Hydrodynamic Forces on Composite Structures

Abstract

Using a tow tank environment an experiment was set up to measure for response of composite samples of varying stiffness to a geometrically comparable more rigid aluminum sample which was tested at increasing speeds. Also, a square composite shape was tested in a frame providing clamped boundary conditions. Testing of this sample over varying speeds was also performed at varying position angles and was analyzed for force, strain and flow visualization. Results show complex behaviors in fluid flow and structural deformation because of the effects of the free surface and fluid-structure interaction. The comparable mass density between composite plates and water results in pronounced fluid structure interaction. Proximity to the free surface highly influences the test data along with the position angle. Negative position angles in combination with high speeds result in an air pocket open to the atmosphere which translates to a sharp decrease in strain on the sample. Positive position angles yields different free surface effects including vortices and the onset of cavitation.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 2014
Accession Number
ADA606796

Entities

People

  • Scott C. Millhouse

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Composite Materials
  • Composite Structures
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics
  • Construction
  • Construction Materials
  • Fluid Dynamics
  • Fluid Flow
  • Load Cells
  • Materials
  • Materials Science
  • Measurement
  • Mechanical Properties
  • Mechanics
  • Modulus Of Elasticity
  • Naval Warfare
  • Navy
  • Strain Gages

Readers

  • Aerodynamics/Aeronautics.
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Structural Health Monitoring of Composite Structures.