Fabrication and Finite Element Analysis of Composite Elbows

Abstract

“Tube beams” are common lightweight structures, which have domestic and industry applications, and are often subjected to complex multidirectional loads. Therefore, metals with mature manufacturing methods and isotropic properties are commonly used in the fabrication of these structures, which are preferred to be lighter in weight. Although polymer matrix composites are generally used for weight reduction, their conventional manufacturing methods, such as pultrusion and filament-winding, cannot meet the isotropic requirements. Moreover, research on bent tube beams (elbows) is rare. Therefore, a self-made glass fiber/epoxy polyvinyl ester fabric prepreg and a self-designed mold were used in this study to prepare an isotropic composite double-bent elbow by a silicone rubber airbag-assisted process. The load capacity of the elbow was tested and validated by the finite element method. A strength and deformation of up to 3448 N and 2.84 mm respectively, were achieved. The simulation and experimental results were consistent: the error for the load capacity and deformation was only 4.15% and 7.75% respectively, under the max stress criterion.

Rupture of an Industrial GFRP Composite Mitered Elbow Pipe

“…Pipeline designers use composite materials to eliminate the drawbacks of pipe welding, where two pipes are joined together [ 7 ]. Even though polymer matrix composites are utilized for weight reduction, their conventional manufacturing techniques, such as filament-winding and pultrusion, cannot meet the isotropic requirements [ 8 ]. Besides, nanomaterials and particles affect the properties and behavior of materials [ 9 , 10 ].…”

“…The two elbow corners were the weakest in both the inner and the outer layers. The load capacity simulation error was 4.15%, while the deformation error was 7.75% [ 8 ]. In conclusion, the fracture of composite pipes has been thoroughly investigated in the literature; however, more studies are still needed to better understand fracture causes and behavior when pipes are utilized in different applications.…”