Thermoplastic Composites for Integrally Woven Pressure Actuated Cellular Structures: Design Approach and Material Investigation

Abstract

The use of pressure-actuated cellular structures (PACS) is an effective approach for the application of compliant mechanisms. Analogous to the model in nature, the Venus flytrap, they are made of discrete pressure-activated rows and can be deformed with high stiffness at a high deformation rate. In previous work, a new innovative approach in their integral textile-based manufacturing has been demonstrated based on the weaving technique. In this work, the theoretical and experimental work on the further development of PACS from simple single-row to double-row PACS with antagonistic deformation capability is presented. Supported by experimental investigations, the necessary adaptations in the design of the textile preform and the polymer composite design are presented and concretized. Based on the results of pre-simulations of the deformation capacity of the new PACS, their performance was evaluated, the results of which are presented.

Aeroelastic Analysis of Actuated Adaptive Wingtips Based on Pressure-Actuated Cellular Structures

“…The next step in realizing PACS-based actuated adaptive wingtips is the experimental proof with a functional prototype. Ongoing research investigates the integral textile manufacturing of PACS from woven glass-fiber reinforced plastic [35,36]. The integral manufacturing of single-row cellular structures was successfully demonstrated by the authors [35].…”

“…However, PACS actuators allowing for adaptive stiffness and active deflection require two antagonistic rows of cells. The extension of the weaving process to more complex double-row cellular structures is part of current work [36]. Considering manufacturing-specific constraints in the design process is essential for the successful realization of PACS actuators with high load-bearing capacity.…”

Advanced 3D woven profile structures and their composites for automotive applications

“…Thus, they constitute primary load-bearing structural composites at their web-flange junction, which is mainly considered a critical area and ought to be highly reliable. [5][6][7][8][9] The boltless composite joining is one of the important challenges in the aerospace and automotive industry. [10] Although conventional mechanical joining has been optimized, it introduces extra weight due to increased thickness at the assembled component's junction point near the bolts and the additional weight of bolts.…”

“…Thus, they constitute primary load‐bearing structural composites at their web‐flange junction, which is mainly considered a critical area and ought to be highly reliable. [ 5–9 ]…”

Advances in Textile Structural Composites

“…The warp is along the length and the weft is along the width of the fabric. Individual warp and weft yarns are called the ends and picks [ 4 ]. The interlacement of the ends and picks with each other produces a coherent and stable structure.…”