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Bruce_Daniel_McFall_Thesis_SU_2014.pdf (2.85 MB)

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An Adaptive Method of Joining Composite Structural Members

McFall, Bruce Daniel
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1405435976

Abstract Details

2014, Master of Science, Ohio State University, Mechanical Engineering.
In an era where there are growing concerns about the continued use of fossil fuels with approximately 71% of the petroleum used in the United States for transportation (U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2012), improving vehicle fuel economy is critically important. Vehicle weight reduction is a well-known strategy for reducing fossil fuel use in passenger vehicles and for every 10% reduction in weight, the result will be an approximately 7% reduction in fuel consumption. There are three different paths that can be followed in order to achieve substantial vehicle weight reductions – material substitution, vehicle downsizing, and vehicle redesign. Material substitution is the current focus of most of the automotive world because its minimal effect on time and costs. Vehicle redesign requires vast amounts of time and money; therefore it is only undertaken when necessary. It consists of redesign of the structural elements, completely new body styling, and powertrain redesign, among a myriad of other tasks. The focus of this thesis is on research of a new adaptive system of joining composite structural members which combines the best features of mechanical joints and adhesive joints without the substantial disadvantages of either one. The key element to the system is a compressive force element based on a wedge profile. The addition of compressive force minimizes the possibility of peel back of the adhesive and increases its shear strength by approximately three times. Along with the ability for disassembly, the combination mechanical/adhesive joint results in a multi-mode system of failure. With further work on more complex loading modes, the new joining system should allow for design of new vehicle structures similar to the space frame designs used by Audi (aluminum) and NASCAR (steel), except with carbon fiber.
Rebecca Dupaix (Advisor)
Jose Castro (Committee Member)
79 p.
Mechanical Engineering; Mechanics; Systems Design; Transportation
Carbon-Fiber; Composite; Joint; Hybrid; Adhesive; Mechanical; Structural

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • McFall, B. D. (2014). An Adaptive Method of Joining Composite Structural Members [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1405435976

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • McFall, Bruce. An Adaptive Method of Joining Composite Structural Members. 2014. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1405435976.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • McFall, Bruce. "An Adaptive Method of Joining Composite Structural Members." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2014. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1405435976

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1405435976
117
© 2014, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.