Nondestructive parameter identification technique of ultra-light CFRC corrugated sandwich cylinder

Lightweight is the eternal pursuit of astronautic structures. In this research, an ultralight but strong and stiff carbon fiber reinforced composite (CFRC) sandwich cylinder with corrugated cores was designed, manufactured and tested. Free vibration testing was performed to reveal its free vibration behaviors. Combined with classical composite theory, finite element modelling (FEM) and free vibration testing, a nondestructive vibration related technique (VRT) was suggested to identify the material property through determining the fiber volume fraction (FVF) of the composite material of the corrugated-core sandwich cylinder (CSC). The FVF is 43% in this research and much smaller than the standard parameter of the unidirectional laminate made by the hot pressing technique. The actual material property could make the structural analysis more accurate.

Automated summary

The study designed an ultralight but strong and stiff carbon fiber reinforced composite sandwich cylinder, and proposed a nondestructive vibration related technique for identifying material properties through determining fiber volume fraction. The actual material properties obtained can improve the accuracy of structural analysis.