METHOD OF MAKING A 3D GLA BER METAL LAMINATE AND 3D LAMINATE STRUCTURAL PANEL
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a novel fiber-metal laminate comprising mutually 3D foam impregnated fiber-reinfbiced composite layers and magnesium metal sheets. More particularly, the invention relates to a fiber-metal lainiiiate comprising mutually bonded foam impregnated 3D glass fiber-reinforced composite layers and magnesium metal sheets having an optimal configuration.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Fiber-rcinforced composites offer considerable weight advantage over other
materials, such as metals, Generally, the weight savings are obtained at the sacrifice of other important material properties such as; ductility, toughness, bearing strength, conductivity and cold forming capability. In order to overcome these deficiencies, new hybrid materials called fiber-metal laminates have been developed to combine the best attributes of metal and composites.
Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites have been extensively utilized in
various industries over recent years. The relatively high specific-strength and stiffness and noteworthy fatigue and corrosion endurance characteristics have made them useful materials for numerous applications, particularly in automotive
fabrication, The weakest link in the FRPs has been their inter-laminar shear
capacity, which makes mem susceptible to impact loading. Thus, previous
researchers have tried to improve the impact resistance of FRPs over the last over the last few decades. One of the most effective means of improving the impact resistance of FRPs has been to incorporate thin sheets to form so-called fiber- metal laminates (FMLs),
WO 2007/14SS12A1 discloses a FML comprising metal plates with an individual
thickness of 1mm. Patent EP0312150 Al and EP0312151 describe other useful FMLs. US Patent 7446064 B2 employs a glass fabric reinforcing layer and a polymer core but no 3D fabric and uses aluminum alloy instead of magnesium alloy. US patent 6824851 Bl employs a glass fabric that is not a 3D fabric and the use a honeycomb, not a 3D fabric. The present invention would be less costly to obtain similar to greater strength. US patent 8334055 B2 is a typical sandwich type composite with the exception mat there use longitudinal fibers not through- thickness fibers dispersed within the epoxy resin as in die much stronger 3D fabric of the present invention, Impact characterization of FMLs has been studied based on aluminum as the constituent metal. GLARE (Glass Laminate Aluminum Reinforced Epoxy, US Patent 5039571 A) FML, is composed of several very thin layers of metal (usually aluminum) interspersed with layers of glass-fiber "pre-preg", bonded together with a matrix such as epoxy. GLARES FMLs were developed with emphasis upon the effects of FML thickness and impactor mass on the impact response. It was detennined that specimen thickness had a significant effect upon the failure modes of FMLs, such that an increase in panel thickness significantly enhanced the energy absorption capacity of the FMLs.
US Patent 4,500,589 describes the material under trade name ARALL, which is fabricated by putting fiber reinforcement in the adhesive bond lines between aluminum alloys. The main difference between ARALL and GLARE was that GLARE consists of glass fibers instead of the ARALL aramid fibers and that GLARE exhibits higher tensile and compressive, greater impact behavior and greater residual strength than ARALL. Currently, GLARE materials are commercialized in six different standard grades based upon unidirectional glass fibers embedded with epoxy adhesive resulting in pre-pregs with a normal fiber volume fraction of 60%. It has been found that ARALL exhibits poor compressive strength, which represents a major limitation. CARAL materials have exhibited an
Improvement over ARALL materials, such that they contain different amounts of carbon/epoxy pre-pregs instead of amarmid/epoxy pre-pregs.
Compared with aramid/epoxy, the carbon/epoxy composites possess higher specific modulus, but relatively low values of specific impact strength and strain to failure. In terms of fatigue, it was recognized that aramid fiber composites exhibit better low cycle fatigue perfonnance but worse high cycle fatigue performance than carbon fiber composites. Moreover, the high stiffness of carbon fibers allows for extremely efficient crack bridging and therefore very low crack growth rates.
Fiber-metal laminates or FMLs, such as described in US 4,500,589, For instance, are obtained by stacking alte-mating sheets of metal (most prefer aluminum) and the fiber-reinforced pre-pregs and curing the stack under heat and pressure, for example, in ships, cars, trains aircraft and spacecraft They can also be used as sheets and/or a reinforcing element and/or and or as a stiffener for (body) structures of these transports, like for aircraft for wings, fuselage and tail panels and/or skin panels and structural dements of aircraft.
