Non-linear stiffness response of corrugated laminates in tensile loading

Corrugated laminates have highly anisotropic stiffness properties. Therefore, they are interesting candidates for flexible skins. The geometrically non-linear stiffness response of corrugated sheets is crucial for applications with large deformations. The present paper analyzes the governing mechanisms that drive the non-linear tensile behavior and suggests a model to analyze corrugated structures. The mechanical response mainly depends on the geometry such as amplitude and thickness of the corrugation and the material properties. The proposed model calculates the mechanical response based on a simplified model consisting of rods and discrete torsional springs. It is verified by comparison with non-linear structural analysis with FEM and experimentally validated by using samples manufactured by 3D printing. The paper also presents a parametric study investigating the influence of the geometry on the non-linear behavior and we identify the limits of linear approximation of the structural response of corrugated laminates. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.