Abstract
Characterisation experiments have been conducted on a woven self-reinforced polypropylene composite (SRPP) including uniaxial and bias extension tests. Outcomes of these experiments were employed to develop a non-linear orthotropic material model within an incremental deformation framework. The material model of the woven composite was implemented into a finite element simulation to predict stretch forming behaviour of SRPP specimens. The predicted strain paths at the pole of specimens were verified against experimental outcomes. It was shown that specimens possessing different aspect ratios deform under a wide range of deformation modes from uniaxial extension to biaxial stretch modes. Finally, the effect of different forming parameters on the strain path evolution of the woven composite was elucidated through numerical simulations. It was shown that the aspect ratio of the samples plays an important role in forming behaviour of woven composites. Development of a reliable and accurate numerical model for predicting forming behaviour of woven composites and understanding their main forming mechanisms promote and encourage the extensive application of these materials systems in a wide range of mass producing industries. Adopting woven composites in manufacturing industrial components facilitates addressing environmental concerns such as recyclability and sustainability issues.
Highlights
Key criteria in developing new products include sustainability, recyclability and weight reduction
The characterisation experiments conducted on [0 ̊, 90 ̊] and [−45 ̊, +45 ̊] self-reinforced polypropylene composite (SRPP) specimens revealed the nonlinear response of the woven composite to external loadings
Characterisation experiments were conducted on a pre-consolidated woven self-reinforced polypropylene composite (SRPP) to elucidate in-plane material properties including Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio and shear stiffness
Summary
Key criteria in developing new products include sustainability, recyclability and weight reduction. Woven Thermoplastic Composite Materials (WTPCMs) have shown great potential to be employed in the automotive industry due to their attractive properties including high specific strength, excellent impact energy absorption and balanced in-plane thermomechanical properties [6] [7]. They can be melted and re-shaped after initially consolidated, making them suitable candidates to address recyclability issues. The components currently made from these material systems are produced through labour-intensive, complex manufacturing techniques, such as moulding and hands lay-up of prepregs, resulting in very low manufacturing rates and expensive final products, hampering their wide spread applications These manufacturing processes are not suitable for mass producing industries, where cost-effective products and high production rates are essential. Successful adoption of stamp forming on woven composites necessitates a thorough study on the formability of this class of composite materials
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 callMore From: Journal of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering
Disclaimer: 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.
