Abstract
Tubular structures made from advanced composites offer the potential to achieve a greater portion of the theoretical weight savings offered by these materials than more com plex structures. Simple loaded paths, optimum structural geometry, and the absence of ex tensive fastening requirements implies that the weight savings achievable approaches the limit of the appropriate material parameter. In this paper, design and manufacturing con siderations are presented for a specific loading, axial compression, which is of broad general application. Procedures for selecting the optimum material, laminate configura tion, and tube dimensions are presented for three design situations—unconstrained, wall thickness constraint, and diameter constraint. It is seen that the nature of the constraint determines the design configuration and material selection. A brief discussion of methods of attachment is then presented. The advantages of several alternate manufacturing methods are compared for the specific requirements of this application. Weight savings of 40-60 % are achievable over comparable aluminum structures.
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