Simulation analysis of a foldable carbon fiber reinforced polymer bridge prototype

Simulation analysis of a foldable bridge prototype using carbon fiber reinforced honeycomb will be presented in this paper. The foldable bridge is constructed using sandwich structure which is consisting of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) and Aluminum Honeycomb as the skin and core, respectively. The reason to use the CFRP as a primary material is due to its high strength to weight ratio, thus making it lighter than steel and other alloy. The use of Aluminum Honeycomb Hex-Web 5.2-1/4-25(3003) is expected to increase the stiffness of bridge beam without significant additional weight. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is used to simulate several lay-up of CFRP layer including use of aluminum honeycomb core to increase stiffness of the member. The trials produce the maximum stress on the lamina (σ₁) = -87.4 MPa, (σ₂) = 2.53 MPa, and (τ₁₂) = -9.68 MPa, while the maximum stresses of aluminium honeycomb are σ_z = 0 MPa, τ_yz = -0.823 MPa, τ_xz = -0.493 MPa. Failure analysis of CFRP and aluminium honeycomb show that the maximum stresses are within allowable material strength. From the trials can be concluded that, with proper design, Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer and Aluminum Honeycomb can take the design load similar to steel and aluminium alloy.