Design, finite element analysis and manufacturing of a composite aluminum trim vane for amphibious armoured vehicles

Trim Vane is a non-ballistic vehicle attachment which is found in the leading edge of the armoured vehicles and used to improve hydrodynamic properties of the vehicles like increasing the swimming capabilities, stabilization in the water and prevent drowning. In armoured vehicles ever-increasing ballistic protection requirements and developing weapon systems are important parameters that increase vehicle weight. On the other hand, without decreasing the vehicle protection level and protecting mobility skills in the water and on the land have a great importance. For this purpose, importance of the use of composite materials on structural and non-structural parts, which is carried on armored vehicles and has no ballistic requirements, is increasing day by day. In this thesis study, unlike to the other studies, trim vane is designed with a composite structure and this structure is supported with aluminum ribs. To satisfy the design requirements, iterative computational finite element analysis are performed on the design model. In order to produce high performance advanced composite products, composite material structure is designed and production process is determined, which is relevant to the material design. Final composite design produced in autoclave with using prepreg fiber glass fabric. Designed theoretical structure, successfully produced in accordance with the design and developed trim vane structure, reached %40 weightless target without compromising the structural and functional properties.