Structural Analysis of Composite Conical Convex-Concave Plate (CCCP) Using VAM-Based Equivalent Model.

Area of Science:

• Composite materials science
• Structural mechanics
• Anisotropic plate theory

Background:

• Composite conical convex-concave plates (CCCP) exhibit complex anisotropic behavior.
• Limited research exists on the relationship between CCCP mechanical properties and structural parameters.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a numerical model for predicting the mechanical performance of CCCP.
• To investigate the influence of geometric and layup parameters on CCCP effective properties.
• To provide a tool for early-stage CCCP design optimization.

Main Methods:

• Established a numerical model for equivalent stiffness using the variational asymptotic method.
• Developed a 3D finite element model (3D-FEM) and transformed it into a 2D equivalent plate model (2D-EPM).
• Validated the 2D-EPM against 3D-FEM results for displacements, natural frequencies, and buckling.

Main Results:

• The 2D-EPM accurately predicts CCCP behavior under various boundary conditions.
• Investigated the impact of geometric parameters and layup configurations on effective performances.
• Compared buckling loads and natural frequencies of bidirectional CCCP with standard CCCP.

Conclusions:

• The developed model accurately represents CCCP mechanical properties.
• The model is valuable for optimizing CCCP designs by exploring material selection, ply angles, and geometric parameters.
• Facilitates informed design trade-offs in the early stages of CCCP development.