Year: 2021
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: Due to the looping geometry of the knitted fibers, composites reinforced by knitted fabrics excel particularly in their light weight, high impact strength, and adaptable contourability for complex shapes. Currently, knitted fiber-reinforced composites are mainly used in applications involving substantial impact stress, such as helmets and car crash guards, but the applications of knitted fiber-reinforced composites can be expanded if its weak tensile strength is improved. Carabiners are one possible application with high potential and a lack of extensive previous research. Optimizing knitted fiber-reinforced composites with improved tensile modulus can help create lighter, but still structurally strong, carabiners. Climbing-grade composite carabiners are not currently available, but these lighter carabiners can help stem the many issues caused by the excessive weight on climbers’ harnesses. To achieve this goal, we used computer-aided design and micro-scale simulations to optimize the design of the knitted-fiber reinforced composites to improve the tensile modulus to be comparable to standard carabiner materials.
Authors: William Fu, Behnam Ahmadikia
Institution: University of California, Santa Barbara
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanics of Materials
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W3135465985