Casalotti A., Lanzara G.
University of Roma Tre, IT
Keywords: composite materials, morphing
An innovative concept to exploit self-activated morphing composite materials is presented and demonstrated experimentally. In this design, shape changes of a carbon fiber composite are achieved by combining two key ingredients: fibers orientation and temperature-sensitive epoxy resin. When the fibers are properly oriented in each layer, internal stresses can be induced or gradually released by hardening or softening, respectively, the hosting epoxy resin. The epoxy resin stiffness is controlled with the help of internal heaters (e.g. the carbon fibers as demonstrated in this paper). The proposed mechanism results in a large-scale and cyclic shape-changing capability which, together with the corresponding tunable stiffness, represent the fundamental features of morphing structural materials.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 1, Advanced Materials: TechConnect Briefs 2018
Published: May 13, 2018
Pages: 148 - 151
Industry sector: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Topics: Advanced Materials for Engineering Applications, Composite Materials
ISBN: 978-0-9975117-8-9