Composite Medical Tabletops Made of CFRP with Different Cross-Sections: Numerical Analysis and Laboratory Testing

Abstract

This paper presents the results of laboratory tests of CFRP (carbon fiber-reinforced polymer) laminates, which allowed the development of numerical material models. The obtained data were used in a further stage to perform numerical simulations of four variants of medical tabletops, differing, among other features, in the shape of the cross-section. Maximum deflections and effort in the composite material were analyzed. The final step was to perform a laboratory test for one of the tabletop versions, the results of which confirmed the correctness of the numerical calculations. This work is aimed at both researchers and designers involved in the practical application of fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composites.

Mechanical Performance of Advanced Composite Materials and Structures

“…The use of CFRP is also garnering attention in medical apparatus and instruments due to its safety and comfort. Golewski et al [7] conducted a study entitled "Composite Medical Tabletops Made of CFRP with Different Cross-Sections: Numerical Analysis and Laboratory Testing", which was the first attempt to design CFRP medical tabletops. Numerical simulations and laboratory testing methods were used in the study for design and verification purposes, respectively.…”