2023

Publication series

NameAIAA SciTech Forum and Exposition, 2023

Conference

ConferenceAIAA SciTech Forum and Exposition, 2023
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityOrlando
Period23/01/2327/01/23

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