| Summary: | A new technique was developed with which to accurately predict the mechanical
properties of composite materials without the influence of fluctuating thickness of the
composite due to the matrix material. Using this technique a new tailplane was
designed for the JS1 18m-class glider.
The designing of the tailplane was done by means of classical analytical methods with
the use of LAP (Laminate Analysis Program). The methods used by LAP are based
on classical lamination theory. Due to the complex shape of the new tailplane various
limitations existed on the accurate analysis of the complex three dimensional structure
of the tailplane.
A finite element analysis program (ANSYS) was used to model the tailplane which
was designed. Using the finite element model a more accurate analysis could be done
taking into account the complex shape and material lay-up of the tailplane.
To verify the analysis process of the tailplane a physical model was built from
available material which was also analysed with ANSYS. The deflections obtained
from the finite element modelling of the tailplane were compared with deflections of
the model under similar loading conditions. The values fell within 3,5% of each
other. The analysis technique used could therefore be accepted as accurate. === Thesis (M.Ing. (Mechanical Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.
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