Keywords

Morphing Bistability Composite Thermal Actuation Snap-Through

Abstract

Composite laminate structures offer promising aerospace applications owing to their multi-functional capabilities. These composites exhibit the unique ability to transition between stable geometries, passing through an intermediate, predicted unstable geometry. Actuation is achieved through the application of external loading conditions, encompassing both mechanical and thermal stimuli, with a particular emphasis on the latter. The nonlinear response induced by such transitions experimentally motivates this research due to the minimal amount of data on the transition section between geometries. Application of these composites under loading conditions proves interesting for a thermal management application with additional thermal loading present. This use would require the composite laminate to withstand various loads, as well as to satisfy varying geometry constraints. Boundary conditions play a pivotal role in governing the composite's response, with certain configurations proving ideal for maximizing deformation. Understanding the dynamic response due to these various conditions allows for the implementation of the bistable composites in our thermal management case. Investigation of the total response and the speed of actuation during the loading process highlights the composite's viability. Through the repeated testing, both analytically and experimentally, the composite laminates have proven that they are viable for the thermal management application. Experimental research into the application, through the addition of the flat plate installed directly into the thermal management case, or the addition of the various other geometries is of much interest as this study continues to move forward.

Completion Date

2024

Semester

Summer

Committee Chair

Kauffman, Jeffrey

Degree

Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering (M.S.A.E.)

College

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Department

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Degree Program

Space System Dsgn and Engr Trk

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

DP0028547

URL

https://purls.library.ucf.edu/go/DP0028547

Language

English

Release Date

8-15-2024

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Open Access)

Accessibility Status

Meets minimum standards for ETDs/HUTs

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