Composite forming simulation for non-crimp fabrics based on generalized continuum approaches – AMECOMP

Continuous fiber reinforced composites (CFRP) are used to provide light weight and high performance. Among the possible reinforcements, NCF (Non Crimp Fabric) provides an interesting solution and are increasingly used for highly loaded structures. The fibres are straight and bonded together by stitches that can be adapted. Nevertheless, the forming of these NCFs is delicate. The deformation mechanisms involved are specific and there are few reliable approaches to simulating the forming process. The classical Cauchy mechanical models used for forming simulation are not able to simultaneously express the almost inextensibility of the fibres, the slippage between the fibres and the stitches and the bending stiffness of the fibres. The objective of this project is to develop simulation approaches that takes these different points into account using generalized continuous media models. To model the cases where gapping between the yarns will be possible, mesoscopic models will be constructed. Mechanical tests, at the yarn and reinforcement level, will be carried out to identify the models implemented in the simulations and in particular the generalized continuous environment models. Experimental forming tests on preforms of complex shapes will validate the draping simulations.