Simulation of Continuous Fibre Composite Forming
Résumé
The quality and properties of a composite material part depend not only on the fibres and matrix but also on how they have been manufactured. The numerical simulation of the forming of composites makes it possible not only to analyse the feasibility of a process and its defects but also to determine the directions of the reinforcements after the forming process. These directions strongly influence the mechanical behaviour of the composite part in service. Some approaches used to simulate the forming of woven reinforcements are described. In particular, a stress resultant triangular shell finite element specific to textile reinforcements is presented. The tests used for textile reinforcements in biaxial tension, in-plane shear and bending are presented. Finally, the simulation of thermoforming of thermoplastic prepreg is presented. During simulations, thermal and mechanical calculations are performed sequentially to update the mechanical properties with the evolution of the temperature field and the temperature field with the contact with the tools.