Multifunctional Composite Material With Viscoelastic Interlayer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current composite materials in the aerospace industry lack efficient integration of noise attenuation, impact resistance, and electric conductivity, particularly in structural components of aircraft, where they are required to handle various energy impacts and lightning strikes.
Innovation Solution
A composite material structure comprising a continuous layer of matrix and fiber, a viscoelastic layer, and an outermost electrically conductive impact-protection layer, with the viscoelastic layer positioned between the structural and impact-protection layers to enhance vibration absorption and energy distribution, utilizing carbon nanotubes or nanofibers for reinforcement and a thermostable or thermoplastic matrix for mechanical strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a composite material structure with multiple layers including viscoelastic material is used, then noise attenuation and vibration damping are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The composite material is divided into distinct functional layers: a structural component layer (matrix and fiber), a viscoelastic damping layer, and an impact-protection layer. Each layer performs a specific function, allowing the material to attenuate noise and vibrations while maintaining manageable complexity through functional segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining different materials (matrix, fiber, viscoelastic material, and impact-protection material) to achieve multiple functions simultaneously. This composite approach enables noise attenuation, vibration damping, and impact resistance in a single integrated material system.
2Strength
If a composite material structure with multiple layers including viscoelastic material is used, then impact resistance is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The material is segmented into functional layers with the impact-protection layer specifically designed to handle impact forces. This segmentation allows the impact resistance function to be isolated in a dedicated layer, improving performance while keeping the overall structure organized and manufacturable.
Solution Approach 2:
The viscoelastic layer is positioned between the structural component and the impact-protection layer to provide beforehand cushioning. This layer absorbs and dissipates impact energy before it reaches the structural component, protecting against low, medium, and high energy impacts in advance.
3Reliability
If an electrically conductive impact-protection layer is added to the composite material, then electric conductivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outermost impact-protection layer is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides impact protection against low, medium, and high energy impacts, and it also provides electrical conductivity to conduct lightning currents. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and minimizes overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The impact-protection layer is formulated as an electrically conductive composite material that combines impact resistance properties with electrical conductivity. This allows a single layer to fulfill both protective and conductive functions, improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
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 proposed composite material effectively attenuates noise, absorbs impact energy across various intensity levels, and provides electrical conductivity, improving passenger comfort and structural integrity by balancing the rigidity and mechanical properties of its layers, thus addressing the limitations of existing materials.
Implementation Method 1
a sheet of viscoelastic material embedded in a composite material for absorbing and/or dissipating energy in intermediate-frequency vibrations
Implementation Method 2
for absorbing and/or dissipating energy in intermediate-frequency vibrations (from 100 to 500 Hz)
Implementation Method 3
Good electric conductivity is also sought as it allows a lightning bolt to easily exit the aircraft after striking it
Implementation Method 4
utilizing carbon nanotubes or nanofibers for reinforcement
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a structure of composite material, comprising a continuous first layer of composite material, a second layer of viscoelastic material, and a continuous impact-protection third layer. The first layer is formed by structural components in the form of a matrix and fibers. The second layer of viscoelastic material is added on top of the first layer and said second layer can be continuous or non-continuous. If a non-continuous second layer is used, elongate, circular or square cavities are arranged inside the layer. Optionally, reinforcements comprising carbon nanofibers or nanotubes are provided in either of the first and second layers. The third layer of impact-protection material is added in a continuous manner on top of the second layer, the third layer forming the outermost layer of the composite material. In addition, this third layer is electrically conductive. The composite material has noise attenuation, impact resistance and electric conductivity properties.