On an application of multi-material composite laminates in the aerospace sector

Abstract

This paper explores the possibility to use shredded thermoplastic laminates as one of the plies within a laminate. The focus lies in potential performance decrease due to the presence of such compounds within the laminate. For this purpose, a typical application of a stampformed thermoplastic-based laminate is taken as a basis. In this application, the replacement of mid-plane layers by a moulding compound is considered. The performance knockdown is evaluated using a series of tests typically related to the application. The results of bending, bearing and curved beam tests are reported and analysed. The results show that the replacement of continuous fibres by shredded laminates does not affect significantly the performance of the material for the chosen properties. The applicability of such hybrid laminates is further discussed based on these results. [Figure not available: see fulltext.]