Thermoforming Simulation of Multilayer Composites with Continuous Fibre and Thermoplastic Matrix

Abstract:

CFRTP prepreg laminates thermoforming (Continuous Fibre Reinforcements and Thermoplastic Resin) is a fast composite manufacturing process. Furthermore the thermoplastic matrix is favourable to recycling. The development of a thermoforming process is complex and expensive to achieve by trial/error. A simulation approach for thermoforming of multilayer thermoplastic is presented. Each prepreg layer is modelled by semi-discrete shell elements. These elements consider the tension, in-plane shear and bending behaviour of the ply at different temperatures around the fusion point. The contact/friction during the forming process is taken into account using forward increment Lagrange multipliers. A lubricated friction model is implemented between the layers and for ply/tool friction. Thermal and forming simulations are presented and compared to experimental results. The computed shear angles after forming and wrinkles are in good agreement with the thermoforming experiment.

• Periodical: Key Engineering Materials (Volumes 611-612)
• Pages: 368-374
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.611-612.368
• Online since: May 2014
• Authors: Eduardo Guzman Maldonado, Nahiene Hamila*, Philippe Boisse, Philippe Chaudet
• Keywords: CFRTP Prepreg, Fabrics/Textiles, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Temperature-Viscous Dependence, Thermoforming

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