Our design for torque loaded tubes
The N-Technology is predestined to enhance components with a biaxial or an even more complex state of stress. We‘re aiming at breaking it down to a uniaxial state of stress within our fiber reinforcement.
One example for this are torque loaded tubes, where the external torsion loads lead to a shear stress in the component. By introducing distinct, decoupled layers with ±45° orientation, we achieve a nearly uniaxial tension and compression loading within the respective layers. This leads to a simple loading and thus a near optimal usage of the fibre reinforced material. Combined with our efficient and reproducible manufacturing process, we are able to provide cost-efficient, high performance parts. How does it work in detail? Read on:
The N-Technology basics
Starting point
For a biaxial state of stress, composites in general offer the potential to orient the load carrying fibers in each of the main stress directions. For a torsion load and the resulting shear within the tube wall, this means a ±45° orientation in the wall, leading to tension and compression stresses in fiber direction and perpendicular to fiber direction.
Common laminate
The Problem
Even though an arrangement as described already puts fibers in the load path, those fibers are usually not utilized in full. The low strength perpendicular to fiber direction often results in laminate failure at comparatively low load levels. In many arrangements, the fibers are only used to ¼ of of their capacity.
classical laminate
The Solution
In the N-Technology hybrid material, an Elastomer is used to decouple the differently oriented layers as well as the load carrying fiber strands within the layer. Due to its high flexibility, the Elastomer is stretched or compressed without tearing. This leaves the fibers to carry most of the loads in length direction, maximizing the use of their load bearing potential.
N-Technology Laminat
Benefits
The mechanisms described are key to all the benefits given for our individual products. The uniquely enhanced material usage can be translated into less weight, lower inertia, smaller components, higher performance, lower cost or into a combination of those. Additionally, the hybrid material can be designed to electrically insulate or transmit, to absorb load peaks or to dampen the transmission of noise.
Our approach
Simulation
When the N-Technology was invented to cope with the challenges posed by efficiently harvesting wave energy, advanced simulation models were key to developing an ahead-of-the-pack technology. In the past two years, we have consistently enhanced our simulation skills and models to point where we are able to calculate the complex hybrid material behaviour within an highly parametrized and automated simulation environment.
Design
Highly loaded, yet low-cost composite parts need a design to reflect that aspiration down to the last fastener. Our team of mechanical engineers is working consistently to optimize press-fit load introductions and integrated flanges as well as to provide assemblies and devices for manufacturing and testing.
Manufacturing
From additively manufactured parts, composite components supplied by established manufacturing experts to the buildup of our own manufacturing and assembly capabilities, we strive to get the ideal setting of all state-of-the-art technologies for our products.
Testing
When introducing new products, especially ones made of novel hybrid material, the trust of the customer has to be earned. We are working hard to build that trust by testing our components in static tests, cyclic tests, temperature tests, creep tests, bend revolve tests, acoustic tests, adhesion tests and more. And then again.
