• Researchers atSan Diego State University’s (SDSU)Experimental Mechanics LaboratoryandAdvanced Manufacturing Hubhave developed 3D printed continuous carbon fiber “meta-skins” designed to improve impact mitigation in composite foam-core structures. • Published inAdditive Manufacturing Letters, the study by Sean Eckstein, Sophia Benkirane, and George Youssef evaluates pseudo-woven composite skins fabricated using automated tow placement (ATP) and compares monocoque and sandwich configurations under low- and moderate-velocity impact. • The results show that optimal performance depends on impact regime, with single-skin structures performing better at lower speeds and two-skin sandwich designs providing improved mitigation at higher velocities. • Pseudo-woven architecture via automated tow placement The study reports the fabrication of continuous carbon fiber composite skins using a robotic ATP system. • Rather than producing a conventional cross-ply laminate, the researchers created a pseudo-woven structure composed of alternating 0° and 90° tow sublayers. • The interlaced architecture aims to improve load distribution and delamination resistance compared to traditional cross-ply laminates.
Article Summaries:
- San Diego State University researchers have created 3‑D printed continuous carbon‑fiber “meta‑skins” that enhance impact protection in foam‑core composites. Using an automated tow‑placement system, they fabricated pseudo‑woven skins with alternating 0°/90° sublayers and bonded them to polyurea foam cores in monocoque (single‑skin) and sandwich (double‑skin) configurations. Drop‑tower tests at 4.4 m/s showed the monocoque design absorbed nearly all impact energy and outperformed conventional cross‑ply laminates by ~15%. Moderate‑velocity tests (15 m/s) reversed the trend, with the sandwich structure reducing peak force by ~26%. The study demonstrates that skin arrangement dictates optimal performance across impact regimes.
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