3D fiberglass (3DEG) fabric (ex. PATENT US 6338367 Bl) is a newly developed fiberglass wovon/braided fabric consisting of two bi-directional woven fabrics knitted together by vertical braided glass pillars. Besides glass fibers, carbon and even basalt fibers as well as hybridizations of these fibers could be used to form 3D clothes, The unique configuration of fibers in 3D clothes have been claimed to provide excellent impact resistance. However, there is little evidence to support any claims to date.
Polyuremane liquid foam is comprised of a two-part liquid that yields a high strength, rigid, closed-cell foam for cavity filling and buoyancy applications. The liquid is extremely simple to use. Immediately after mixing the two component parts, it is poured into cavities, then left to quickly cure. The foam imparts considerable stiffness with only mimmal increase in weight Optimal results require
use of appropriate mixing procedures. The majority of foam use is used behind other materials for domestic and commercial uses, such as constructing furniture and preparing thermal insulation panels for the building industry.
US Patent 5547735 describes a metal-polymer laminate that has a bidirectional reinforcing layer containing roughly 45-70 volume per cent high strength glass fibers. The bidirectional rciriforcing layer includes a center layer containing glass fibers oriented generally parallel to a first direction and first and second outer layers each reinforced with glass fibers oriented in a second direction extending generally transverse to the first direction. The bidirectional laminate is suitable for use in aircraft flooring and other applications nquiring improved impact strength. This approach lacks the additional strength and stiffness character gained by employing a 3D glass fiber fabric with reinforcing layers.
The use of magnesium alloys in various engineering applications has been increasing steadily in recent years, especially in the automotive industry. One of the primary reasons is due to the low density of magnesium (roughly 25% mat of steel and 35% lower than aluminum, which makes the weight of magnesium alloy structural components very comparable to that of FRPs. Magnesium alloy-based fiber metal laminates several advantages over other metal base complexes such as; a high strength to weight ratio, improved dectromagnetic shielding capability, relatively density and lower cost compared to aluminum and superior corrosion resistance. Previous studies have found that compared to 2024-T3-based GLARE5, the impact resistance of magnesium-based FMLs was lower than that of GLARE5 when damage in the form of cracking of magnesium plates was taken as the Mure criterion. However, when comparing the perforation limit, the specific impact energy of the magnesium-based FMLs was observed to be approximately equal to GLARES.
In addition, it has been found that magnesium-based alloys exhibit higher specific
tensile strength than aluminum-based FMLs. Also the specific tensile strengths of magnesium-based FMLs has been found to be higher than that of 2024-TO aluminum alloy-based FMLs. It has also been suggested that die relatively lower elastic modulus and fracture properties exhibited by magnesium-based FMLs may be mitigated by selection of an appropriate volume of the composite constituents. One of the most common modes of damage for conventional FML configurations, subjected to low velocity impact is the delamination that could develop within their FRP layers and/or within FRP/mctallic interfaces.
Current testing has shown that due to the resilient structure of the 3D fabric, no delaminationhas occurred. It has been determined that impact energy is absorbed mainly by cnishing vertical fibers and die supporting foam beneath the region of impact, which leads to magnesium oxide which has found some current uses in the marketplace that include Ecomag magnesium boards and in boards and panels used employed by MoonrakerSIPS building systems, whereas the uses for magnesium alloy as a strengthening and reinforcing agent are very limited. US patent 7087317 describes a Glare type composite laminated sandwich panel comprised of aluminum with adhesive where at least one of the aluminum sheets is preferably made of an aluminum non-heat treatable alloy type Al-Mg with a magnesium content of between 4 and 6%.
OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide a fiber metal laminate composite comprised of mutually bonded 3D glass fiber fabric layers and metal alloy sheets as layers exhibiting optimal impact and strength characteristics. It is a further object of the invention to provide a laminate comprised of 3D E- glass foam-injected fiber fabric core, layers of magnesium metal alloy sheets and optional fiberglass cloth layers all bonded by an appropriate epoxy resin/adhesive. Another objective of the
invention is to show that the unique configuration of 3D E-glass fiber, foam, adhesive and magnesium alloy sheets will enable assembly of superior low velocity impact resistant panels. Another object of the invention is to show that the performance of the FMLe comprised of 3D fiber fabric, foam, adhesive, magnesium alloy sheets and optional fiberglass cloth will minimize delamination that could occur withm laminate layers and/or within fiber fabric or fiberglass cloth/metallic interfaces. Another object of the invention is to. advise of uses of such laminate panel as a structural element, particularly in automobile and marine vessel construction and repair. Additional objects, features and advantages of the invention will be set form in the description, which follows and in part will bo obvious from the description or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects, features and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combination particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
SUMMARY OF THE ΙΝνΈΝΉΟΝ In one aspect, a structural laminate is provided having a layered composition of first and second metal alloy sheets as opposing outer layers,
In another aspect, liquid resin is applied to a 3D glass fiber fabric, which creates expansion of the through-thickness fibers of the fabric, which in turn creates spacing and voids in the body of the 3D glass fiber fabric core. The spacing is then filled with a polymeric foam.
