Sean Muder

Graduation Semester and Year

2012

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering

Department

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

First Advisor

Erian Armanios

Abstract

An optimization routine utilizing the sequential quadratic programming method is used to develop laminates that are hygrothermally stable in flat-strip configuration and are optimal for extension twist coupling in closed cell configuration. The performance of the laminates obtained from the optimization in terms of the level of extension twist coupling and hygrothermal stability are evaluated and compared to laminates from a previous routine. A parametric study is conducted to illustrate the relationships between the geometric dimensions of a representative closed cell section and the level of extension twist coupling. Results from the parametric study suggested a more practical optimization approach in which the trend between extension twist compliance and stiffness is the optimization goal. This approach produces laminates that are more material efficient and have a better trend between extension twist coupling and stiffness. A case study on a blade section of an XV-15 tilt rotor illustrates the advantage of the new optimization approach.

Disciplines

Aerospace Engineering | Engineering | Mechanical Engineering

Comments

Degree granted by The University of Texas at Arlington

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