Deformability and load-carrying capacity of netted composite rod assemblies with metal fittings

A technology is proposed for making netted rod assemblies with metal joints 3–5 times lighter than existing comparable structures. A procedure was developed for winding assemblies out of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (UKN-5000 and binder EKhD-MK). Results are presented from a study of the strain characteristics and load-carrying capacity of assemblies with different reinforcement schemes for different conditions of static damage. It is shown that the design of netted rod assembly proposed here is significantly superior to all known analogs with respect to specific stiffness characteristics and provides great dimensional stability in the case of unilateral heating of the product. The method is most effective if used to develop framework-type structures for use in space — platforms, telescope and antenna supports, and masts.Paper to be presented at the Ninth International Conference on the Mechanics of Composite Materials (Riga, October 1995).Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 31, No. 3, pp. 387–392, May–June, 1995.