TITLE:
Stretch Forming Simulation of Woven Composites Based on an Orthotropic Non-Linear Material Model
AUTHORS:
N. A. Zanjani, S. Kalyanasundaram
KEYWORDS:
Woven Composite, Stretch Forming, Finite Element Analysis, Nonlinear Orthotropic Material
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering,
Vol.3 No.7,
July
16,
2015
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.