The research work of the participating institutes shows that fiber-reinforced composites (FRP) are suitable for compliant mechanisms in load-bearing components due to their high cyclic strength. However, experiments with thermoset and thermoplastic matrices have revealed that stress peaks occur in strongly deformed areas, which can impair the strength over the lifetime of the component. The integration of elastomer layers can reduce these stress peaks, significantly improving cyclic strength (see FlexaFold and FlectoSol). It has also been shown that using thermoplastic matrices reduces the change in mechanical properties over the component life cycle due to reduced matrix damage and consequently increases the lifetime. The research work on the ITECH Research Demonstrator 2018–19 and the “FRP Hinges” project proved the hypothesis that unidirectional (UD) FRPs are better suited for the implementation of adaptive structures compared to fabric structures: In the fabric, the rovings are clamped and fixed at the bonding points, which prevents the fibers from shifting relative to each other at the micro level.
As an approach that combines the above-mentioned results in a single project while also taking aspects of sustainability into account, the “BioSunShade” project is investigating innovative 3D UD fabrics made of thermoplastic hybrid yarns based on flax fibers for adaptive components. The new material structure is designed to provide improved cyclic strength and at the same time be functionalized with photovoltaics and sensors to create an energy-autonomous, self-regulating shading system. The development work includes the characterization of the material properties and the creation of a “design tool” that takes into account mechanical properties and form-finding algorithms for adaptive components. The project thus offers a wide range of potential applications, not only in the market for shading components, but also in other industrial sectors such as the automotive and aviation industries.
Project Duration
September 2024 – August 2026
Project Team
DITF German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Götz T. Gresser, Dr.-Ing. Hans-Jürgen Bauder, Hermann Finckh, Florian Fritz, Felix Wollenhaupt
ITFT Institute for Textile and Fiber Technologies
University of Stuttgart
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Götz T. Gresser, Dr.-Ing. Larissa Born, Matthias Ridder
ITKE Institute of Building Structures and Structural Design
University of Stuttgart
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jan Knippers, Dr.-Ing. Axel Körner, Edith Anahi González San Martín
Funding
The IGF project 01IF23371N/2 of the Research Association Forschungskuratorium Textil e.V., Reinhardtstraße 14-16, 10117 Berlin was funded by the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action via the AiF within the framework of the program for the promotion of joint industrial research (IGF) on the basis of a resolution of the German Federal Parliament.
Contact
Larissa Born
Dr.-Ing.Deputy Director