In this study, a lightweight sandwich aircraft spoiler (AS) with a high stiffness-to-weight ratio was designed. Excellent mechanical properties were achieved by the synthetic use of topology optimization (TO), lattice structure techniques, and high-performance materials, i.e., titanium alloy and aluminum alloy. TO was first utilized to optimize the traditional aircraft spoiler to search for the stiffest structure with a limited material volume, where titanium alloy and aluminum alloy were used for key joints and other parts of the AS, respectively. We then empirically replaced the fine features inside the optimized AS with 3D kagome lattices to support the shell, resulting in a lightweight sandwich AS. Numerical simulations were conducted to show that the designed sandwich AS exhibited good mechanical properties, e.g., high bending rigidity, with a reduction in weight by approximately 80% when compared with that of the initial design model. Finally, we fabricated the designed model with photosensitive resin using a 3D printing technique.

In a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) experiment, the pasting quality of strain gauges will directly affect the accuracy of the measurement results. The traditional method of pasting the strain gauges is done manually by the experimenter. In the process of pasting, it is easy to shift or twist the strain gauge, and the experimental results are greatly affected by human factors. In this paper, a novel type automatic pasting device for strain gauges is designed and developed, which can be used to accurately and rapidly paste the strain gauges. The paste quality is reliable, and it can guarantee the consistency of SHPB experimental measurement. We found that a clamping force of 74 N achieved a success rate of 97%, whilst ensuring good adhesion.