Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Using Modal Analysis to Investigate the Validity of Finite Element Models for Simulating the Thermostamping of Woven-Fabric Reinforced Composites

  • Composites forming processes: P. Boisse
  • Published:
International Journal of Material Forming Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Thermostamping/thermoforming of woven-fabric reinforced composites can produce high-volume low-cost composite parts. Finite element modelling of the forming of such composites allows tailoring the manufacturing process to yield quality parts in the minimal time required and for prediction of the resulting mechanical behavior. Visual methods can be used to compare the final fibre directions from simulation results to that of a physically stamped part for single- and two-ply parts. However, such a visual comparison on three or more plies cannot be done without destructive evaluation of the formed part. Modal analysis is a viable option for doing nondestructive comparison of a physically formed part to that of its corresponding finite element modelling result. In this paper, modal analysis is used to compare the vibration modes between a physically stamped part to the same part “formed” using a finite element simulation. The study explores such a comparison for a two-layer plain-weave flat sheet of glass-fibre fabric with orthogonal yarns and a polypropylene thermoplastic matrix.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Aoki Y, Sugimoto S, Hirano Y, Nagao Y (2010) Non-Destructive Inspection Technologies for VARTM Composite Structures. SAMPE Journal 46(1):22–27

    Google Scholar 

  2. Gorczyca J, Sherwood J, Chen J (2007) Development of a Friction Model for Use in the Thermostamping of Commingled Glass-Polypropylene Woven Fabrics. Composites Part A 38:393–406

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Wakeman M, Cain TA, Rudd CD, Brooks R, Long AC (1998) Compression moulding of glass and polypropylene composites for optimised macro and micro-mechanical properties. 1 Commingled glass and polypropylene. Compos Sci Technol 58:1879–1898

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Jauffrès D, Morris CD, Sherwood JA, Chen J (2009) Simulation of the Thermostamping of Woven Composites: Mesoscopic Modelling Using Explicit FEA Codes. International Journal of Material Forming 2(1):173–176

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Jauffrès, D., Sherwood, J.A., Morris, C.D. and Chen, J.: Discrete mesoscopic modelling for the simulation of woven-fabric reinforcement forming. International Journal of Material Forming (in press, available online on www.springerlink.com), 2009.

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Lowell One University Ave, Lowell, MA, 01854, USA

    J. Sherwood, K. Fetfatsidis, D. Winchester, D. Jauffrès, P. Avitabile & J. Chen

Authors
  1. J. Sherwood
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. K. Fetfatsidis
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. D. Winchester
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. D. Jauffrès
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. P. Avitabile
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. J. Chen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to J. Sherwood.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Sherwood, J., Fetfatsidis, K., Winchester, D. et al. Using Modal Analysis to Investigate the Validity of Finite Element Models for Simulating the Thermostamping of Woven-Fabric Reinforced Composites. Int J Mater Form 3 (Suppl 1), 687–690 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12289-010-0863-4

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12289-010-0863-4

Keywords

Search

Navigation