Date of Award
12-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Mechanical Engineering
Committee Chair/Advisor
Dr. Garrett Pataky
Committee Member
Dr. Enrique Martinez Saez
Committee Member
Dr. Oliver Myers
Abstract
Carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates have widespread use in many industries because of their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. Carbon fiber laminates following an asymmetric layup orientation can exhibit bistability meaning the laminate can exist at two stable geometric configurations. The morphing characteristics of bistable CRFP has a growing level of interest because of its potential in various applications including space aircraft structures for easy repair, automotive structures for energy dissipation and ergonomics, robotics for flexible motion and energy harvesting. Existing research shows that both moisture and temperature affect the material properties and behavior of CFRP laminates, however, the influence of moisture absorption on the bistability of carbon fiber composites has not been well studied. This study investigates the effects of water uptake on the bistability of carbon fiber laminates by three methods including a curvature analysis, moisture absorption tracking, and a snapthrough force analysis. This study aims to characterize the effects of moisture sorption through water bath immersion at temperatures of 2, 25 and 65 ℃. Geometric and environmental factors such as thickness, size, and temperature have all been investigated. The experimental findings indicate that the temperature of the water bath impacts the amount of moisture uptake, the rate of the bistable curvature relaxation, and the snapthrough actuation force.
Recommended Citation
Hill, Celia, "Influence of Hygrothermal Conditions of the Bistability of Asymmetric Carbon Fiber Laminate Composites" (2024). All Theses. 4434.
https://open.clemson.edu/all_theses/4434
Included in
Applied Mechanics Commons, Engineering Mechanics Commons, Mechanics of Materials Commons