Linking Process-Induced Properties to Thermoplastic-Matrix Woven-Fabric Composites Performance

这项研究的目的是利用综合的分析、实验和数值努力，以获得对两个主导物理现象的基本理解--层间(织物-织物)摩擦以及相互关联的穿透厚度和面内紧凑。目前，对热塑性机织增强结构复合材料的使用性能(如损伤容限、耐撞性、振动)的建模对于任何几何复杂性的部件来说都是不够的，因为现有的性能模型无法捕捉真实的变形材料属性。利用这些复合材料提供的减轻重量和潜在增加乘员安全性的关键是在零件几何形状、材料选择、工艺条件、工艺引起的局部性能和零件性能之间提供直接联系，从而允许对设计过程进行知情反馈。预测模型的能力将通过考虑原型零件从设计构思到在一组规定条件下的制造，通过无缝检查其在使用中的性能来展示。这项研究是由美国能源部自由汽车项目共同发起的。可广泛用于工业的预测模型的可用性将促进轻质复合材料在汽车行业中的更多使用，在不牺牲安全性的情况下提高燃油效率。与加工-结构-性能相互关系的总体主题相协调，计划开展外展工作，为极为成功的华盛顿大学马萨斯-洛厄尔设计营的8-10年级学员开发新的课程，主题为“编织复合棒球拍的设计、制造和测试”。计划与Cislunar AerSpace，Inc.进行类似的夏季会议合作，通过体育运动中的空气动力学例子向女孩介绍科学和工程。此外，该项目的所有本科生和研究生都将有机会与我们的行业(福特、通用汽车)和国际(比利时、英国、法国)合作伙伴进行广泛的互动。

The objective of this research is to utilize an integrated analytical, experimental and numerical effort to attain a fundamental understanding of two governing physical phenomena - interlayer (fabric-fabric) friction and interconnected through-thickness and in-plane compaction. Modeling of the in-service performance of thermoplastic-matrix woven-fabric reinforced structural composites - e.g., damage tolerance, crashworthiness, vibration - is currently inadequate for parts of any geometric complexity because of the inability of existing performance models to capture the true deformed material properties. The key to taking advantage of the reduced weight and potentially increased occupant safety that these composites can offer is to provide a direct link between part geometry, material selection, process conditions, process-induced local properties, and part performance, thereby allowing informed feedback to the design process. The capabilities of the predictive model will be demonstrated by considering a prototype part from design conception, to manufacturing under a set of prescribed conditions, through seamlessly examining its in-service performance. This research is being cosponsored by the DOE Freedom Car Project. The availability of a predictive model that can be widely used by industry will facilitate the greater use of lightweight composite materials in the automotive industry, increasing fuel-efficiency without sacrificing safety. In coordination with the overall theme of processing-structure-performance interrelations, outreach efforts are planned to develop new sessions on "Design, Fabrication, and Testing of Braided Composite Baseball Bats" for grade 8-10 participants in the extremely successful UMass-Lowell Design Camp. A similar summer-session collaboration with Cislunar Aerospace, Inc. is planned for introducing girls to science and engineering through examples of aerodynamics in sports. In addition, all undergraduate and graduate students in this project will have the opportunity for extensive interactions with our industry (Ford, GM) and international (Belgium, UK, France) partners.