Daniel Tobalina-Baldeon1, Felix Sanz-Adán1, Marian Martinez-Calvo1, Carmelo Gómez2, Inigo Sanz-Pena3, Francisco Cavas4. 1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of La Rioja, 26004 Logroño, Spain. 2. International School of Doctorate, Technical University of Cartagena, 30202 Cartagena, Spain. 3. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK. 4. Department of Structures, Construction and Graphical Expression, Technical University of Cartagena, 30202 Cartagena, Spain.
Abstract
The use of composite materials has shown steady growth in recent years due to their excellent specific mechanical properties and the possibility to reduce the weight of vehicles without impairing their safety and comfort. Continuous fibre-reinforced thermoplastic composites (CFRTP) show dynamic, acoustic, and damping properties far superior to steel and can be recycled and repaired. Their excellent properties make CFRTP good candidates for anti-vibration and shock absorbing components, however, out-of-plane mechanical properties hinder the anchoring to the vehicle's body by means of bolted connections. The results obtained in this study show how the maximum torque that can be applied without cracks or breakage phenomena is lower than in standard steel joints. Although the preload's value is admissible, this one is reduced over time due to relaxation phenomena associated with the viscoelastic behaviour of thermoplastic matrix. The results obtained can be improved with the integration of metal inserts in connections' areas. In this study, a case study of a gear mount replacing the steel core with CFRTP reinforced with inserts is carried out. The results show a reduction above 50% in weight, opening the possibility of lighter structures in the automotive sector.
The use of composite materials has shown steady growth in recent years due to their excellent specific mechanical properties and the possibility to reduce the weight of vehicles without impairing their safety and comfort. Continuous fibre-reinforced thermoplastic composites (CFRTP) show dynamic, acoustic, and damping properties far superior to steel and can be recycled and real">paired. Their excellent properties make pan class="Chemical">CFRTP good candidates for anti-vibration and shock absorbing components, however, out-of-plane mechanical properties hinder the anchoring to the vehicle's body by means of bolted connections. The results obtained in this study show how the maximum torque that can be applied without cracks or breakage phenomena is lower than in standard steel joints. Although the preload's value is admissible, this one is reduced over time due to relaxation phenomena associated with the viscoelastic behaviour of thermoplastic matrix. The results obtained can be improved with the integration of metal inserts in connections' areas. In this study, a case study of a gear mount replacing the steel core with CFRTP reinforced with inserts is carried out. The results show a reduction above 50% in weight, opening the possibility of lighter structures in the automotive sector.