A holistic comparison of a trailing edge rib demonstrator made with three different PEEK thermoplastic composite form factors: unidirectional, fabric and braid
Lopez, Alfonso Kariyawasam, Supun Postera, Richard Carrol, Brennan Spangler, Joe Seneviratne, Waruna P. Leach, David Wood, Billy
Lopez, Alfonso
Kariyawasam, Supun
Postera, Richard
Carrol, Brennan
Spangler, Joe
Seneviratne, Waruna P.
Leach, David
Wood, Billy
Other Names
Location
Time Period
Advisors
Original Date
Digitization Date
Issue Date
2023-05
Type
Conference paper
Genre
Keywords
Antennas,Approximation theory,Carbon fibers,Economic and social effects,Laminated composites,Reinforced plastics,Thermoplastics,Thermosets
Subjects (LCSH)
Citation
Lopez, A., Kariyawasam, S., Postera, R., Carrol, B., Spangler, J., Seneviratne, W., Leach, D., & Wood, B. (2023). A holistic comparison of a trailing edge rib demonstrator made with three different PEEK thermoplastic composite form factors: unidirectional, fabric and braid. FORUM 2023 - Vertical Flight Society 79th Annual Forum and Technology Display. (Paper 1170).
Abstract
This study investigates the forming quality and mechanical performance of a trailing edge rib made with three different carbon fiber PEEK form factors, tape, fabric, and braid. It was found tape ribs developed the most severe level of wrinkling and waviness leading to premature ILT failure in the flange. This contrasted with braid and fabric ribs, which failed in compression buckling and had almost three times the deformation before ultimate failure. Moreover, the reinforcement form factor, combined with a high elongation to break matrix like PEEK, was found to have a significant effect on crack propagation and toughness leading to the different failure modes. The trade-offs between tape, fabric and braid form factors are similar to those with thermosets, but seemingly exaggerated, considering fabrics and braids displayed a large amount of plastic deformation while PEEK tape laminates displayed failure progression similar to thermoset composites. These findings have important implications for the design and optimization of thermoplastic composites in new aerial mobility vehicles expected to operate at higher frequency in environments with more varied damage hazard potential.
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Description
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Presented at the 79th Vertical Flight Society Annual Forum and Technology Display, FORUM 2023, 16 - 18 May 2023
Presented at the 79th Vertical Flight Society Annual Forum and Technology Display, FORUM 2023, 16 - 18 May 2023
Publisher
Vertical Flight Society
Journal
Book Title
Series
FORUM 2023 - Vertical Flight Society 79th Annual Forum and Technology Display