Composite Structure as a Stress Wave Barrier Zone Under Impulse Loading: Microscale Numerical Analysis of Attenuation

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Mechanical Engineering
• Composite Materials

Background:

• Manufacturing machines require robust designs to withstand impulse loading.
• Stress wave propagation can lead to machine damage and reduced performance.
• Polymer composites offer potential for vibration and noise reduction.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate design factors for stress wave barrier zones in composites.
• Analyze microstructural elements influencing stress wave propagation.
• Optimize composite design for enhanced impact resistance and reduced vibrations.

Main Methods:

• Utilized two-dimensional representative unit cells for analysis.
• Employed explicit finite element simulations to model stress wave propagation.
• Examined effects of inclusion shape, orientation, distribution, interlayer, and interface size.

Main Results:

• Hollow inclusions showed 20.6% higher stress wave attenuation than solid inclusions.
• Hollow fiber inclusions provided the most significant attenuation improvement.
• Inclusion orientation impacted attenuation by 18.5%; redistribution and interlayers added 3-11%.

Conclusions:

• Microscale topology is critical for designing effective stress barrier zones.
• Combined adjustments in inclusion shape, orientation, interlayer, and distribution maximize stress wave attenuation.
• Optimized composite microstructures enhance machine durability and performance under impulse loads.