Design Optimization of Armored Composite Structures

Design Optimization of Armored Composite Structures

In this project, mechanical characterization, design and verification activities are carried out for structural and transparent technology groups, for systems developed by optimizing mechanical and ballistic properties according to weight, resistant to bird strike and ballistic threats, in accordance with international standards. At the same time, mechanical tests are carried out for the composites that will enter the production process in the program. In this direction; Finite element method and modern optimization techniques are used together to maximize the bird strike and ballistic performance of armor composites. The material of the composite armor, number of layers, layer order, etc. features are optimized. The performance of the optimum design obtained will be verified by bird strike tests and ballistic tests to be carried out within the scope of the project.

Within the scope of the project, finite element models were developed to model the behavior of armor composites under bird strike and ballistic impact. The models used in similar studies in the literature are design-specific models and do not provide much flexibility to the user. In this project, the finite element model, finite element method and modern optimization techniques will be used together. Number of layers of composite armor, layer order, etc. It is a parametric, original model that allows the parameters to be easily changed by the user.

PhD and master's students working on the project are trained on the tests, analysis and optimum design of armor composites. Project outcomes also include:

M.C. Tezel, Y. Yamaner, E. Acar, B.A. Çoðuz, “Evaluation of Various Design Options for Wing Leading Edge Against Bird Strike,” 11th Ankara International Aerospace Conference, 8-10 September 2021, Ankara, Türkiye, Paper no. AIAC-2021-055.

D. Çelikbaş, “Finite Element Modeling and Design Optimization of Ceramic and Composite Structures Under Ballistic Impact,” MSc Thesis, TOBB University of Economics and Technology, Ankara, Türkiye, April 2022.

A.M. Türkmen, A.M. Çatalkaya, A.A. Bildik, M.C. Tezel, E. Acar, “Kütlesi Optimize Edilmiþ Kuþ Çarpmasýna Dayanýklý Polikarbonat Kanopi Yapýsý Geliþtirilmesi,” 9. Ulusal Havacýlýk ve Uzay Konferansý, UHUK-2022-053, 14-16 Eylül 2022, Ýzmir, Türkiye.

C. Altýntaþ, A. Günay, K.S. Aslan, C.M. Bulut, M.C. Tezel, E. Acar, “Kuþ Çarpmasýnýn Bir Savaþ Uçaðý Kanopisinin Yapýsal Bütünlüðüne ve Radar Kesitine Etkilerinin Ýncelenmesi,” 9. Ulusal Havacýlýk ve Uzay Konferansý, UHUK-2022-088, 14-16 Eylül 2022, Ýzmir, Türkiye.

M.C. Tezel, Ö. Özkan, E. Acar, “Design Optimization of an Aircraft Canopy against Bird Strike,” 7th International Conference Against Fracture, 21-23 June 2023, Spetses Island, Greece, Abstract no. 41.

M.C. Tezel, Y. Yamaner, B.A. Çoðuz, B., E. Acar, “Exploring Design Options for Wing Leading Edge Against Bird Strike, Journal of Aircraft, Vol. 60, No. 1, 2023, pp. 66-80.