Thermal Effect on Bistable Behaviour of T700/3234 Anti-symmetric Cylindrical Shells

Abstract

The temperature effects on the bi-stable characteristics of T700/3234 anti-symmetric carbon-fiber composite structure were studied. Three different layup specimens were prepared through composite molding process.The two points loading method was used in the experiment. The modified experimental testing machine (the experimental testing machine could be used to induce the bistable composite shell to snap between the two stable shapes, and continually capture the data in the experimental process.) was related to tensile testing machine at present. The load-displacement curvatures under the temperature of 20℃,40℃,60℃ and 80℃ were given. The snap load was recorded and the photos were taken in the experimental process. After the experiment, the detailed data of curvature and twisting curvature were obtained by image processing technology. The variation law of the coiled-up radius, out-of-plane displacement, maximum snap-through and snap-back loads were analyzed. The effect on the composite structure was also discussed.The result shows that the thermal effect is vital to the bistable snaps process, and corresponding influence trends to the snap through and snap back process are given.

Keywords

• carbon-fibre composite
• antisymmetric layup shell
• Bi-stable characteristics
• temperature field