Static and dynamic response of a carbon composite full-scale hydrofoil manufactured using automated fibre placement

Experimental demonstration and performance evaluation on a shape-adaptive carbon composite full-scale hydrofoil manufactured using automated fibre placement (AFP) are presented in this paper. The experimental responses of the hydrofoil are validated with the finite element analysis (FEA) tools. The static performance of the hydrofoil was investigated using quasi-static cantilever load, whereas the dynamic response was studied using experimental modal analysis (EMA) to assess the structural quality of the manufactured hydrofoil. The variation between predicted and experimental modal and bending stiffness was found to be within 20%. Structural strains were also monitored using a network of distributed fibre optic sensors on the surface as well as embedded in conjunction with a network of strain gauges. The outcomes from this work demonstrates a framework of numerical analysis and experimental validation techniques using multiple sensors, which will pave the way towards further demonstrating the structural adequacy and performance of such hydrofoil, made of automated techniques and embedded with optical fibre sensor systems.