Design, optimization, manufacture, and tests of CFRP hydraulic cylinder tube without metal liner: A bionic thorn‐tooth connection

Abstract Hydraulic cylinders are widely used in rudder surface control, landing gear retraction of aircraft. The aircraft could benefit a lot on weight reduction, by the application of the carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFPR) on the hydraulic cylinder. The design, optimization, manufacture of the CFRP hydraulic cylinder tube without metal liner is systematically studied in this article. In terms of structure design, inspired by natural thorn plants, a bionic thorn‐tooth connection structure is designed to connect CFRP and the metal end. Then the theoretical design method of thorn‐tooth is proposed. It also provides a new solution for the generic technology of CFRP‐to‐metal connection. In terms of CFRP parameters design method, an accurate mechanical model of CFRP hydraulic tube is established, the influence law of CFRP parameters on mechanical properties is explored, and the optimization method of CFRP parameters adapted to new characteristics is proposed. In terms of the manufacturing process, the split manufacturing‐combined molding process with high precision and low cost is developed to fit the characteristics of CFRP hydraulic tube without metal liner. The prototype manufactured by the proposed method has a weight reduction ratio of 62.37% while maintaining performances compared to the original metal hydraulic cylinder tube. This research will bring significant performance gains and considerable economic and environmental benefits to aircrafts. Highlights The systematic study of CFRP hydraulic tube without metal liner is presented for weight reduction. The bionic thorn‐tooth connection and its parameter design method are proposed. The CFRP parameters design method of CFRP hydraulic tube is established. A manufacturing process adapted to CFRP hydraulic tube without metal liner is developed.