Structural Concept Design of Functionally Graded Sandwich Materials (FGSM) for Space Exploration
- Paper number
IAC-06-C2.8.11
- Author
Prof. Leo Daniel, University of California at Berkeley, United States
- Coauthor
Dr. Piyush K. Dutta, United States
- Coauthor
Prof. David Hui, University of New Orleans, United States
- Year
2006
- Abstract
New space concept material design strategy promotes the use of multifunctional materials for space exploration. Therefore, functionally sandwich panel have significant potential for application in lightweight Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) structural components. The greatest interest of functionally graded sandwich materials (FGSM) is the weight ratio compared to conventional composite materials, ability to provide high specific strength and stiffness. In this new functionally graded sandwich materials (FGSM), a monolithic solid of the designed properties replaces the two facesheets and the core that is common in a typical sandwich structures. The properties are tailored by modulating the fiber volume fraction and the matrix through-the-thickness of the structure. The obvious advantage of such a seamless sandwich is the mitigation of the most common failure mechanism of the conventional sandwich, namely, the interface failure by delamination or shear. The characterization, analysis, and prediction of failures in these innovative panels, which are subjected to a variety of loading scenarios is discussed. For practical applications, FGSM poses us with a two fold challenge: a) the development of fabrication processes and b) the development of through-the-thickness properties and microstructure-based analysis.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-06-C2.8.11.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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