Die-less forming of thermoplastic-matrix continuous-fiber composite materials

Thesis/Dissertation · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1991

OSTI ID:6916843

Ramani, K

Conventionally, large components made of thermoplastic matrices and continuous fibers are manufactured in autoclaves using dies. As the applications of composite materials increase, there is a need to reduce costs and increase manufacturing flexibility. This need has led to the development of a new concept called die-less forming. First, the overall goals of die-less forming are defined. Next the constraints imposed by the composite material are analyzed. A foundation is established for kinematically admissible bending, which is central to the concept of die-less forming. The concept of kinematically admissible bending is converted to an algorithm in which the motions of two movable rollers and the component are related to the shape of the component and the constraints imposed by the composite material. The concepts behind die-less forming were tested in preliminary experiments on a two-roller apparatus. Using energy methods, a model was to developed to predict the composite bending behavior during die-less forming. In order to verify the model, experiments were conducted for multidirectional APC-2 carbon/PEEK fiber composites. Good agreement between the predictions and the data was found.

• Research Organization: Stanford Univ., CA (United States)
• OSTI ID: 6916843
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
360601* -- Other Materials-- Preparation & Manufacture
BENDING
COMPOSITE MATERIALS
DEFORMATION
FABRICATION
FIBERS
MANUFACTURING
MATERIALS
MATRIX MATERIALS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC POLYMERS
PETROCHEMICALS
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
PLASTICS
POLYMERS
SYNTHETIC MATERIALS
THERMOPLASTICS