Metalite, a new class of composite laminates with unique properties

Abstract

Metalite is a new class of antisymmetric composite laminates composed of angle-plies, 0-degree, and 90-degree plies, presenting unique properties. These include extremely thin laminates suitable for minimum gauge applications, remarkable weight savings compared to conventional quads, adjustable zero and negative coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE), ease of manufacturing, excellent ability to adjust mode frequency, change sound radiation characteristics, and high tunability. In this study, Metalite laminates ranging from 3 to 8 plies are described using their feasible spaces and compared with quads, detailing the weight savings achieved for hard, soft, and neutral laminates. Through an experimental study, the CTE value of a hybrid Metalite is correlated with theory, demonstrating how to tune zero and negative CTE values. The proposed work offers significant benefits through practical solutions for designing and manufacturing lightweight composite laminates with unique properties.