Research Planning Grant: Conformability of Fiber Preform Architectures

本研究的目的是确定 纤维预型件的结构取决于其对某些 零件形状--例如，拐角，曲线。 纤维预制件的使用 可以显著地打开中到高体积复合材料 市场，因为它有潜力生产成本效益高， 结构合理，近净形零件。 然而，复杂的部分 形状可导致纤维排列不均匀的区域 在最大负载的方向。 此外，纤维运动 可导致低纤维体积分数的区域， 斑点。 这两种变化往往发生在 应力集中也是一个问题，导致故障 低于预计的负载能力。 该项目将调查 测量预成型件变形的几种方法（例如，拉伸， 剪切和弯曲行为）--包括使用光学和 图像分析技术、示踪纤维和各种负载 模拟处理条件的配置。 预计 这项初步工作将带来更详细的研究 从而量化的变形响应 排列的、双轴的和无规的纤维垫。 通过了解 不同纤维毡几何形状的变形行为， 各种预成型件结构对加工条件的响应 可以被预测并因此被优化以适合期望的部件形状。 详细了解纤维垫的行为是 复合材料的广泛应用是必不可少的， 市场”的应用领域，特别是在汽车行业。

The objective of this research is to determine the effect of the structure of a fiber preform on its conformability to certain part shapes -- e.g., corners, curves. The use of fiber preforms can significantly open up the medium to high volume composite markets due to its potential to produce cost-effective yet structurally sound, near net shape parts. However, complex part shapes can result in regions where the alignment of fibers is not in the direction of maximum loading. In addition, fiber movement can result in regions of low fiber volume fraction leading to weak spots. Both of these variations tend to occur in areas where stress concentrations are also a concern, resulting in failures below projected loading capacity. The project will investigate several methods of measuring preform deformation (e.g., tensile, shear, and bending behavior) -- including the use of optical and image analysis techniques, tracer fibers, and various load configurations simulating processing conditions. It is expected that this preliminary work will lead to a more detailed study resulting in the quantification of the deformation response of aligned, biaxial, and random fiber mats. By understanding the deformation behavior of different fiber mat geometries, the response of various preform architectures to processing conditions can be predicted and thus optimized to fit the desired part shape. A detailed understanding of the behavior of fiber mats is essential to the widespread use of composite materials in the "mass market" application areas, particularly in the automotive industry.