Simulation of Multi-layered Composites Forming

The contact behaviour during forming of woven reinforced thermoplastic composites determines the quality of the formed product. This paper evaluates different descriptive models for the ply-ply and tool-ply frictional properties of thermoplastic woven composites under process conditions. An alternative descriptive model, based on the experimental observation of the traction behaviour during tool-ply and ply-ply slip is presented. This model is implemented in ABAQUS-explicit and forming simulations are performed. The maximum compressive stress during forming is found to heavily depend on the orientation between adjacent plies.