The paper describes a cross-sector collaborative project, part-funded by the Technology Strategy Board, to investigate node manufacture and joining for large 'all composite' truss structures and space frames (3D truss structures) based on 3D weave and 2D aligned fibre reinforcements - two areas that are considered most important in composite space frame technology. The specific objectives of this project were to: - develop baseline designs for 2D (aligned, chopped carbon) and 3D woven textile reinforced composite nodes, - simulate infusion, cure and mechanical performance for the 3D weave reinforced nodes, - manufacture nodes, based on carbon fibre and an advanced epoxy resin, - develop automated 3D woven fabric and 2D aligned fibre reinforcement processes, - develop joint design and modelling, for different sector requirements, based on three types of strut material, being aluminium, epoxy and vinyl ester composites, - assess suitable structural health monitoring techniques and, - determine suitable repair strategies for two different levels of damage. The Project Partners were drawn from the civil infrastructure, aeronautical, automotive, defence and composites sectors facilitating technology transfer across industries and embracing expertise drawn from academic establishments. The design, manufacture and testing of the nodes over the three year duration of the project are described and the application of this technology to footbridges over railways is examined.
Advanced composite truss system (ACTS) - development of a carbon fibre joining node
2011
12 Seiten, 17 Bilder, 3 Tabellen
Conference paper
English
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