Optimisation of multistable helical structures using AFP manufacturing

Robert Telford, Paul M. Weaver

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

Abstract

We are currently in a remarkable period of spaceflight, with an ever-growing number of private companies and governments launching increasingly frequent and ambitious missions. Aggressive development of new technologies has led to a reduction in launch costs while improving mission capabilities. One such technology that can benefit space missions is shape changing and deployable structures (herein referred to as morphing structures). By undergoing large changes in shape, it is possible to package deployable structures in a small volume, reducing the size and weight of launch structures while also adding multi-functionality. The morphing helix is one such structure which offers exceptional twist and length shape changing capabilities, in a lightweight, simple and highly tuneable system. As such, it is an ideal morphing solution for aerospace applications. This work aims to improve the viability of morphing helices in two areas. Firstly, the morphing configurations possible are increased by incorporating perversions, which locally invert the twist angle of the helix. Secondly, advanced manufacturing techniques (automated fibre placement) is explored as a means to quickly and accurately manufacture morphing components. Initial findings from a manufactured demonstrator showed that high strains can develop by reversing twist direction, which limited the formation of a perversion. A finite element model was developed to investigate this finding. It was found that membrane strains develop within the perversion region, which may require modification to theoretical approaches predicting perversions in morphing helices.

Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - 2017
Event21st International Conference on Composite Materials, ICCM 2017 - Xi'an, China
Duration: 20 Aug 201725 Aug 2017

Conference

Conference21st International Conference on Composite Materials, ICCM 2017
Country/TerritoryChina
CityXi'an
Period20/08/1725/08/17

Keywords

  • AFP
  • Helix
  • Perversion
  • Twist Morphing

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