Rate Dependance of Forming UD Prepreg Laminates

Michael P Elkington, Carwyn Ward

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference Contribution (Conference Proceeding)

Abstract

The potential for reducing wrinkling during forming of a preconsolidated composite laminate by slowing the forming rate was investigated. A new manufacturing method was proposed for constructing a large aerospace component which upon initial trials suffered from severe wrinkling. This paper discusses the mechanisms behind wrinkle formation during the process, and cites the lack of interply slip as a key factor. A range of regulations and constrains meant that the only method by which the process could be modified was to dramatically reduce the forming rate, with the hope of utilizing the viscoelastic properties of epoxy resin and reduce the generated stresses in the resin to allow the prepreg to form wrinkle free. Bias extension and lap shear tests are used to study the materials behavior at a range of strain rates showing a significant reduction in the required forces. The effect of rate change was then investigated by forming circular laminates over a hemispherical shape. Cross-plied two ply blanks showed significant improvements in forming at slower forming rates, while full quasi-isotropic blanks continued to wrinkle even with vastly reduced forming rates.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationECCM17 - 17th European Conference on Composite Materials
Subtitle of host publicationMunich, German, 26-30 June 2016
PublisherEuropean Conference on Composite Materials, ECCM
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9783000533877
Publication statusPublished - 24 Jul 2016
Event17th European Conference on Composite Materials 2016 - Internationales Congress Center München, Munich, Germany
Duration: 26 Jun 201630 Jun 2016
Conference number: 17
http://www.eccm17.org

Conference

Conference17th European Conference on Composite Materials 2016
Abbreviated titleECCM17
Country/TerritoryGermany
CityMunich
Period26/06/1630/06/16
Internet address

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