Simulation-supported research of novel textile-based adaptive fiber plastic composite structures with shape memory alloy elements for complex deformation patterns

• Applicants: Professor Dr.-Ing. Chokri Cherif; Professor Dr.-Ing. Maik Gude
• Subject Area: Lightweight Construction, Textile Technology
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 450242512

High-performance fiber materials, such as glass fiber and carbon fiber filament yarns, and their textile processing into suitable reinforcing semi-finished products form the foundation for heavy-duty fiber-reinforced polymer composites (FRPC). The functional scope of this material group can significantly extended by the material-specific integration of actuator and/or sensor functions into the composite. Actuator materials in particular, such as shape memory alloys (SMA), show particularly high potential for an active functionalization of composite structures. The aim of the proposed project is the realization of novel shape-variable lightweight structures based on adaptive composites with reproducible and spatially complex deformation behavior. Here, glass fiber textile-reinforced composites with thermoset matrix systems are to be functionalized by positioning and textile integration of yarn- or wire-shaped SMA actuators into the textile reinforcement structure. One of the focuses is on the specific and automated/reproducible integration of the SMA actuators in the composite, which enables an extended design flexibility and a high long-term stability. For this purpose, an enhanced understanding of the correlations between the textile binding type (e.g. fabric weave) and the resulting functional properties of the adaptive composite structure needs to be established. This will lead to the development and design of functional and damage-related integration concepts of SMA actuators in composites to realize high actuating forces and degrees and speeds of deformation. To expand performance and deformation potential of the SMA, design concepts are developed which take into account the positioning and orientation of the SMA in an adapted laminate composite structure and the local flexibility of the structure itself in form of hinges. For the prediction of the dynamic deformation behavior, a simulation methodology based on multi-scale modelling approaches is developed to model and design the adaptive composite structure. At this point, the tribological linkage mechanisms between SMA and textile reinforcement at micro level as well as the heat formation in the composite due to the activation of the SMA are considered in the structural mechanical analysis. With regard to an efficient modelling of the adaptive composite at structural level, the graded properties of the composite are assigned using location-dependent structural and material properties. With the numerical simulation, the structure-property relationships between functional and structural properties of adaptive composite structures can be derived. Finally, the gained in-depth understanding of material, structural and functional properties and, in particular, corresponding interactions enables an efficient design of adaptive composites for different fields of application.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants