Low-cost steered fibre structures
Steered fibre structures, also known as variable stiffness structures, offer the potential for further optimisation of the mechanical behaviour of advanced composite structures. The idea is to use non-straight fibre paths to reduce stress concentrations and enhance properties such as buckling resistance and strength. In this EPSRC-funded project we explore the possibility of manufacturing low-cost steered fibre structures, by shearing woven fabrics rather than via the use of expensive automated layup machines. A bespoke kinematic code was used to design and guide the manufacture of a panel consisting of both straight and steered fibre plies [1]. This information was transferred into a structural simulation and the resulting behaviour compared with actual low-cost steered fibre plates [2]. The results show an improvement in the buckling response of the steered fibre laminates both in simulations and in practice [3].
​​​
[1] Xiao, Z. and Harrison, P. (2021) Design of buckling and damage resistant steered fibre composite laminates using trellis shear kinematics. Composite Structures, 260, 113526. (doi: 10.1016/j.compstruct.2020.113526)
​
[2] Xiao, Z., Ackermann, A. and Harrison, P. (2020) Manual 2-dimensional fabric steering, for the manufacture of variable stiffness panels. Procedia Manufacturing, 47, pp. 24-28. (doi: 10.1016/j.promfg.2020.04.111)​
​
[3] Xiao, Z. and Harrison, P. (2021) Fabric steering technology for variable stiffness panels: manufacture and mechanical testing. Composites Part B: Engineering, 223, 109105. (doi: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2021.109105)​
​​
