Forming of advanced composite materials

Abstract

Two significant aspects of advanced composite material forming are examined. First, the fiber deformation of aligned fiber composites formed to double curvature parts is analyzed. Aligned fiber composite lay-ups were formed over hemispherical tools and the fiber deformation was mapped. The data were intended to support the model which predicts trellising of composite fibers in double curvature. The data are, in general, too ambiguous to clearly support this model. Second, springback of woven fiber material-single curvature parts is investigated. A 90° bend was formed for varying laminate lay-ups at varying temperatures via a double diaphragm process. Principal objectives were to qualify the effects of varying lay-ups and temperatures on the net amount of springback observed. The data show that 0/90 woven lay-ups experience more springback than either +45 degree or quasi-isotropic woven lay-ups, and that heating the laminates marginally decreases the springback experienced.