Forming Complex-Shaped Advanced Composite Parts

目前的复合材料成形技术在很大程度上是由于在基本物理层面上缺乏对成形原理的理解。该项目的目的是发展这一基本理解，特别强调几何对成形性的影响。这项研究将集中于开发数学模型和计算方案，将形成复杂形状所需的材料变形模式与几何特征联系起来。其他先进复合材料的成型特征，包括机织材料，其中编织图案和纤维结构将是关键，以及长的、不连续的纤维复合材料，其中材料变薄是一个特别的问题。这项工作将主要基于实验，以及复合材料变形和破坏模式的模型。为了处理大量的部件形状和可能的光纤路径，将使用计算机辅助设计技术，并通过适当的计算程序进行修改。这项研究的最终结果将是“为制造而设计”的复合材料成型指南。这样的指导方针将对工业非常有用，特别是对航空航天工业。

Current composite forming techniques suffer greatly from a lack of understanding of the forming principles at a fundamental physical level. The purpose of the project is to develop this fundamental understanding, emphasizing particularly the effects of geometry on formability. The research will concentrate on developing mathematical models and computational schemes that relate the material deformation modes necessary to form complex shapes to geometric features. The forming characteristics of other advanced composite materials, including woven materials, where weave pattern and fiber architecture will be critical, and long, discontinuous fiber composites, where material thinning is a particular problem will also be addressed. This work will be based primarily on experiments, and models of composites deformation and failure modes. To handle the vast array of part shapes and possible fiber paths, computer aided design techniques will be used, modified with appropriate calculation procedures. The final result of this study will be "Design for Manufacture" guidelines for forming composites. Such guidelines will be very useful for industry, and for the aerospace industry in particular.