MECN 420

Page 1

Question 1
A unidirectional laminate has its fibre direction (1) aligned at 15 to a set of structural reference axes xy as shown in the accompanying illustration. A strain gauge rosette is adhered to the surface with the intention that its axes are aligned with xy. During application, however, the rosette is misaligned by an angle of 3 to form the gauge axes x'y' as shown in the figure. Readings are taken from the gauge while the laminate is under load and the results reduced to x' = 200, y' = 1400, x'y' = 500. 2 y The material has the following properties: E1 E2 G12 12 = 140 GPa = 9 GPa = 4.5 GPa = 0.3 Xt = 1300 MPa Yt = 50 MPa S = 55 MPa Xc = 900 MPa Yc = 90 MPa

y 15 3

1 x

x
NB. i)

For questions i) through vi) it is expected that you write down the appropriate matrix equation and the internal values of every matrix, but you are not expected to solve the matrix equation. Determine the strains in the principal material directions as established when ignoring the gauge misalignment. (3 marks) ii) Determine the strains in the principal material directions as established when considering the gauge misalignment. (3 marks) Assuming, which may or may not be correct, that the results of i) and ii) are as follows: i) 1 = 400, 2 = 1400, 12 = 900. ii) 1 = 500, 2 = 1300, 12 = 1000. iii) Determine the stresses in the principal material directions as established when ignoring the gauge misalignment. (4 marks) iv) Determine the stresses in the principal material directions as established when considering the gauge misalignment. (3 marks) Assuming, which may or may not be correct, that the results of iii) and iv) are as follows: ii) 1 = 50MPa, 2 = 11MPa, 12 = 4MPa. iii) 1 = 60MPa, 2 = 10MPa, 12 = 4MPa. v) Determine the stresses in the reference co-ordinate directions as established when ignoring the gauge misalignment. (1 marks) vi) Determine the stresses in the reference co-ordinate directions as established when considering the gauge misalignment. (3 marks) Assuming, which may or may not be correct, that the results of v) and vi) are as follows: v) 1 = 75MPa, 2 = 19MPa, 12 = 23MPa. vi) 1 = 87MPa, 2 = 27MPa, 12 = 33MPa. vii) Determine the factor by which the load can be increased before failure, as established by the maximum strain failure criterion. Do the calculation first ignoring and then accounting for gauge misalignment. (6 marks) viii) Would you expect the same extent of error in readings if the gauge was similarly misaligned on an isotropic material. Explain briefly. (2 marks) (Total: 25 Marks)

MECN 420

Page 2

Question 2
A carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) laminate is manufactured from fiber and resin with the following properties: Fiber E1 = 340 GPa G12 = 5 GPa E2 = 14 GPa 12 = 0.28 Resin E = 4.5 GPa = 0.34

The fiber volume fraction has been measured as 65%. i) ii) Neglecting the effects of different Poissons contractions, estimate the following elastic properties of a unidirectional CFRP lamina: E1, E2, G12, 12. (6 marks) Adjust your estimates from i) to account for a void fraction of 1%. (4 marks)

Assume, which may or may not be correct, that the answers for ii) above, as well as additional information are used to generate a carpet plot for determining coefficients of thermal expansion. This carpet plot is shown below below:
26.0 24.0 22.0 20.0 18.0
6 x 10 [/C]

0% 0

16.0 14.0 12.0 10.0 8.0 6.0 4.0 2.0 0.0 -2.0 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 20% 0 30% 0 40% 0 10% 0

% 45 Layers
A balanced and symmetric laminate comprising 0, 90, 45 plies is desired. It is required that the number of 0 plies be minimised as far as possible. Additionally it is required that the apparent coefficient of thermal expansion of the laminate when measured in the X-direction is approximately 0.00. iii) iv) v) Specify the lay-up details of one configuration of the thinnest laminate that meets these requirements. Estimate the apparent coefficient of thermal expansion of this laminate when measured in the Y-direction, y. (2 marks) If it specified that the number of plies in the 0 direction must be equal to the number of plies in the 90 direction, estimate the apparent coefficient of thermal expansion of this laminate when measured at 0 and at 45 to the X-direction. Very briefly explain your reasoning. (4 marks) With reference to the [A B / B D] matrix of classical lamination theory, explain the limitations in applicability of carpet plots. (4 marks) (Total 25 marks) (PTO/ Page 2) (5 marks)

iii)