A previous paper [1] has discussed some simplified models that describe the impact behaviour of polymer composite sandwich beams. The models were used as part of a final-year undergraduate course in impact engineering at the University of Liverpool. This paper relates these beam models to five composite constructions, namely, a surfboard, a dinghy, a solar car, a train and a helicopter. The aim of the paper is to integrate issues concerning composite materials, manufacture and structural design. The beam models are used to critique the selected product designs and to identify the effects of improvements to material properties with a view to improving beam, and hence, product performance.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
MinesR.A.W., ‘An introduction to the impact behaviour of polymer composites using simplified beam models’, Int. J. Mech. Eng. Educ., 26(2), 89–110 (1998).
2.
LeesJ.K., ‘Keeping the dream going’, Advanced Composites93 (1993) pp. 3–7.
3.
RosensaftM., and MaromG., ‘Evaluation of bending test methods for composite materials’, J. Comp. Techn. and Res., 7(1), 12–16 (1985).
4.
ASTM, Standard test method for flexural properties of flat sandwich constructions. Standard C393–62 (1988).
ManningJ.A.CroskyA.G., and BandyopadhyayaS., ‘Flexural and impact properties of sandwich panels used in surfboard construction’, Advanced Composites93, (1993), pp. 123–127.
7.
KarlssonK.F., and AstromB.T., ‘Manufacturing and applications of structural sandwich components’, Composites, 28A(2), 97–111 (1997).
8.
KimparaI.KageyamaK.SuzukiT.OhsawaI., and TakatoyaT., ‘Design and evaluation of advanced composite sandwich structures for marine use’, in Sandwich Constructions 3 (Ed. AllenH. G.), EMAS, Vol. II, 1995, pp. 37–46.
CharlesJ.P., and Guedra-DegeorgesD., ‘Impact damage tolerance of helicopter sandwich structures’, 23rd SAMPE Conference (1991), pp. 51–61.
11.
KindervaterC.M., and GeorgiH., ‘Composite strength and energy absorption as an aspect of structural crash resistance’, in Structural Crashworthiness and Failure (Eds JonesN. and WierzbickiT.), Elsevier, 1993, pp. 189–235.
12.
BhavaniS.H., ‘Design and construction of a solar electric vehicle’, J. Solar Eng. (ASME), 116, 28–34 (1994).
13.
Sunrayce 95 Regulations, Sunrayce 95 Headquarters, NREL, 1617 Cole Boulevard, Golden, CO 80401–3393, USA.
14.
De KalbermattenT., and ReifG., ‘Cab in GRP/foam sandwich design for modern high speed locomotives’, in Sandwich Construction 2 (Eds Weissmann-BermannD. and OlssonK.A.), EMAS, 1992, pp. 873–886.
15.
HullD., ‘Matrix dominated properties of polymer matrix composite materials’, Matl. Sci. and Eng., A184, 173–183 (1984).
16.
Hexcel Composites, Fibre volume and cured ply thickness calculations for 924C-T300(6K)-5-34%, Hexcel Composites Ltd, Duxford, Cambridge, UK.
17.
WattW.PhillipsL.N., and JohnsonW., ‘High strength high modulus carbon fibres’, The Engineer, 221, 815–816 (1966).
18.
YakobsonB.I., and SmalleyR.E., ‘Fullerene nanotubes C1,000,000 and beyond’, American Scientist, 85, (July/August), 324–337 (1997).
19.
JohnsonA.F., Engineering Design Properties of GRP, HMSO, 1986.
20.
GibsonL.J., and AshbyM.F., Cellular Solids—Structure and Properties, Pergamon Press, Oxford, 1988.
21.
DatooM.H., College of Aeronautics Lamina Analysis (COALA) Manual, Cranfield Institute of Technology, 1987.
22.
HancoxN.L., and MayerR.M., Design Data for Reinforced Plastics, Chapman & Hall, London, 1994.
23.
American Society of Metals, Engineers' Guide to Composite Materials, ASM, 1987.
24.
Data sheets for Airex R63 and Herex C70, Airex AG, Ch-5643, Sins, Switzerland.
25.
HardingJ., and WelshL.M., ‘A tensile testing technique for fibre reinforced composites at impact rates of strain’, J. Matl. Sci., 18, 1810–1826 (1983).
26.
Al MadaniR. A., ‘Dropped weight impact performance of GRP sandwich beams’, MSc thesis, University of Liverpool, 1992.
27.
MinesR.A.W., ‘Impact energy absorption of polymer composite sandwich beams’, Int. J. Key Engineering Materials, 141–143, 553–572 (1998)
28.
Von GellhornE., and ReifG., ‘Think dynamic—dynamic test data for the design of dynamically loaded structures’, in Sandwich Construction 2 (Eds Weissmann-BermannD. and OlssonK. A.), EMAS, 1992, pp. 541–557.
