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Description
This paper presents the methods used to fabricate carbon fiber tubes with different geometries that impact their critical failure modes. Two types of carbon fiber were used in the manufacturing process: seamless sleeve carbon fiber and stitched bonded sheet carbon fiber (PRI 2000-1-C). A manufacturing process for the tubes was developed for both geometries. Different epoxy systems were used for each fiber type. After curing, the surfaces of the tubes were inspected using flash thermography to characterize surface defects. The tube samples were placed in a three-point bending setup with an induced crack. The crack propagation was documented using a digital image correlation system. The process for finding the shape factors and energy release rate are presented. The fracture behavior of the tubes is compared to the data from the compact tension samples to develop damage tolerant design guidelines for tube type structures. Plate samples were prepared to compare the capacity to the demand of the circular hollow section samples. With the results of this study, design guidelines for damage tolerant structures are developed, which can be applied to many industries such as aviation, alternative energy production, and construction. This is crucial to the longevity and safety of structures and systems that are used daily in society.
ContributorsPadilla, Michael David (Author) / Chattopadhyay, Aditi (Thesis director) / Yekani Fard, Masoud (Committee member) / Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Program (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2016-12