Applications of a fiber orientation prediction algorithm for compression molded parts with multiple charges

Abstract An application of a finite element simulation of mold filling and predication of fiber orientation in fiber filled compression molded parts is presented. Three‐dimensional thin‐walled geometries are considered. Following a simulation of the filling process, a set of transort equations are solved to predict the locally planar orientation of short fiber composites. The final orientation states throughout the part provide the necessary information to obtain a locally orthotropic mechanical model of the composite. A sheet molding compound part with a multiple charge pattern is used to illustrate the generality of the algorithms developed for compression flow, fiber orientation, and property predications. Derivations of the orthotropic mechanical properties obtained from the fiber orientation results are outlined.