• Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology
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• v.19 no.11
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• pp.2016-2024
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• 2005

In this work, a mixed beam approach that combines both the stiffness and the flexibility methods has been performed to analyze the coupled composite blades with closed, two-cell cross-sections. The Reissner's semi-complementary energy functional is used to derive the beam force-displacement relations. Only the membrane part of the shell wall is taken into account to make the analysis simple and also to deliver a clear picture of the mixed method. All the cross section stiffness coefficients as well as the distribution of shear across the section are evaluated in a closed-form through the beam formulation. The theory is validated against experimental test data, detailed finite element analysis results, and other analytical results for coupled composite blades with a two-cell airfoil section. Despite the simple kinematic model adopted in the theory, an accuracy comparable to that of two-dimensional finite element analysis has been obtained for cases considered in this study.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society For Composite Materials Conference
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• 2005.04a
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• pp.187-190
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• 2005

A simple beam model based on a mixed method is proposed for the analysis of thin-walled composite blades with a two-cell airfoil section. A semi-complementary energy functional is used to obtain the beam force-displacement relations. The theory accounts for the effects of elastic couplings, shell wall thickness, warping, and warping restraint. All the kinematic relations as well as the cross-section stiffnesses are evaluated in a closed-form through the current beam formulation. The theory has been applied to two-cell composite blades with extension-torsion couplings and fairly good correlation has been observed in comparison with a detailed analysis and other literature.

• International Journal of Aeronautical and Space Sciences
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.77-85
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• 2009

A two-dimensional cross-section analysis program based on the finite element method has been developed for composite blades with arbitrary cross-section profiles and material distributions. The modulus weighted approach is used to take into account the non-homogeneous material characteristics of advanced blades. The CLPT (Classical Lamination Plate Theory) is applied to obtain the effective moduli of the composite laminate. The location of shear center for any given cross-sections are determined according to the Trefftz' definition while the torsion constants are obtained using the St. Venant torsion theory. A series of benchmark examples for beams with various cross-sections are illustrated to show the accuracy of the developed cross-section analysis program. The cross section cases include thin-walled C-channel, I-beam, single-cell box, NACA0012 airfoil, and KARI small-scale blades. Overall, a reasonable correlation is obtained in comparison with experiments or finite element analysis results.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.555-577
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• 2015

In the work at hand, the development of a morphing flap, actuated through shape memory alloy load bearing elements, is described. Moving from aerodynamic specifications, prescribing the morphed shape enhancing the aerodynamic efficiency of the flap, a suitable actuation architecture was identified, able to affect the curvature. Each rib of the flap was split into three elastic elements, namely "cells", connected each others in serial way and providing the bending stiffness to the structure. The edges of each cell are linked to SMA elements, whose contraction induces rotation onto the cell itself with an increase of the local curvature of the flap airfoil. The cells are made of two metallic plates crossing each others to form a characteristic "X" configuration; a good flexibility and an acceptable stress concentration level was obtained non connecting the plates onto the crossing zone. After identifying the main design parameters of the structure (i.e. plates relative angle, thickness and depth, SMA length, cross section and connections to the cell) an optimization was performed, with the scope of enhancing the achievable rotation of the cell, its ability in absorbing the external aerodynamic loads and, at the same time, containing the stress level and the weight. The conceptual scheme of the architecture was then reinterpreted in view of a practical realization of the prototype. Implementation issues (SMA - cells connection and cells relative rotation to compensate the impressed inflection assuring the SMA pre-load) were considered. Through a detailed FE model the prototype morphing performance were investigated in presence of the most severe load conditions.