Carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites have recently not only been used for rigid elements, but also for flexible elements. We have performed an analysis on influence of thickness on the properties and ability to use a composite flap as a deformable aerodynamic element. We have created samples of different thicknesses, which were constructed from a carbon fiber reinforced polymer with a layout of [0 degree]. The use of flaps was simulated by dynamic loading to preset slopes. Based on the findings, we have then determined the optimal flap thickness for this application.
The results have shown that the optimal thickness of flaps loaded to a slope of 30 degree is two layers of carbon fiber laminate (0.54 mm).
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