Experimental characterization of the fiber angles of multiple curved laminate segments using prepreg-based carbon fiber reinforced polymers as a structure for a non-engaging bellows coupling

This paper deals with the experimental characterization of the fiber angles of multiple curved laminate segments using prepreg-based carbon fiber reinforced polymers as a structure for a non-engaging bellows coupling. The main task of this generic shaft coupling is the torsionally stiff torque transmission and the compensation of axial displacement as well as the angular misalignment of metallic shafts. The multiple curved structure can be manually draped by several cut segments using epoxy-based fabric prepreg. Moreover, the intended initial fiber orientation of the laminate is ±45° with respect to the rotation axis of the structure. For the experimental determination of the local fiber angles various CFRP cut segments were defined as CFRP specimens with varying number of layers and constant width. All investigations were based on cured CFRP specimens. The measurements were performed with a robot-assisted optical surface sensor and an optical digital microscope. The influence of the manual draping process according to the z-method could be quantitatively determined by the fiber angle measurements.