Compaction Behavior of Assembled Fiber Reinforced Preforms

Authors:
Publisher website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Preform engineering aspects and tailored reinforcements are solely related to liquid composite molding (LCM) process (Mitschang, P., Ogale, A., Schlimbach, J., Weyrauch, F. and Weimer, C. (2003). Preform Technology: A Necessary Requirement for Quality Controlled LCM-Processes, Polym. & Polym. Compos., 8(11): 605—622; Weimer, C. and Mitschang, P. (2002). Continuous Manufacturing of Tailored Reinforcements for Liquid Infusion Processes Based on Stitching Technologies, In: Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Flow Processes in Composite Materials, Auckland, New Zealand). In order to reduce the process time to manufacture fiber reinforced polymer composites (FRPC), it is essential to reduce tool loading time. Utility cost, forces acting on the preform geometry during the LCM process, stitch pattern, and stitch formation have to be taken into consideration. Sewn preform geometries have its own compression properties and therefore behaves differently in terms of processing and mechanical performance. To understand this relationship, it is essential to relate sewing parameters with the LCM processing parameters. The current work is based on the experimental analysis of preforms with three different sewing parameters: thread tension, presser-foot height, and stitch density. Thread tension and presser-foot pressure causes considerable changes in the compaction behavior of the preform. The stitching density which causes locking of the fiber bundle, influences the compaction phenomenon together with the thread tension and foot pressure. It is essential that stitches and stitching parameters required to be designed according to tool loading practices, compaction situations, and required final fiber volume fraction (Vf).

This publication has 7 references indexed in Scilit: