Volume: 3, 2024
3rd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: T009
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL3.T009
Published online: 24 April 2024
ICDSUPL, 3, T009 (2024)
Stability of thin-walled composite structures – FEM mesh density comparison
Błażej Czajka1*
1 Department of Machine Design and Mechatronics, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Lublin University of Technology, Nadbystrzycka 38D, 20-618 Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: blazej.czajka@pollub.edu.pl
Abstract
Composites thin-walled structures are widely used in many industries such as aviation, aerospace or automotive. Complex mechanisms in composites (compared to isotropic materials) cause the need for further research. The work is focused on the research of compressed thin-walled composite structures stability. The 200 mm height columns with a top-hat cross-section (60 × 30 × 15 mm) and Z-profiles (60 × 30 mm) were investigated. CFRP material with two different layer arrangements W1, Z1 – [0/-45/45/90]s and W2, Z2 – [90/0/90/0]s were used. Finite element method (FEM) analysis was performed using the Abaqus software. Investigated columns were placed between non-deformable plates and compressed. Models were prepared using conventional shell elements. The values of the buckling loads and the buckling shapes of the first three modes were investigated. In the research impact of mesh density were compared. A comparison of critical loads achieved for all investigated mesh density shows similar results. Buckling shapes looks the same for all mods of individual specimens regardless of mesh density. The biggest difference for buckling loads was achieved for 3rd mode of W2 lay-up and not exceed 2.5%. Standard deviation not exceed 0.9% for any cross-section or lay-up. Buckling load for W1 is up to 2% higher than for the W2 configuration, but for the Z-profiles difference is higher. Z1 lay-up has almost 40% higher buckling load than Z2. Buckling load values are about 2.5 times higher for W1 than Z1 and about 3.5 times higher for W2 than for the Z2. It is planned to compare the experimental research results to validate obtained results. The conducted research led to the following conclusions:
• mesh density in the investigated range has no significant impact on the results (both critical loads and buckling shapes),
• W1 and Z1 lay-up configurations have higher buckling loads than W2 and Z2, respectively,
• both top-hat shape profiles have higher buckling loads than Z shape profiles,
• buckling loads for W1 and W2 are more similar than for Z1 and Z2.
Keywords: thin-walled structures, composites, stability, buckling, finite element method (FEM)
How to cite
B. Czajka, 2024. Stability of thin-walled composite structures – FEM mesh density comparison. In: 3rd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL3.T009