Hybrid Composite Beams

Figure 6.8 Effects of hybridizing ratio and constituent composites on center deflection of intraply hybrid composite beams...

The design and manufacture is described in detail of a dashboard module from polypropylene. The lightweight monomaterial dashboard comprises an outer material of a TPO film, foam backed with an EPP foam. This decorative element, together with a highly integrated composite fibre hybrid cross beam, forms the core element of the lightweight dashboard module. The prototype consists of four individual components, and is designed in such a way that it can be built into and tested in the Mercedes A class car. 3 refs. 

Hybridizing ratio effects on the structural response (displacement, buckling, periodic excitation and impact) of a simply supported beam made from intraply hybrid composite. 

Studies with the hybrid pultrusion of glass and carbon at the University of Mississippi have shown that the flexural stiffness of a glass/epoxy composite could be significantly improved by the addition of carbon fiber, symmetrically distributed at the outer surfaces of the composite beams, but perhaps this is not surprising, since the glass occupies the neutral axis. 

Hulatt, J., Hollaway, L. and Thorne, A. (2003b), Short term testing of a hybrid T-beam made from a new prepreg material , ASCE, Journal of Composites for Construction, Vol. 7, Issue 2, pp. 135-145. 

HTPC (Hybrid ThermoPlastic Composite) bumper beams made by Plastic Omnium are used by General Motors on the Pontiac Montana, Chevrolet Venture and Oldsmobile Silhouette. Continuous woven fibres are overmoulded with a long or short fibre reinforced polypropylene to save weight (6 kg), enhance impact resistance (20-40%) and integrate numerous functions such as reinforcement ribs. The process is fully automated. 

Plastic composite mechanics in conjunction with structural mechanics can be used to derive explicit equations for the structmal response of simple structural elements. These explicit expressions can then be used to perform parametric studies (sensitivity analyses) to assess the influence of the hybridization ratio on structural response. For example the structural response (behavior variables) equations for maximum deflection, buckling load and frequency of a simply supported beam made from intraply hybrids are summarized in Figure 6.7 Flexural modulus is used to determine the maximum deflection, buckling load, and frequency of a simple supported beam made from intraply hybrids. 

This aramid-based hybrid construction shaved 70 kg from the weight of standard Hobie cat hulls. Low weight was a particular requirement for a high-speed dash across one of the world s stormiest ocean tracts, between weather windows. Cross beams are of Divinycell core inside carbon composite skins. Hull-beam attachment points are carbon reinforced. 

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