A strategy of parallel winding of circumferential ribs and helical ribs for composite cylindrical grid structures

Abstract

The advanced grid structure is a typical fiber reinforced polymer composite structure with high specific stiffness and high specific strength which has a broad prospect of application in the aerospace field. However, the current manufacturing process inevitably introduces wrinkles and voids at the intersection, which results in decreased performance of the grid structure. In this paper, the effect of winding patterns on the structure at grid intersections is studied.The mathematical model for steering fibers at intersections and the parallel winding strategy of circumferential and helical ribs in a cylindrical grid structure are both developed.These models show that fiber bridges and buildup always exist at intersections where fibers are steered. The fiber morphologies at the intersections of the grid structures formed by different fiber paths are compared. And finite element models are developed to analyze the effect of different paths on the strength of the structures at the intersection. A cylinder grid structure is manufactured, and a uniaxial compression test is carried out to evaluate it compressive performance.