Research Advances Impact-Resistant Composites
Researchers at San Diego State University are developing 3D-printed “meta-skins” made of continuous carbon fiber. The technology is designed to improve impact mitigation in foam-core composites. While experimental, this work could lead to future outdoor structures and furniture with significantly enhanced resistance to impacts and extreme weather.
- The research was conducted by Sean Eckstein, Sophia Benkirane, and George Youssef at San Diego State University's Experimental Mechanics Laboratory and Advanced Manufacturing Hub and was published in the journal *Additive Manufacturing Letters*. - The "meta-skins" are created using a process called automated tow placement (ATP) to form a pseudo-woven structure from alternating layers of continuous carbon fiber. - Researchers tested two main configurations: a "monocoque" design with a single meta-skin on top of a polyurea foam core, and a "sandwich" design with the foam enclosed between two meta-skins. - In low-velocity impact tests, a 2.7 kg impactor striking at 4.43 m/s, the monocoque design performed better, absorbing nearly 100% of the impact energy. - However, in moderate-velocity impact tests at 15 m/s, the sandwich configuration showed superior performance, reducing the peak force by about 26% compared to the monocoque structure. - The use of carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) is already established in construction for strengthening concrete structures, creating facade panels, and reinforcing bridges. - High-performance, impact-resistant materials are a significant advancement over traditional materials like steel or rubber, which often rely on increased weight and volume to improve protective capabilities. - The project is part of a broader initiative at San Diego State University to advance 3D printing for fast, cost-efficient, and sustainable manufacturing solutions.
