Numerical Analysis of Parametric Effects on Consolidation of Angle-Bended Composite Laminates

In the previous study, the finite element formulation has been developed by our group based on two-dimensional resin flow and fiber compaction model. Good agreement between simulations and experimental results was found under the one-dimensional flow condition. In this article, the two-dimensional model was used to simulate the consolidation of angle-bended laminates with the convex tool in autoclave process. The effects of material properties on the consolidation were studied. It was found that the fiber bed shear modulus significantly affects the compaction behavior in the corner section of angle-bended laminate, the fiber bed compaction property decide the laminate deformation, and the resin viscosity and fiber bed permeability affect the rate of laminate compaction and consolidation time. The angle-bended T700/BMI QY8911-Ilaminates were manufactured in autoclave process. The experimental data validate the numerical simulation method for the consolidation of the angle-bended laminates. These results are greatly helpful for the optimization of processing parameters, improvement of composite parts quality, and reduction of the fabrication cost. POLYM. COMPOS., 30:1510-1516, 2009. (C) 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers