Compressive failure behavior of CFRP structures

Abstract

Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics (CFRP) composite lattice cylindrical and conical shells have been used for inter-stage structures for various launch vehicles because of their high strength/weight ratio. The objective of this research is to investigate the failure behavior of composite lattice structures and to design the most weight efficient structure with the highest failure load. Various failure modes are considered, including general buckling as a shell and excessive stress. Both the composite lattice cylindrical and conical shells under axial compressive loads are examined. The main emphasis is placed on the effects of geometrical configuration of the structure and the manufacturing process. The main geometrical configuration effects are the winding pattern, winding angle, the inertial properties of the member's cross sections and the slenderness of the member. The manufacturing process includes automated winding, winding path control, bridging effects and the winding tension force. It is shown that these structures can be constructed by filament winding, the process can be automated, and the manufacturing costs can be greatly reduced.