Design and strength analysis of glass fiber-reinforced epoxy composite shelter

Abstract

In this study, glass fiber-reinforced epoxy composite (GFRP) plates were applied on the carriage panel skins of the shelter, which substituted the original aluminum plates. The main research objective is to prove that the application of GFRP plate on the shelter has absolute advantages and search the better lay-up design method to improve the structure strength of the shelter. The structure strength of the aluminum and GFRP shelters was studied, which was further investigated using finite element method under the given loading scenario. Finally, the computer simulations demonstrated that ±45° and 0° are more suitable for the laminate design, and ±45° should be put outside of the laminate. With the thickness of glass fiber decrease, more ±45° means higher strength of the laminate. To a certain degree, more 0°，90° and ±45°can make better stiffness. Besides, the quality of GFRP shelter has reduced 14.59% with using the lightweight material. Therefore, this research provides a reliable guidance for the production and design of GFRP shelter.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.mech.21.2.8624