Efficient Determination of Material Parameters for Robust Process Simulation of Semi-Crystalline Thermoplastic Composites

Abstract

Predicting material behaviour during and after consolidation using process simulation will be a decisive factor in the breakthrough of fibre reinforced high-temperature thermoplastics for primary aerospace structures. Since the materials are constantly being optimized with respect to processing and component properties, a new method is being developed to adapt existing material models for process simulations in order to quickly react to such modifications. A DoE analysis is carried out to find the model parameters with a significant effect on the process simulation which are then experimentally determined for CF/LM PAEK and implemented in an existing material model. By comparing the process-induced spring-in of vacuum-consolidated V-angles with the values derived from simulation, the adapted material model as well as the new methodology for a simplified adaptation of existing material models to novel materials is validated.