Modelling the deformation of continuous fibre-reinforced thermoplastics subjected to hygrothermal loading

Abstract

For the application of continuous fibre-reinforced thermoplastics in car body structures it has to be ensured that they can pass through the automotive paint shop. There are substantial chemical, hygroscopic and thermal impacts throughout this process that can affect the shape of such components. The aim of this study is to model the deformation behaviour of continuous fibre-reinforced thermoplastics under hygrothermal loading. Relaxation tests were performed to assess temperature-dependent and viscoelastic behaviour. Input parameters for temperature and moisture distribution were determined experimentally and computed using finite difference method. A straightforward approach based on classical laminate theory is presented that comprises anisotropic viscoelasticity as well as hygroscopic, thermal and polymer-chemical effects. The introduced phenomenological model was successfully used to describe the deformation of five different laminate layups both dry and fully saturated with moisture.

Prediction of the tensile strength of polymer composites filled with aligned short fibers

“…Using the experiment and finite difference method, Grätzl et al. 9 presented modeling the deformation of continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastics subjected to hygrothermal loading. Using a 3D finite element-based micromechanical model, Koppisetty et al.…”

“…Beckermann and Pickering 8 provided a formula to predict the tensile strength of hemp fiberreinforced polypropylene composites. Using the experiment and finite difference method, Gr€ atzl et al 9 presented modeling the deformation of continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastics subjected to hygrothermal loading. Using a 3D finite element-based micromechanical model, Koppisetty et al 10 investigated the effect of fiber distribution, in glass/carbon hybird fiber composites, on the compressive kinking strength.…”

Viscoelastic modelling of fibre-reinforced thermoplastics in hygrothermal circumstances

“…Significant thermal loads are imposed on structural CFRTP when passing through multiple paint-dryers. This engineering problem must be evaluated prior to successfully applying CFRTP in primary structures of the vehicle (Grätzl et al 2016(Grätzl et al , 2018. From a manufacturing point of view, it needs less effort to introduce structural CFRTP into the body structure after the painting process.…”