Structural Design and Analysis of a 3D Fabric-Reinforced Composite Outlet Guide Vane
Typ
Examensarbete på kandidatnivå
Bachelor Thesis
Bachelor Thesis
Program
Publicerad
2024
Författare
Coates, Fiona
Ericsson , Walther P
Hughes, Emily
Jinneryd, Daniel
Olsson, Jakob
Rindsäter, Anthon
Modellbyggare
Tidskriftstitel
ISSN
Volymtitel
Utgivare
Sammanfattning
History shows that commercial airline engines have become larger and heavier. Due
to the close relation between engine weight and fuel efficiency, a weight reduction
would reduce aviation’s carbon footprint. The introduction of composite materials,
in particular those with carbon fibre reinforcements, to replace traditional metallic
alloys is one avenue to create lighter aeroengines.
This work focuses on an innovative class of composite material with 3D fabricreinforcement.
By having fabric-reinforcement in three dimensions one can overcome
a number of challenges found in traditional laminated composite, such as their
susceptibility for delamination and poor out-of-plane properties.
The aim of this study is to clarify the mechanical and thermal properties of 3D fabricreinforced
composite materials across different scales. This is in order to propose a
final suitable 3D orthogonal non-woven yarn architecture for an Outlet Guide Vane
(OGV) in an aero engine. Firstly, the microscale characteristics of these materials
are examined, considering the combination of an epoxy matrix and carbon fibres,
to provide insights into their mechanical and thermal behaviour. Subsequently,
this thesis delves into the mesoscale, integrating micro-mechanical properties of the
yarns and polymer matrix properties to tailor the fibre distribution within the yarn
structure, aiming to meet the failure criteria on the macroscale. Moreover, it investigates
the hypothesis that off-axis yarns enhance shear stiffness moduli, utilising
modelling and simulation techniques. Through simulations on the macroscale, the
study validates the mechanical elastic properties of the composite material, ensuring
its adequacy for the prescribed failure criteria. Furthermore, it predicts and
analyses heat transfer effects across the orthogonal non-woven yarn structure when
embedded with a thermal element, leveraging calculated thermal properties. Lastly,
informed by findings on the macroscale, a final composite yarn structure is proposed
that is suitable for application in the designated OGV context. This comprehensive
investigation contributes to advancing the understanding of composite materials,
particularly in aerospace applications.
Beskrivning
Ämne/nyckelord
3D orthogonal non-woven composite , Failure , Finite element method , Homogenisation , Mechanical properties , Orthotropic , RVE , Textile Structure Modelling , Thermal properties