Abstract
Recent innovation in production of optimized nonwoven wet laid (WL) carbon fiber (CF) mats raised the question of optimal translation of the performance and isotropy into composites formed through these dry preforms. This work explores the mechanical behavior of composites produced from WL-CF mats in conjunction with the microstructure predicted through Object Oriented Finite Element Analysis (OOF). The mats used for the composites were prepared in two dispersion regimes using 25.4 mm long CF. The mixing regimes discussed in the author’s previous work, are identified as Method 1 for the traditional processing regime and Method 2 for the innovative regime that provided optimal nonwoven WL-CF mats. Composite panels from Method 2 mats showed a normalized tensile strength increase of 52% over those from Method 1 panels. Reproducibility analysis of composites made from Method 2 mats demonstrated a standard deviation of 2% in fiber weight content, 2% in tensile modulus and 9% in tensile strength, while composites made from Method 1 mats demonstrated a standard deviation of 5% in fiber weight content, 5% in tensile modulus and 17% in tensile strength. Systematic study of the microstructure and its analysis through OOF confirmed the isotropy translation of mats produced through method 2 to the composites. This study validated the hypothesis that optimal nonwoven mats lead to a well-balanced composite with optimal performance and that non-optimal nonwoven mats do not pack into a well-balanced composite.
Highlights
Recent environmental issues related to global climate change and greenhouse gas emissions have prompted automotive manufacturers to focus on the development of lightweight and fuel efficient vehicles [1]
This study investigates the mechanical properties of composite plates produced from nonwoven carbon fiber (CF)-wet laid (WL) mats made through Method 1 and Method 2
Two sets of composites were made from WL-CF nonwoven mats and were consolidated and tested for tensile, flex and ILSS
Summary
Recent environmental issues related to global climate change and greenhouse gas emissions have prompted automotive manufacturers to focus on the development of lightweight and fuel efficient vehicles [1]. Fiber reinforced composites possess the advantage of high strength-to-weight and stiffness-to-weight ratios, light weight, low fatigue susceptibility and superior damping capacity [2,3,4]. The authors in their previous work [5] explored the production of nonwoven CF wet laid (WL) mats through two methods of fiber dispersion. Method 2 used an innovative mixer based on chaotic advection theory which provided a fully balanced fiber distribution and consistent reproducibility of the mats. A microstructure based finite element analysis (FEA) has been conducted on the mats made by each of the two methods to determine the effect on the mechanical properties of the final composite
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