In another aspect, the foam injected 3D glass fiber fabric layer is fitted between the opposing metal alloy sheets and bonded to the sheets using an adhesive material.
In another optional aspect, a thin layer of fiberglass cloth is fitted between the 3D giass fiber fabric layer and metal alloy sheet layers on one or opposing sides and
bonded to the 3D fiber fabric layer and sheet layers using an adhesive material. hi yet another aspect of the invention, B method of forming a structural 3D fiber fabric metal laminate panel from 3D fiber fabric metal alloy lamnwtp. components is provided. Hie Steps involved In integration of the present invention comprise;
1) Step one involves sanding the surfaces of metal alloy sheets, blowing surfaces clean and wiping with acetone.
2) Step two involves applying a liquid polymeric resin onto 3D fiber fabric and its core fibers and permit to cure with addition of a hardener,
3) Step three involves injecting a liquid polymer foam (or alike) into the 3D fiber core and permitting it to solidify. 4) Step four involves the option of bonding a layer of fiberglass cloth to me top and bottom or either of the foam injected 3D glass fiber fabric core layer,
S) Step five involves applying adhesive/resin to the inside faces of the outer metal alloy sheets to the mating sides of die 3D core for bonding the constituents together. 6) Step six involves bonding two 3D glass fiber fabric metal alloy laminate
components together using and an adhesive material to form a 3D glass fiber fabric metal alloy laminate paneL
Needless to mention, in all the above described steps of 3D fiber fabric metal laminate and 3D fiber fabric metal laminate panel assembly, other completing operations of the process will be carricd-out at the appropriate moments of the fabrication to produce a satisfactory laminate component and laminate panel of the required specifications, It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that h is
possible to alter or modify the various details and steps of this invention without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, the foregoing description is for the purpose of illustrating the basic idea of this invention and it does not limit the claims which are listed in tins patent.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
The invention is described in reference to the following illustrations.
Figure 1 is a top view in perspective of a magnesium alloy sheet layer according to an embodiment of the present mveatioa.
Figure 2 is a top view of 3D glass fiber fabric material with applied resin according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a front view of a 3D glass fiber fabric material with applied resin according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a front view of 3D glass fiber fabric material with applied resin and injected foam forming a layer within the 3D glass fiber fabric material according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a front view of 3D glass fiber fabric material with applied resin, injected foam forming a layer within the 3D glass fiber fel-ric, optional fiberglass cloth layer and outer magnesium alloy sheet layers that bonded together by eposcy resin form a 3D E-glass fiber fabric laminate component according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a front YICW of two 3D E-glass fiber fabric laminate components bonded together to form a 3D E-glass fiber fabric laminate panel.
Figure 7 is a depiction in graphical fbnn of the residual deformation of a 3D E-glass fiber fabric laminate test specimen being compared to woven fabric test specimens having several different layers (e.g.4, 7 and 16 layers, respectively).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
m the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. The present invention, however, may be practiced without the specific details or with certain alternative equivalent methods to those described herein. The method of producing an innovative 3D fiber fabric metal laminate component and 3D fiber fabric laminate panel therefrom, using a 3D glass fiber fabric injected with foam between thin sheets of magnesium alloy, with or without a fiberglass cloth layer reinforcing layer, will now be described in reference to the above stated drawings. The working principle of the laminate component will be described first and men the particular way of constituting the laminate component and associated laminate . panel through a combination of the laniinatc components will be described. In the description of the present invention and elsewhere the 3D E-glass fiber fabric magnesium alloy sheet laminate may occasionally be called a laminate or laminate component or FML (fiber metal laminate) or 3D glass fiber rabric metal laminate or 3D-E glass fiber metal laminate or 3D glass fiber fabric metal alloy laminate or 3D glass fiber fabric laminate or 3D laminate or glass fiber fabric metal laminate or glass fiber metal laminate or similar for the sake of brevity, while still mamtaining the accuracy and intent of the description and the spirit of the present invention. The 3D E-glass fiber fabric magnesium alloy sheet panel may in the same vein within the context of the description of the present invention be called a 3D E-glass fiber
metal alloy panel or 3D glass fiber metal alloy panel or a 3D glass fiber metal panel or 3D laminate panel or similar for the sake of brevity, while still maintaining the accuracy and intent of the description and the spirit of the present invention. In addition, for the sake of brevity, the 3D E-glass fiber fabric material may be called 3D glass fiber faMc or 3D fiber fabric or 3D
maintaining the accuracy and intent of the description and the spirit of the present invention.
