Bill Armstrong memorial session: elastic modulus and strain recovery testing of variable stiffness composites for structural reconfiguration

Geoff McKnight; Robert Doty; Guillermo Herrera; Chris Henry

doi:10.1117/12.717287

17 April 2007 Bill Armstrong memorial session: elastic modulus and strain recovery testing of variable stiffness composites for structural reconfiguration applications

Geoff McKnight, Robert Doty, Guillermo Herrera, Chris Henry

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 6526, Behavior and Mechanics of Multifunctional and Composite Materials 2007; 652617 (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.717287
Event: SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring, 2007, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Morphing structures have the potential to significantly improve vehicle performance over existing fixed component designs. In this paper, we examine new composite material design approaches to provide combined high stiffness and large reversible deformation. These composites employ shape memory polymers (SMP) matrices combined with segmented metallic reinforcement to create materials with variable stiffness properties and reversible accommodation of relatively large strains. By adjusting the temperature of the sample, the storage modulus can be varied up to 200x. We demonstrate the segmented composite concept in prototype materials made using thermoplastic polyurethane SMP reinforced with interlocking segmented steel platelets. Measured storage moduli varied from 5-12 GPa, below SMP T_g, and 0.1-0.5 GPa above SMP T_g. The samples demonstrated more than 95% recovery from induced axial strains of 5% at 80°C. Viscoelastic effects are dominant in this regime and we investigate the rate dependence of strain recovery.

Citation Download Citation

Geoff McKnight, Robert Doty, Guillermo Herrera, and Chris Henry "Bill Armstrong memorial session: elastic modulus and strain recovery testing of variable stiffness composites for structural reconfiguration applications", Proc. SPIE 6526, Behavior and Mechanics of Multifunctional and Composite Materials 2007, 652617 (17 April 2007); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.717287

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available