Experimental and numerical investigations of a thermoplastic composite (carbon/PPS) thermoforming

Abstract

SUMMARYFor lightweight structural components, continuous fibre-reinforced thermoplastic composites have demonstrated success in aerospace and defence applications. Their mechanical behaviour is a result of the possible sliding and interactions between the fibres, but the complex deformation mechanisms of this sheet are a main problem in the practical thermoforming process. In this context, a large experimental work was developed to analyse the behaviour of a 5-harness satin weave carbon-polyphenylenesulfide (PPS) composite. Firstly, we started this work with a microscope observation of the sheet cross section and a thermo-gravimetric analysis of carbon/PPS to understand the thermal condition in the forming process, the reinforcement (fibre and yarn) geometry and dimensions and the textile reinforcement architectures. Secondly, in high temperature conditions (at 320 C), static uniaxial and biaxial tensile tests were carried out. During these mechanical tests, we used a digital image stereo-correlation technique to get full field displacement measurements and an infrared camera to measure the temperature in the surface of sample.The results of the experimental investigation were used with the commercial software ABAQUS to develop a numerical model of stamp thermoforming operation. The stamp thermoforming part was developed using a hemispherical punch and compared with an experimental result. In the deformed part obtained by thermoforming of the carbon/PPS sheet, we analysed the instability phenomena such as wrinkling.

Preparation and Performance of Continuous Glass Fiber Reinforced Polypropylene Composite Honeycomb Sandwich Panels

“…However, Fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites can offer some substantial advantages over thermoset ones namely low cost, recyclability, and short cycle time [2]. Because of the relative simplicity and high efficiency of manufacturing process, continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites are now widely used in various industrial fields [3,4].…”

Advanced materials and structures response prediction and monitoring

“…Therefore, this issue of Structural Control and Health Monitoring (SC&HM) journal is focused on this highly active research theme. It contains six extended , peer‐reviewed and revised manuscripts from the initially selected nine ones from those presented orally at the Mini‐Symposium on Composites, Smart Materials, Control and Health Monitoring , co‐organised by present guest editors, that held during the 3rd International Symposium on Air/Craft MAterials‐ACMA at Marrakech (Morocco) from 12 to 14 May 2010.…”

“…Half of the six contributions to this focused issue deals with the advanced structures response prediction , whereas the other half tackles the advanced materials response prediction and monitoring . The same distribution proportion applies for composite versus conventional materials. The same good balance happens also for numerical versus experimental analyses.…”

“…The same distribution proportion applies for composite versus conventional materials. The same good balance happens also for numerical versus experimental analyses. The next six paragraphs provide additional technical information on each of this issue's six contributions.…”

“…Abbassi et al . investigated experimentally and numerically, using a commercial finite element code, woven composites thermoforming. They also studied the wrinkling phenomenon, and an energy‐based theoretical criterion was proposed to predict its happiness.…”