The basis of the present invention is a unique arrangement of 3D E-glass fiber fabric-reinforced composite layers, magnesium metal sheets, fiberglass cloth, foam and adhesive. In accordance with the invention, a 3D E-glass fiber fabric metal alloy laminate is provided comprising fiber-reinforced composite layers and.
magnesium metal sheets, the fiber properties relate to the metal sheet properties in a specific manner. It has been previously stated in this submission that the preferred 3D glass fiber for the invention is 3D E-glass fiber although other types of 3D glass fiber could be employed to achieve potentially similar results, ft is stated and has also been previously stated in this siibmission that other types of fiber material could be employed in this invention.
The present invention comprises the assembly of a new 3D E-glass fiber fabric metal laminate as a component or article and a new 3D E-glass fiber fabric metal laminate panel by bonding together two or more of the new 3D E-glass fiber metal laminate components. More specifically, the new 3D laminate is comprised of a 3D E-glass fiber fabric (core) layer, an optional fiberglass layer or layers bonded to one or either side of the core layer and outer layers comprised of magnesium sheets bonded to the core or optional fiberglass layers. The core layer is comprised of 3D E-glass fiber fabric material with epoxy resin (adhesive) applied to the surface and used to impregnate interior fibers of the core plus a foam injected into the core material, which forms a layer within the core material. The core material itself constitutes a layer of the invention, An optional fiberglass cloth layer is bonded to
the core layer using adhesive for further rciiifbrcemcnt.
In the present invention, flbeiHrednfbrced composite layers preferably comprise fibers treated with a bonding system, preferably a metal adhesive. The system of adhesive, composite layers and metal sheets preferably provides its own internal heat development along with pressure supplied by a vacuum pressure system for curing the adhesive and fonning a solid laminate component and laminate panel
The preferred epoxy resin (adhesive) as applied to the 3D glass fiber fabric, is also used to adhere the various layers of metals, fiberglass cloth and 3D fiber fabric material structures together. The preferred range in thickness for a 3D glass fiber fabric material is from 2 mm to 10 mm, thus the 3D glass fiber fabric laminate component can display various thicknesses dependent upon the number of 3D glass fiber fabric materials and their individual thicknesses employed to assembly one new 3D laniinate or 3D lainmate panel.
In the present invention, the laminate outer magnesium alloy sheet layers can be formed of one or more magnesium alloy sheets of varying thicknesses dependent upon the desired structural character or the application of the new 3D laminate component or new 3D laminate panel. The preferred range for thickness of a single magnesium alloy sheet is 0.4 mm to SO mm. The total thickness of a magnesium alloy sheet layer is contingent upon the number of sheets chosen to be employed for a particular design or application. In addition, the number of optional fiberglass cloth layers employed in the new 3D laminate component or 3D laniinate panel can also vary from one to more layers dependent upon the desired structural character or the iipplication of the new 3D laminate or new 3D laminate panel. The preferred range for thickness of a singular optional fiberglass cloth is 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm. The total tUckness ofa fiberglass cloth layer is contingent upon the number of units of fiberglass cloth that are chosen to be employed in a particular design or application.
In the present invention, preferably, when applying adhesive to join two separate
surfaces/layers of the 3D laminate component and 3D laminate panel, an appropriate amount of adhesive Is applied to both surfaces to be joined
simultaneously. It has been discovered by the inventors that 3D glass fiber fabric metal laminates with described fiber fabric properties have better structural properties respecting joint strength as well as in fatigue, in particular a higher resistance against low velocity impact and fabric anamination than conventional fiber-metal laminates of which the relevant properties are not in accordance with the methods of assembling the present invention.
