Formability optimisation of fabric preforms by controlling material draw-in through in-plane constraints. (September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, S.; Harper, L.T.; Endruweit, A.; Warrior, N.A.
• Is Part Of: Composites. Volume 76(2015)
• Page Start: 10
• Page End: 19
• Publication Date: 2015-09
• Subjects: A. Fabrics/textiles -- C. Finite element analysis (FEA) -- E. Forming; Composite materials -- Periodicals; Manufacturing processes -- Periodicals; Composite materials; Manufacturing processes; Periodicals; 620.11805
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2015.05.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-835X

Abstract

Abstract: A genetic algorithm is coupled with a finite element model to optimise the arrangement of constraints for a composite press-forming study. A series of springs are used to locally apply in-plane tension through clamps to the fibre preform to control material draw-in. The optimisation procedure seeks to minimise local in-plane shear angles by determining the optimum location and size of constraining clamps, and the stiffness of connected springs. Results are presented for a double-dome geometry, which are validated against data from the literature. Controlling material draw-in using in-plane constraints around the blank perimeter is an effective way of homogenising the global shear angle distribution and minimising the maximum value. The peak shear angle in the double-dome example was successfully reduced from 48.2° to 37.2° following a two-stage optimisation process.