Inter-ply stitching optimisation of highly drapeable multi-ply preforms

Chen, S.; Endruweit, Andreas; Harper, L.T.; Warrior, N.A.

Abstract

An efficient finite element model has been developed in Abaqus/Explicit to solve highly non-linear fabric forming problems, using a non-orthogonal constitutive relation and membrane elements to model bi-axial fabrics. 1D cable-spring elements have been defined to model localised inter-ply stitch-bonds, introduced to facilitate automated handling of multi-ply preforms. Forming simulation results indicate that stitch placement cannot be optimised intuitively to avoid forming defects. A genetic algorithm has been developed to optimise the stitch pattern, minimising shear deformation in multi-ply stitched preforms. The quality of the shear angle distribution has been assessed using a maximum value criterion (MAXVC) and a Weibull distribution quantile criterion (WBLQC). Both criteria are suitable for local stitch optimisation, producing acceptable solutions towards the global optimum. The convergence rate is higher for MAXVC, while WBLQC is more effective for finding a solution closer to the global optimum. The derived solutions show that optimised patterns of through-thickness stitches can improve the formability of multi-ply preforms compared with an unstitched reference case, as strain re-distribution homogenises the shear angles in each ply.

Citation

Chen, S., Endruweit, A., Harper, L., & Warrior, N. (2015). Inter-ply stitching optimisation of highly drapeable multi-ply preforms. Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 71, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2015.01.016

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 20, 2015
• Online Publication Date: Jan 30, 2015
• Publication Date: Apr 30, 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: 1359-835X
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 71
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2015.01.016
• Keywords: Fabrics/textiles, Forming, Preform, Stitching
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/748766
• Publisher URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1359835X15000275