Material selection for automated dry fiber placement using the analytical hierarchy process

Laura Veldenz,Mattia Di Francesco,Peter Giddings,Byung Chul Kim,Kevin Potter

doi:10.1080/20550340.2018.1545377

Laura Veldenz, Mattia Di Francesco + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1080/20550340.2018.1545377

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Abstract

Dry fiber tapes have become an alternative to pre-impregnated tapes for automated fiber placement. However, their industrial adoption is inhibited by high upfront research and development cost. To reduce the cost of material selection as part of such an investment, this work presents the application of the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) to material selection with a focus on material processability and manufacturing quality. The selection is based on procurement, material and its performance throughout the manufacturing process, and some laminate quality indicators. Criteria and sub-criteria were identified and implemented into the AHP. This established decision making tool was compared to a more efficient derivative using the chain of interaction method. Two materials, including the selected material, were used to manufacture a small-scale L-section composite component. This demonstrates that the proposed material selection method predicted the more preferable material for manufacturing quality when applied to a complex geometry.

Highlights

The demand for carbon fiber reinforced composites is estimated to grow significantly over the decade, especially for use in the aerospace industry [1,2]
This paper aims to: 1. Identify sophisticated material selection criteria for analytical hierarchy process (AHP) based on industrial scale Automated fiber placement (AFP) manufacturing trials and in-depth knowledge of different dry tape materials
A knowledge-based material selection process of dry fiber materials for the use in AFP was proposed on the basis of the AHP

Summary

Introduction

The demand for carbon fiber reinforced composites is estimated to grow significantly over the decade, especially for use in the aerospace industry [1,2] This growth has led to research and development focused on automated manufacturing processes to lower cost and increase productivity. Dry fiber tapes suitable for automated deposition by conventional AFP machines were developed as a low cost and out-ofautoclave solution, where the resin is introduced at a later stage, after the material deposition process. This technology is in its early stages of development and material suppliers are entering the market with a range of different fiber materials.

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