Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis on different inter-ply configurations of glass/basalt/aramid/carbon hybridized composites for aircraft structures

Abstract

The objective is to design and fabricate a simple airfoil wing structure using hybrid composites and to study its vibrational properties. The motive of this project is to provide the base data for further research. The main aim of this project is to study the vibrational properties of new materials that can possibly replace the existing materials that are used in aircrafts. Scaled down model of a wing was fabricated using composites and the natural frequency and damping behavior of the specimen of different hybrid configurations were studied using FFT analysis. Composites are sought after because of their excellent resistance to vibration and other properties like high strength to weight ratio. Research has helped in the development of better plastic resins. The need for better properties of composites has given birth to hybridization of composites. Hybrid composites are composed of two or more synthetic or natural fibers and matrix materials. Therefore, it is possible to improve the performance of the fiber reinforced composite by the hybrid effect which improves the disadvantages of the other fibers by mixing different reinforcing fibers and increases the advantages. Inter-ply hybrid specimens fabricated in a sandwich-like stacking sequence are to be used. Specimens of different hybrid configurations are to be tested. The aim of this study is to investigate the natural frequency and damping behavior of different inter-ply configurations of glass, basalt, aramid and carbon hybrid composite.