A Novel Method for Determining the Stiffness of a Composite Structure Resulting from the Manufacturing Process Using a Discrete Mesoscopic Finite Element Model

Abstract:

This paper presents a methodology for extending the use of the beam-shell forming model to predict the structural properties of the composite part. After the forming simulation has been performed, the material definition will be changed such that the beam elements will represent the fiber reinforcements and the shell elements will represent the resin. The methodology behind the entire approach will be demonstrated using a stitched uniaxial glass fabric. The methodology for characterizing the fabric behavior will be discussed. After the part has been formed, it will be infused with resin. The methodology for characterizing the composite behavior will be introduced. The finite element model will be compared with experimental data to validate the methodology.

• Periodical: Key Engineering Materials (Volumes 651-653)
• Pages: 399-404
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.651-653.399
• Online since: July 2015
• Authors: Cynthia J. Mitchell, James A. Sherwood*, Lisa M. Dangora, Jennifer L. Gorczyca
• Keywords: Composite, Fabric, Finite Element, Manufacturing

References

[1] Hoa SV. Principles of the Manufacturing of Composite Materials. DEStech Publications.

[2] Strong AB. Fundamentals of Composites Manufacturing - Materials, Methods, and Applications (2nd Edition). Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME).

[3] Lukaszewic D, Hesse S, Graff L, Kerscher S, Deobald L, Park CY, et al. A Design and Analysis Method for Automotive and Aerospace Composite Structures including Manufacturing Variations. American Society for Composites 29th Technical Conference. La Jolla. CA2014.

[4] Cherouat A, Borouchaki H, Giraud-Moreau L. Mechanical and geometrical approaches applied to composite fabric forming. Int J Mater Form. 2010; 3(2): 1189-204.

DOI: 10.1007/s12289-010-0692-5

[5] Jauffrès D, Sherwood J, Morris C, Chen J. Discrete mesoscopic modeling for the simulation of woven-fabric reinforcement forming. Int J Mater Form. 2010; 3(2): 1205-16.

DOI: 10.1007/s12289-009-0646-y

[6] Defoirdt N, Biswas S, Vriese LD, Tran LQN, Acker JV, Ahsan Q, et al. Assessment of the tensile properties of coir, bamboo and jute fibre. Composites Part A: applied science and manufacturing. 2010; 41(5): 588-95.

DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2010.01.005

[7] Mitchell CJ, Fetfatsidis KA, Gorczyca JL, Sherwood JA. Material Characterization and Discrete Mesoscopic Modeling of Cured Composite Materials. Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing. 2014; Submitted.