Changes in tow geometry of plain-weave carbon/epoxy fabrics draped onto compliant hemisphere molds

초록

In this study, draping of carbon/epoxy fabrics (Plain weave, 3k) onto hemisphere molds is studied to understand the deformation behavior of fabrics during thermoforming. In order to characterize the local deformation of fabrics draped onto hemisphere molds, specimens are selected and prepared for microscopic observation. Several tow parameters such as crimp angle and tow amplitude are investigated to determine the effect of forming conditions and material properties of molds on the microstructures of fabrics during draping and forming. The measured parameters were normalized with respect to an undeformed specimen to facilitate a comparison between specimens. Hemisphere molds made of aluminum and PVC foam are used to observe the effect of mold compliance on microstructural changes during forming. The stress-strain behavior of the foams are measured to correlate the behavior of micro-tow structures with the foam properties. It is found that some of the tow deformation during shearing is significantly altered when using the compliant foam mold. POLYM. COMPOS.

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