Process Simulations for Manufacturing Thick-Section Parts with Low-Cost Fibre Reinforced Polymers

James Maguire, Nathan D. Sharp, R. Byron Pipes, Conchur O Brádaigh

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

Abstract

A resin flow model for vacuum-bag-only prepregs is coupled with heat transfer in a commercially available finite element software. The coupled model simulates the processing of composites manufactured from glass-fibre/epoxy-powders, where the powders have been calendared onto the fabric. For these materials, resin flow occurs in the through-thickness direction, which leads to a reduction in laminate thickness (up to 40%). The resin flow model is implemented in the finite element
software using user subroutines. The results show good agreement with both experimental test data and simulations from other software. Finally, a 3D simulation is developed for processing thick-section composite parts
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - 5 Nov 2017
EventSAMPE Europe Conference - Stuttgart, Germany
Duration: 14 Nov 201716 Nov 2017

Conference

ConferenceSAMPE Europe Conference
Country/TerritoryGermany
CityStuttgart
Period14/11/1716/11/17

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • composite materials
  • manufacturing
  • simulations
  • Powder epoxy
  • thick section

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