Nathan Wicks

The structural performance of near-optimized truss core panels

Theoretical studies have indicated that truss core panels with a tetragonal topology support bending and compression loads at lower weight than competing concepts. The goal of this study is to validate this prediction by implementing an experimental protocol that probes the key mechanical characteristics while addressing node eccentricity and structural robustness. For this purpose, panels have been fabricated from a beryllium–copper alloy using a rapid prototyping approach and investment casting. Measurements were performed on these panels in flexure, shear and compression. Numerical simulations were conducted for these same configurations. The measurements reveal complete consistency with the stiffness and limit load predictions, as well as providing a vivid illustration of asymmetric structural responses that arises because the bending behavior of optimized panels is dependent on truss orientation. 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Kagome plate structures for actuation

A class of planar, pin-jointed truss structures based on the ancient Kagome basket weave pattern with exceptional characteristics for actuation has been identified. Its in-plane stiffness is isotropic and has optimal weight among planar trusses for specified stiffness or strength. The version with welded joints resists plastic yielding and buckling, while storing minimal energy upon truss bending during actuation. Two plate structures are considered which employ the planar Kagome truss as the actuation plane. It is shown that these plates can be actuated with minimal internal resistance to achieve a wide range of shapes, while also sustaining large loads through their isotropic bending/stretching stiffness, and their excellent resistance to yielding/buckling.

Sandwich Plates Actuated by a Kagome Planar Truss

Kagome truss plates have properties that suggest they should be uniquely effective as an actuation plane for sandwich plates: a Kagome truss plate has in-plane isotropy, optimal stiffness and strength, and its truss members can be actuated with minimal internal resistance. In this paper, sandwich plates are studied that are comprised of one solid face sheet and one actuated Kagome face sheet joined by a pyramidal truss core. Various aspects of the actuation behavior of these plates are investigated, including internal resistance and strains resulting from actuation and efficiency of actuation. Single and double curvature actuation modes are investigated. Contact is made with analytic results for actuation modes with long wavelength.

Extending the Reach of a Rod Injected Into a Cylinder Through Distributed Vibration

We present results of an experimental investigation of a new mechanism for extending the reach of an elastic rod injected into a horizontal cylindrical constraint, prior to the onset of helical buckling. This is accomplished through distributed, vertical vibration of the constraint during injection. A model system is developed that allows us to quantify the critical loads and resulting length scales of the buckling configurations, while providing direct access to the buckling process through digital imaging. In the static case (no vibration), we vary the radial size of the cylindrical constraint and find that our experimental results are in good agreement with existing predictions on the critical injection force and length of injected rod for helical buckling. When vertical vibration is introduced, reach can be extended by up to a factor of four, when compared to the static case. The injection speed (below a critical value that we uncover), as well as the amplitude and frequency of vibration, are studied systematically and found to have an effect on the extent of improvement attained. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4029251]

Extending the Reach of a Rod Injected Into a Cylinder Through Axial Rotation

We investigate continuous axial rotation as a mechanism for extending the reach of an elastic rod injected into a horizontal cylindrical constraint, prior to the onset of helical buckling. Our approach focuses on the development of precision desktop experiments to allow for a systematic investigation of three parameters that affect helical buckling: rod rotation speed, rod injection speed, and cylindrical constraint diameter. Within the parameter region explored, we found that the presence of axial rotation increases horizontal reach by as much as a factor of 5, when compared to the nonrotating case. In addition, we develop an experimentally validated theory that takes into account anisotropic friction and torsional effects. Our theoretical predictions are found to be in good agreement with experiments, and our results demonstrate the benefits of using axial rotation for extending reach of a rod injected into a constraining pipe. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4032500]