Investigation of curved composite panels under high-g loading

Abstract

Numerical and experimental work was conducted to investigate the use of composites within the Wide Area Surveillance Projectile (WASP) wing system by specifically studying the buckling behavior of curved composite panels under high-g loading. A finite element model was developed as a design tool to model the original WASP wing as a constant thickness curved panel and to predict the buckling response of the panels. The model predicted the critical buckling loads and mode shapes of the composite panels. Experimentally, controlled axial compression tests and high-g tests were performed to determine the buckling response of the panels. The buckling response, including critical loads and mode shapes, was obtained for the controlled axial compression tests. The high-g tests demonstrated that composite panels are a viable option for structures in a high-g environment. All of the samples tested showed no signs of damage and no loss in load carrying capability. The results were used to study the effect of lay-up, curvature, aspect ratio (width to height), and height on the buckling response. The results of the finite element model and the controlled axial compression tests showed good agreement. However, they do not accurately capture the buckling response of the composite panels in the high-g environment.