A Mechanics Analysis of Carbon Fiber Plain-Woven Thermoset Prepreg during Forming Process Considering Temperature Effect

The preforming quality of carbon fiber plain-woven thermoset prepreg (CFPWTP) is critical to the performance of composite aerospace parts. The deformation ability of the CFPWTP material during preforming is affected by both the fabric woven structure and the resin viscosity, which is different from the dry textile material. Incorrect temperature parameters can enlarge the resin's viscosity, and high viscosity can inhibit fiber deformation and cause defects. This study proposes an equivalent continuum mechanics model considering its temperature-force behavior. Picture frame tests and axial tensile tests at 15 degrees C, 30 degrees C, and 45 degrees C are conducted to obtain the temperature-stress-strain constitutional equations. By Taylor's expansion formula and surface fitting method, the constitutive modulus of the material is obtained. Consequently, a saddle-shaped forming simulation is carried out, which is later validated by experiments. Results show that the accuracy of the predicted model is high, with 0.9% of width error and 5.1% of length error separately. Besides, the predicted wrinkles are consistent with the test in fold position and in deformation trend under different temperatures.

Automated summary

A study proposes an equivalent continuum mechanics model considering the temperature-force behavior of carbon fiber plain-woven thermoset prepreg, and validates the accuracy of the model through experiments. Results show that the predicted model has high accuracy and is consistent with the fold position and deformation trend observed in the experiments.