Innovative Forming Processes for Advanced Composites

本研究建立在先前对聚合物基复合材料双膜片成形工艺所做的工作的基础上。这项研究使人们对压力的理解从一个简单、小规模的部分开始。放大到复杂的，大的（例如：飞机机翼）是本研究的主题。一个主要的障碍是在排列纤维聚合物基复合材料制成的非常大的零件中发生层压起皱。为了了解穿透厚度应力分布的来源，将通过医学成像技术跟踪实际的穿透厚度变形模式。在一项单独的行业资助研究中，将尝试测量原位层压应力，当结合本研究的基本理解时，可能会导致对变形序列的闭环控制，以避免层压起皱。航空航天公司迫切希望利用复合材料在初级结构中提供的巨大设计自由度，因此需要有效的自动化先进复合材料制造策略。但是，这样做的成本是一个主要障碍。有效的成形技术可以大大减少循环时间，并能够生产各种形状的零件。由于正在生产或正在考虑用于航空航天应用的零件形状范围很大，因此需要灵活的工艺。这项工作的目的是开发创新技术，以目前成本的一小部分制造无缺陷的零件。这项研究也有可能扩展到医疗技术领域。＊＊＊

9500132 Gutowski This research builds on prior work done on double diaphragm forming process of polymer matrix composite. That research had led to the understanding of stress build up in a simple, small scale part. Scaling up to complex, large (e.g.: airplane wings) is the subject of this research. A major barrier is the onset of laminate wrinkling in very large parts made of aligned fiber polymer matrix composite. In order to understand the source of through thickness stress distributions, actual through thickness deformation patterns will be followed through medical imaging techniques. In a separate industry funded research, attempts will be made to measure in-situ laminate stresses which when combined with the basic understanding from this research may lead to a closed loop control over the deformation sequence to avoid laminate wrinkling. Effective strategies for automating advanced composites manufacture are needed by aerospace companies who are eager to take advantage of the enormous design freedom afforded by composites in primary structures. But, the cost of doing so is a major barrier. Effective forming techniques can reduce cycle times dramatically, and are capable of producing a wide range of part geometries. Because of the range of part shapes that are either being produced or are under consideration for aerospace application, a flexible process is required. This work is aimed at developing innovative techniques of making defect free parts at a fraction of current cost. This research has the potential to be extended into medical technology as well. ***