Investigation of the Pumping Action of a Barrel- shaped Shell-of-Revolution Composite Structure

摘要

This paper investigates the potential pumping action mechanism of a flexible-matrix-composite barrel-shaped shell-of-revolution structure. The fundamental concept of the investigated pumping action mechanism is based on the phenomenon that angle-ply fibrous flexible-matrix-composites, with fiber angle orientation of [±θf], can exhibit unprecedented high values of the in-plane Poisson's ratio. Consequently, upon stretching an axisymmetric flexible-matrix-composite shell-of-revolution structure, a substantial reduction in its diameter can be realized and a potential pumping action is provided.The effect of the throat (minimum) diameter and the large rotation, on the pumping action of a hyperboloidal shell-of-revolution composite structure, has been investigated. The investigation concluded mat the concaved-in surface of the hyperboloidal shell structure is detrimental to the pumping action. Consequently, in the current paper, the effect of the large deformation on the pumping action of a barrel-shaped shell-of-revolution (concaved-out) composite structure is investigated. A mathematical model governing the large deformation of an axisymmetric barrel-shaped shell-of-revolution flexible-matrix-composite structure is presented, and the response due to axial stretching is evaluated using the B-spline collocation numerical technique. In addition, a limited, preliminary experimental work is presented. A carbon/polyurethane barrel-shaped shell-of-revolution structure is constructed, and tested using the Tinius-Olsen testing machine. The crude preliminary results are compared with the corresponding analytical ones. Finally, a discussion of the analytical/experimental results and their implications are presented.