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"Un-forming" fibre-steered preforms: Towards fast and reliable production of complex composites parts.
- Source :
-
Composites Science & Technology . Nov2021, Vol. 216, pN.PAG-N.PAG. 1p. - Publication Year :
- 2021
-
Abstract
- Automated Fibre Placement (AFP) allows for efficient deposition of composite prepreg materials at large scale in a reliable and reproducible way, while keeping human effort to a minimum. However, the technique is not perfectly suited to manufacturing small/medium parts with complex geometries. Deviation between as-designed and as-manufactured parts is almost inevitable, as is the occurrence of process-induced defects. In this study, an alternative design and manufacturing process is proposed. Instead of depositing composite tapes directly onto the complex mould, a flat tailored preform made from steered fibre tows is created first, and then the flat preform is subsequently formed into a 3D complex shape. The fibre path in the flat tailored preform is derived from a new virtual 'un-forming' process of a complex 3D part design with target fibre paths. To demonstrate the process, a small doubly curved composite part was un-formed. Fibre-steered tailored preforms were created using the continuous tow shearing (CTS) technique and then formed into the target shape using double diaphragm forming. The as-manufactured part was compared with the as-designed part as well as a part manufactured from straight fibre prepreg. The results demonstrated the feasibility of the virtual un-forming process and the potential of proposed manufacturing route. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- *MANUFACTURING processes
*COMPOSITE materials
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 02663538
- Volume :
- 216
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Composites Science & Technology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 153176028
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compscitech.2021.109060