Test Stand for Large Fiber Composite Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing test stands struggle to effectively examine large-scale fiber composite components, such as rotor blades and spars, for complex loads like bending, tension, compression, and shear due to their anisotropic properties, which can lead to unpredictable load behavior and require sophisticated structural designs.
Innovation Solution
A test stand with mirror-symmetric load application units, each equipped with a lever element, actuator, and specimen holder, allowing for variable positioning and loading of samples to apply bending, tensile, compressive, and shear forces, enabling examination of samples up to 1 meter in length and accommodating different sizes and orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional test stands are used for large-scale fiber composite components, then the basic testing capability is provided, but the ability to apply complex loads (bending, tension, compression, shear) simultaneously is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The test stand is divided into two independent load introduction units, each capable of applying forces in opposite directions. This segmentation allows complex load combinations to be achieved by coordinating the two units, while each unit itself remains relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
Each load introduction unit is designed as a multi-functional element that can apply both tensile and compressive forces, and when combined with the other unit, can simultaneously create bending, shear, and axial loads. This universal design reduces the need for multiple specialized testing devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the test stand is designed to accommodate large-scale components up to 1 meter in length, then the testing scope is expanded, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The load introduction units are designed with movable and adjustable components that can adapt to different sample lengths. The units can be positioned at various distances from each other along the base plate, allowing the test stand to accommodate samples ranging from small to large scales (up to 1 meter) without requiring a completely different device configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mirror-symmetric load introduction units are used to apply forces in opposite directions, then the loading versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
While the overall configuration uses mirror symmetry for balance, the individual load introduction units incorporate asymmetric elements that allow flexible positioning and force application. This combination enables versatile loading while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The load introduction units are pre-configured with actuators and lever elements positioned to enable direct force application in opposite directions. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for complex intermediate mechanisms during testing, simplifying the operational complexity despite the sophisticated configuration.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The test stand enables precise and versatile loading of large-scale components, allowing for the simulation of various loads, including bending, tension, compression, and shear, facilitating the evaluation of structural integrity and load-bearing capacity of fiber composite materials.
Implementation Method 1
Each load application unit comprises a lever element connected to the base plate via a rotary bearing, at least one actuator attached to an outer end of the lever element, such that a change in the actuator's length rotates the lever element around the rotary bearing's axis of rotation
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a test rig for examining a sample, wherein the test rig comprises: - a base plate, - two load application units arranged on the base plate, between which the sample to be examined can be positioned such that a first sample end is attached to the first load application unit and a second sample end opposite the first sample end is attached to the second load application unit, - wherein each load application unit comprises: ∘ a lever element which is connected to the base plate via a rotary bearing, ∘ at least one actuator which is attached to an outer lever end of the lever element, which extends from the rotary bearing in the opposite direction to the respective other load application unit, such that a change in the length of the actuator rotates the lever element about the axis of rotation of the rotary bearing, and ∘ a sample holder which is attached to an inner lever end of the lever element,which extends from the rotary bearing towards the respective other load introduction unit and is designed to fasten at least one end of the specimen under investigation, - wherein the load introduction units are arranged on the base plate such that the respective specimen holders are opposite each other at the inner lever ends and at least one bending, compressive, tensile and/or shear load can be applied to the specimen fastened between the specimen holders by changes in the length of the actuators.