Paper Titles
Preface
Validation of Thermoforming Simulation Models Prior to Parameterization Using Covariance-Based Input-Output Statistics – Assessing the Role of Thermomechanical Material Modeling
p.1
The Influence of Side-Dependent and Nonlinear Bending Behavior in Forming Simulation of Non-Crimp Fabrics
p.13
Microwave Resin Preheating Integrated with AI-Based Flow Front Monitoring for Liquid Composite Molding Processes
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Numerical Approach to the Simulation of Vitrimer Matrix Composites Manufacturing by Infusion and Coating by Cold Spray
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Numerical Investigation of the In-Plane Shear Behaviour of Aligned Discontinuous Fibre Composites under Processing Conditions
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Fabric Patching: A Simple Approach to Mitigate Defects
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Machine Learning-Based Prediction of Forming-Induced Defects in Flax Woven Fabrics Using 3D Scanning and Haralick Texture Features
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Application of a Discrete Finite Element Modeling Approach to Form a Near-Uniform Thickness Compound Curvature Composite Part
p.73

The Influence of Side-Dependent and Nonlinear Bending Behavior in Forming Simulation of Non-Crimp Fabrics

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Abstract:

Accurate prediction of forming behavior in dry textile reinforcements requires constitutive models that capture both in-plane and out-of-plane deformation mechanisms. This work presents the development and validation of advanced bending models for unidirectional non-crimp fabrics (UD-NCFs) that exhibit two distinct characteristics: side-dependent behavior arising from asymmetric stitching and glass fiber backing, and nonlinear behavior characterized by decreasing bending stiffness with increasing curvature. Based on cantilever bending tests with optical moment–curvature measurement, five mathematical formulations (piecewise linear, polynomial, power law, logarithmic, and exponential) used to describe the moment-curvature relation were systematically evaluated using the coefficient of determination R2. The piecewise linear and logarithmic models achieved the highest accuracy, with R2 values approaching unity across all fiber orientations and bending directions. These models were implemented in ABAQUS/Explicit via the VUGENS user subroutine and validated through virtual cantilever tests, demonstrating good agreement with experimental deflection curves within the standard deviation bands. Application to hemispherical forming simulations revealed significant differences in wrinkle prediction between linear and nonlinear models. While the classical linear model based on Peirce predicted a single pronounced wrinkle in fiber direction, the nonlinear models captured additional wrinkles in the transverse direction and wider wrinkle patterns in fiber direction. Side-dependent models exhibited slightly increased wrinkle amplitudes compared to non-side-dependent models, particularly in fiber direction. The developed framework allows for a more accurate virtual process design than the current state of the art for composite forming operations by accounting for the side-dependent and nonlinear bending characteristics of UD-NCF materials.

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Periodical:

Materials Science Forum (Volume 1182)

Pages:

13-22

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4028/p-PywJ3U

Citation:

Cite this paper

Online since:

April 2026

Authors:

Jan Paul Wank*, Levin Villing, Bastian Schäfer, Johannes Mitsch, Luise Kärger

Keywords:

Bending, Forming Simulation, Non-Crimp Fabric

Funder:

The publication of this article was funded by the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology 10.13039/100009133

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Creative Commons CC BY 4.0

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* - Corresponding Author

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