Optimisation of layup type and fibre orientation in continuous-fibre reinforced components via anisotropy analysis

• DOI: 10.1016/j.compstruct.2022.115347
• Publication Date: 2022-02-12T15:56:34Z
• Authors: Clemens Zimmerling; Benedikt Fengler; Constantin Krauß; Luise Kärger
• Keywords: Load bearing; Principal stress

Continuous-fibre-reinforced plastics (CoFRP) have drawn increasing attention as load bearing structures in weight-sensitive applications. Typically, their full potential only unfolds after careful adjustment to requirements. However, owing the multitude of adjustable material parameters, determining a robust optimum is still great challenge, especially when considering multiple cases. In extension existing approaches, this work proposes an optimality criterion (OC) based on principal stress analysis for simultaneous optimisation layup type and fibre orientation multi-load case scenarios. Three common layups are considered types: quasi-isotropic (QI), bidirectional (BD) unidirectional (UD) layups. Iterative application OC assigns each component region either QI-, BD- or UD-material at optimal orientation. The methodology demonstrated using two generic geometries one real-world structure. It found reliably allocate beneficial types low computational effort thus deemed facilitate lean part design under consideration