Abstract
Lightening parts, maintaining also a high strength, is a request of the transport industry. Isogrid structures represent one of the best answer to face these issues, especially if composite materials are considered for their production. However, the fabrication of these structures is very complex, as defects can arise that cause the part discarding or the part failure during service. The properties of the fabricated structure depend on some process characteristics, as the forming technology, the process parameters and the tools that have to be wisely designed. Isogrid structures are characterized by the ribs, so the mould shape must be carefully planned. In fact, a common defect that usually occurs is a scarce compaction of the ribs, which involves porosity and low mechanical strength. In this paper, the manufacturing process peculiarities for GFRP (Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer) isogrid structures were defined, then both the mould and the parts were produced. Structural tests were carried out on these structures in order to validate the process design methodology, paying particular attention to the structural properties of the ribs, as the compaction degree and the interlaminar shear strength. Finally, some actions were undertaken to avoid the problems found in the first production run.
Highlights
The most advanced engineering products demand the application of advanced materials together with innovative design concepts
A t the end of the cure process, each lattice structure was extracted from the mould and a visual inspection was performed on the part as preliminary quality test
I n this paper a design methodology of a mould for manufacturing isogrid structure made of composite material was defined and evaluated through structural tests
Summary
The most advanced engineering products demand the application of advanced materials together with innovative design concepts. In a work of Frulloni et al [1], the design and manufacturing of isogrid structures made of composite materials is the best answer to this demanding task as composite materials present high resistance/weight ratio, while isogrid structures provide excellent performances for thin-walled components subjected to buckling failure; it is not without reason that this kind of structure are increasingly used in aeronautical and aerospace applications These structures are composed by an isogrid lattice, formed by helical and circumferential ribs, surrounded by a thin skin: in such manner, the final product consists in a lightweight structure characterized by high mechanical performances. Some actions were undertaken to avoid the problems rose in the first production run, on the basis of the quality tests
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