Shear-driving Force and Critical Shear Angle Analysis of Kevlar/Carbon Fiber Hybrid Composite Skins for a Shear Variable-sweep Wing Based on the Classical Plate Theory

The morphing skin that can be used for the shear variable-sweep wing is of great significance to improve the aerodynamic efficiency of the aircraft. In this paper, the Kevlar/carbon fiber hybrid composite skins that can be smoothly and continuously sheared are applied. Moreover, the shear driving force and critical shear angle of the hybrid composite skins are studied. Based on the classical plate theory, the nonlinear mathematical model is developed for the shear-driving force and critical shear angle of composite skins. Based on the principle of virtual work and the fundamental lemma of calculus of variations, the motion equations are derived and the closed-form solutions are obtained for sutured composite skins on the framework. A systematic comparison between the theoretical solutions and experimental results is carried out to validate the excellent accuracy and reliability of the numerical evaluations. The effects of geometric and material parameters on the shear-driving force and critical shear angle of composite skins are systematically studied. The results show that the carbon fiber diameter, carbon fiber spacing, together with the length and width of skin cell have a significant impact on the shear-driving force and critical shear angle of composite skins.