Process-Induced Stress and Deformation of Variable-Stiffness Composite Cylinders during Curing

Area of Science:

• Composite Materials Science
• Mechanical Engineering
• Manufacturing Processes

Background:

• Process-induced deformation during composite curing affects structural accuracy.
• Variable-stiffness composite structures offer advanced performance benefits.
• Accurate prediction of stress and deformation is crucial for manufacturing composite structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To parametrically investigate process-induced stress and deformation in variable-stiffness composite cylinders.
• To evaluate the influence of geometric and material parameters on cylinder behavior.
• To provide a predictive tool for the design and manufacturing of composite cylinders.

Main Methods:

• Simulated cure kinetics using the Kamal model for carbon/epoxy prepreg.
• Employed a cure hardening instantaneously linear elastic (CHILE) constitutive model for matrix resin.
• Utilized self-consistent micromechanical models for lamina properties.
• Developed a 3D finite element model of a variable-stiffness composite cylinder with linear fiber angle variation.
• Analyzed stress and deformation using ABAQUS software.

Main Results:

• Maximum stress increases with inner radius, fiber end angle, and thickness.
• Deformation is minimally affected by inner radius but increases with fiber end angle and thickness.
• Identified key parameters influencing stress and deformation in variable-stiffness composite cylinders.

Conclusions:

• The developed model and methodology effectively predict stress and deformation in variable-stiffness composite cylinders.
• Findings offer valuable insights for optimizing the design and manufacturing of composite structures.
• The study provides a useful tool for controlling process-induced effects in composite manufacturing.