Structural optimisation of random discontinuous fibre composites: Part 1 – Methodology

Qian, C.C.; Harper, L.T.; Turner, T.A.; Warrior, N.A.

Abstract

This paper presents a finite element model to optimise the fibre architecture of components manufactured from discontinuous fibre composites. An optimality criterion method has been developed to maximise global component stiffness, by determining optimum distributions for local section thickness and preform areal mass. The model is demonstrated by optimising the bending performance of a flat plate with three holes. Results are presented from a sensitivity study to highlight the level of compromise in stiffness optimisation caused by manufacturing constraints associated with the fibre deposition method, such as the scale of component features relative to the fibre length.

Citation

Qian, C., Harper, L., Turner, T., & Warrior, N. (2015). Structural optimisation of random discontinuous fibre composites: Part 1 – Methodology. Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 68, 406-416. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2014.08.024

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 25, 2014
• Online Publication Date: Sep 6, 2014
• Publication Date: Jan 31, 2015
• Deposit Date: Aug 3, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 3, 2017
• Journal: Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing
• Print ISSN: 1359-835X
• Electronic ISSN: 1878-5840
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 68
• Pages: 406-416
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2014.08.024
• Keywords: Discontinuous reinforcement, Finite Element Analysis, Preform, Automation
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/742130
• Publisher URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1359835X14002577
• Contract Date: Aug 3, 2017