Abstract
An experimental autoclave is employed for polymeric diaphragm forming of carbon-fibre reinforced polyetheretherketone (PEEK). Innovative tool design, resulting in cheap and light mould construction, gives cycle times of 60 min. Male and female hemispherical section parts, as well as a box-shaped model trailer, are formed by applying differential pressures across a double polyimide diaphragm. Good part quality, excellent surface finish, controlled fibre-placement and uniform thickness, between −10% and +13%, are demonstrated. The phenomenon of ‘shear-buckling’ occurs in female moulds as the ratio of lay-up area to formed area increases. Diaphragm elongation is a function of mould and part geometry, and is shown to be quite different between upper and lower diaphragms, and between male and female moulds, as well as being a function of surface-ply orientation.
Published Version
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