In accordance with the invention and Figure 1, A231B magnesium alloy sheets (1) ranging in thickness from 0.4 to 50 mm are employed to form the outer layers of the new 3D glass fiber fabric laminate component and 3D glass fiber fabric laminate panel. The magnesium alloy sheets (1) as shown in Figures 1, 4, 5 and 6 are sandblasted and treated with acetone to ensure clean surfaces for application of a bonding agent Magnesium alloy is useful for its high strength to weight ratio, low density and corrosion resistance, all features useful in a laminate and structural panel.
In accordance with the Invention and Figure 2, 3D E-glass fiber fabric (2) material consists of two bi- directional woven fabrics connected in a uniform specific distance by vertical column-like fibers. The 3D E-glass fiber fabric (2) preferably ranges in thickness from 2 to 10 mm and was acquired from China Beihai
Fiberglass Co. Ltd. An Innovative step in assembly of the present innovation includes the application of cpoxy resin (3) to the surfaces of the 3D glass fiber fabric (2) and resin (3) impregnation of the Interior fibers of the 3D glass fiber fabric (2), which encourages the fibers connecting the top and bottom doth of the fabric (2) to expand through the thickness direction, thus creating spacing and voids in the fabric (2). In addition, Araldite Y564 (Blsphenole-A) epoxy resin (3) plus Aradus 2954 (cycloaliphatio polyamine) hardener from Huntsman Co. were employed. Considering the present favention, the aforementioned resin and
hardener together comprise the aforementioned epoxy resin or rosin.
In accordance with the Invention and Figure 3, 3D E-glass fiber fabric (2) material is shown with impregnating resin (3) that creates voids and spacing within the 3D E-glass fiber fabric (2) material. The resin (3) is applied to the surfaces and interior fibers of the 3D E-glass fiber fabric, which creates the spacing and voids in the 3D fabric
In accordance with the invention and Figure 4, foam (4) material is injected into the 3D E-glass fiber fabric (2) material to fill the spacing and voids and to reinforce the strength and provide stiffness to the 3D E-glass fiber fabric (2) material. To create the present invention, 81b density pour type urethane foam (4) from US Composites was preferably used. The 3D E-glass fiber fabric (2) material along with resin (3) and injected foam (4) form the core layer of the present invention.
In addition, magnesium alloy sheets (1) are bonded with resin (adhesiveX3) to the outer sides of the 3D E-glass fiber fabric (2) material to form the exterior covering for the new laminate component and to provide additional strength and stiffness to the laminate component The aforementioned epoxy resin (adhesive) (3) used as a bonding agent and impregnating agent are the same material in die present invention, although varying bonding agents could be employed, although perhaps not with the same optimal results. The resin is used with a hardening agent to perform the curing process, thus the hardening agent is considered part of the epoxy resin or adhesive for the purposes of the present invention. The adhesive (3) dries in a matter of minutes, thus it is applied and the layers bonded together while the new laminate is under vacuum pressurization, to ensure a strong bond. It was found from lab testing, respecting the present invention mat the optimal thickness range of 3D glass fiber fabric material (2) with resin (3) and foam (4), which form the core layer of the laminate or laminate component, is from 2 to 10 mm, with a preferred thickness of 4 mm to gain greater cost and impact integrity advantages.
In accordance with the invention and Figure S an optional step in the assembly of a 3D E-glass fiber fabric laminate component is the insertion of a thin layer of fiberglass cloth (5) as a reinforcing laye between the interior 3D E-glass fiber fabric core (2) layer and the outer magnesium alloy sheet (1) layer to increase strength and stif-hess in the laminate. The fiberglass cloth layer (5) is bonded to the core fabric (2) layer using adhesive (3) material. The fiberglass reinforcing (5) layer may be employed on one or both sides of the 3D B-glass fiber fabric (2) and one or more magnesium alloy sheets (1) may be used on one or both sides of the 3D E-glass fiber fabric (2) layer, A new 3D E-glass fiber fabric (2) magnesium alloy sheet (1) laminate is assembled by bonding together using adhesive (3) all layers noted in FigureS.
In accordance with the present invention and Figure 6, two 3D E-glass fiber fabric (2) magnesium alloy sheet (1) laminates (laminate components) are bonded together with adhesive (3) to form a new 3D fiber fabric (2) magnesium alloy sheet (1) laminate panel. For the purposes of the present invention the new laminate panel may be formed by bonding together two or more of the laminate components with adhesive (2) material. All laminate layers are bonded together under vacuum piessurizatlon or similar pressure application using adhosive (2) to ensure optimal bond strength and optimal structural characteristics of the present invention.
Testing by the inventors has revealed that the new 3D E-glass fiber metal laminate panel exhibits superior structural properties to the new 3D E-glass fiber metal laminate component alone.
