Rectangular and Triangular Corrugated Composite Skins

A simple analytical model for the effective stiffness of rectangular and triangular corrugated composites is developed for the symmetrical and unsymmetrical laminates. The stiffness matrices for the corrugated composites were derived. The elongation and effective stiffness in the longitudinal and transverse directions for the rectangular and triangular corrugated composites were calculated and compared. The dimensions of the rectangular and triangular elements for unidirectional and plain woven fabrics made up of E-glass/Epoxy were investigated. The analytical model has been validated by experimental results from bending and tension tests. FEM models were used to predict the characteristics of rectangular and triangularly corrugated composites using ABAQUS. FEM and analytical models results are compared. Load displacement curves in tensile and bending tests are investigated. Four stages of their mechanical behaviour are identified. Finally ultimate strain and anisotropic behaviour of rectangular and triangular corrugated composites are investigated as experimentally. Results from FEM in ABAQUS, experimental findings, and analytical simulations show that corrugated composites laminates can afford larger deformations than their flat counterparts. Those laminates or skins have significant anisotropic behaviour and they are candidates for morphing applications.