Forming induced wrinkling of composite laminates: A numerical study on wrinkling mechanisms. (February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sjölander, J.; Hallander, P.; Åkermo, M.
• Is Part Of: Composites. Volume 81(2016)
• Page Start: 41
• Page End: 51
• Publication Date: 2016-02
• Subjects: A. Prepreg -- C. Process simulation -- E. Forming; Composite materials -- Periodicals; Manufacturing processes -- Periodicals; Composite materials; Manufacturing processes; Periodicals; 620.11805
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2015.10.012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-835X

Abstract

Abstract: When manufacturing composite aircraft components consisting of uni-directional prepreg laminates, Hot Drape Forming (HDF) is sometimes used. One issue with HDF is that, in contrast to hand lay-up where normally only one ply is laid up at a time, multiple plies are formed together. This limits the in-plane deformability of the stack, thus increasing the risk of out-of-plane wrinkling during forming. In this paper mechanisms responsible for creating different types of wrinkles are explained. It is shown through simulations how the wrinkles are created as a result of interaction between two layers with specific fibre directions or due to compression of the entire stack. The simulations are compared to experimental results with good agreement.