Design theory and optimization method of a hybrid composite rotor for an ultracentrifuge

A centrifuge rotor, the most important component that determines a centrifuge's capability, has to sustain severe centrifugal loading. Since the centrifugal force is proportional to the material density, fiber reinforced composites having high specific strengths, i.e. the ratio of their strengths to their densities, are suitable materials for designing a centrifuge. However, unfortunately fibrous composites do not have those superior specific strengths in all directions, their transverse strength being very weak and almost similar to that of pure matrix materials. Therefore, in order to overcome such a weakness of the fibrous composites, it is very important to understand the stress relations between constituent materials of a hybrid composite rotor with respect to their dimensional parameters and material properties. In this study, deriving analytical solutions for a rotating hybrid composite disc as well as considering stress concentration in the disc by FE (finite element) analysis, we developed an optimization method that can maximize the performance of a hybrid composite rotor.

► We modeled a hybrid centrifuge rotor to maximize the G-force the rotor can sustain.
► We derived an analytic solution for an optimum filament winding thickness.
► We also suggested a curve-fitted design equation for convenience.
► Furthermore, the stress concentration near tube holes was analyzed by FEM.
► As a result, the G-force the rotor can sustain soars up to 600,000 × g.