In accordance with die present invention and Figure 7, there is displayed herein a graph depicting the residual deformation of the new 3D E-glass fiber fabric metal larninate compared to conventional woven fabric laminates, The energy levels used for testing specimens were directed to generate damage: (i) on the impact surface (ii) to the reverse side and (in) in the form of full perforation through test specimens. The three types of damage generated are depicted as mode 1 , mode 2
and mode 3, respectively. In the present invention, testing has shown that due to the resilient structure of 3D glass fiber fabric, no dedamination has occurred, In addition, it has been determined through testing that impact energy is absorbed mainly by the crushing of vertical fibers and the supporting foam beneath the region of impact, which leads to higher impact resistance exhibited by the 3D glass fiber fabric metal alloy laminate and a smaller damage area.
Low velocity impact response and failure modes for the present invention are investigated experimentally and computationally, The performance of the new 3D glass fiber fabric metal laminates (FMLs) are compared to mat of conventional FMLs (fiber metal laminates) made with various numbers of layers of biaxial woven fabrics. The failure modes of the 3D laminate test specimens are
characterized by being based upon the quantitative measurements of shape, type and extent of damage inflected upon the FMLs structure.
The impact characteristics of new assembled 3D FMLs are exarnined by characterizing and comparing; then- energy absorption capacities, residual deformation and maximum deformation due to low velocity impact, Test results reveal mar, the FMLs based upon the 3D glass fiber fabric exhibit outstanding impact absorption capacity, although the impact energy resistance is lower man FMLs based upon woven fabrics. In addition, a finite element analysis (FEA) framework constructed using the comniercial finite element code ABAQUS so as to simulate the response of such complex structures.
Results from running the FEA demonstrate that the simulation framework can be used to optimize the configuration of 3D FMLs for different loading situations and provide a useful quality control check auring 3D FML assembly. Results of laboratory testing relevant to the present invention are siramarizcd in the following Tables.
Table 1 displays a comparison of the flexuial stiffness ofFMLs made by existing industry woven fabric, compared to values for those made by the new 3D fiber fabric FMLs particular to the invention. The comparison shows that the new 3D FMLs exhibit a notably better performance on weight and material cost basis. The details of the FMLs noted in Table 1 are reported in Table 2.
The present invention also incoipoifttes new research data that shows the 3D E-glass liber fabric metal alloy laminate exhibits a bending stiffness greater than conventional FMLs. Employing four layers resulted in flexural stiffness of the 3D glass fiber fabric FML that was found to be greater than the previously mentioned biaxial woven layers ofFRPs. It was also determined that the 3D glass fiber fabric metal laminate could absorb the highest impact energy in comparison to the aforementioned woven layers ofFRPs,
Many modifications may be made in the structures and processes to alter or modify the various details of this invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, which are defined only in the appended claims. For Example, one skilled in the art may discover that a certain combination of components, i.e. a particular core, etc., may give a sandwich panel with certain advantages. Further, certain dimensions or designs other than those disclosed here could be produced for a particular installation, but laminate components and laminate panels of these designs or dimensions would nevertheless fall within the scope of the claims herein, may prove advantageous.
Needless to mention, in all the above described methods of 3D laminate and 3D laminate panel production, the other complementing operations of the assembly process will be carried out at the appropriate iranicnts of the assembty^
required specification. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that it is possible to alter or modify the various details of this invention without departing from the spirit of die invention. Therefore, the foregoing description is for the purpose of illustrating the basic idea of this Invention and it does not limit the claims which are listed herein.
We believe that using the combination of: a 3D glass fiber fabric core material; resin to create spacing and voids in the laminate core that can be filled by injecting liquid
foam to cure and notable increase structural strength and stiffness; employing an optional fiberglass cloth layer as reinforcement dependent upon product demand requirements of the laminate and laminate panel; and using thin magnesium metal alloy sheets as the outer layers of the new laminate and derived new panel to increase low velocity impact resistance and inlnimize ddamination of layering is new and truly innovative.
What is believed to be the best mode of the invention has been described above. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art mat these and other changes could be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit of the invention. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the claims are expressed.
The research employed herein was funded by the National Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and AUT021, a Network Center of Excellence in automotive grant.
References:
Low-velocity Impact Response of Fiberglass/Magnesium FMLs with a New 3D Fiberglass Fabric, Zohreh Asaee, Shahin Shadlou and Farid Taheri, In Press.