Failure in Tufted Composite Structures
Lead Research Organisation:
CRANFIELD UNIVERSITY
Department Name: Sch of Applied Sciences
Abstract
Tufting is a form of Z-direction reinforcement of composite materials which involves the use of a needle to push a thread through the thickness of a laminate. As the needle retracts, the thread is left, resulting in fibres in the Z direction of an otherwise planar fibre architecture. The dry preform is subsequently infused with thermosetting resin and cured. This new technology for the reinforcement of composite structures shows promising signs of efficient delamination crack retardation (crack between the different plies) and increased damage tolerance. As for any other through the thickness reinforcement, the gain in delamination resistance is accompanied by a knock-down in the in-plane properties of the laminate. Based on the PI's experience on other through the thickness reinforcement technology (namely Z-Fiber pinning), the current project aims to develop predictive modelling tools for the failure of tufted structures appropriate to use in the context of component optimisation. To achieve this objective, it is necessary first to characterise the crack bridging mechanisms of the tufts under different loading conditions. Meso-scale samples will be designed, manufactured and tested to determine the energy absorbed by each tuft. Simultaneously, the reduction of in-plane strength and stiffness will be measured for various tufting density. The bridging characteristics data will be implemented in finite element models and validated against test coupons (delamination tests).Different modelling strategies for the failure of tufted laminates will be tested. A tool that will be used for the prediction of the behaviour of more complex structures based on finite elements will be implemented and an optimisation procedure for the location and density of reinforcement will be developed. Finally, the fully developed tool will be adapted to other forms of through thickness reinforcement (i.e. Z-pinning) and the relative effectiveness of the technologies will be compared.On completion of the project, new methods of testing of 3D composites will be available and tools for the numerical simulation of the behaviour of composite structures containing through the thickness reinforcement will be produced and validated. The use of these tools in the context of optimisation of the location of the Z-direction binders will be illustrated and validated by the simulation, manufacture and testing of structural elements.
People |
ORCID iD |
Ivana Partridge (Principal Investigator) | |
Denis Cartie (Researcher) |
Publications
Chehura E
(2014)
On-line monitoring of multi-component strain development in a tufting needle using optical fibre Bragg grating sensors
in Smart Materials and Structures
Dell'Anno G
(2016)
Manufacturing of composite parts reinforced through-thickness by tufting
in Robotics and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing
Partridge I K
(2011)
Deformation and failure in a tufted carbon fabric/epoxy O - stiffener
in n/a
Treiber JWG
(2011)
EFFECTS OF MESOSTRUCTURE ON THE IN-PLANE PROPERTIES OF TUFTED CARBON FABRIC COMPOSITES
in n/a
Partridge I K
(2011)
Through-the-thickness reinforcement of composites
in n/a
Cartié D
(2009)
Fatigue delamination behaviour of unidirectional carbon fibre/epoxy laminates reinforced by Z-Fiber® pinning
in Engineering Fracture Mechanics
Baral N
(2010)
Improved impact performance of marine sandwich panels using through-thickness reinforcement: Experimental results
in Composites Part B: Engineering
Osmiani C
(2016)
Exploring the influence of micro-structure on the mechanical properties and crack bridging mechanisms of fibrous tufts
in Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing
Partridge I K
Effects of mesostructure on the in-plane properties of tufted carbon fabric composites
in Composites A
Description | The project has established a firm foundation for the manufacturing process associated with through thickness reinforcement of composites by tufting. Methodology for quantification of mechanical property balance in tufted structures has been defined and illustrated with results. The work points to the importance of validated modelling as a future design tool. |
Exploitation Route | The work is being continued at the University of Bristol (low TRL studies and modelling) , linked to more application directed research at the National Composites Centre (NCC) in Bristol. This ensures exposure of the technology to the industry sector, through its inclusion in the Core Research Programme at the NCC. |
Sectors | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Energy,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Transport |
Description | European Union Framework 7 |
Amount | £450,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 234290 |
Organisation | European Commission |
Department | Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) |
Sector | Public |
Country | European Union (EU) |
Start | 01/2009 |
End | 01/2013 |
Description | IMRC: Cranfield Innovative Manuf Res Cen |
Amount | £68,034 (GBP) |
Funding ID | IMRC 164 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Department | Cranfield Innovative Manufacturing Research Centre |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2011 |
End | 11/2011 |
Description | Impact Acceleration Award |
Amount | £99,784 (GBP) |
Funding ID | Persuasive demonstrators for advances in structural composites |
Organisation | University of Bristol |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 04/2013 |
End | 04/2015 |
Description | Rolls-Royce Plc |
Amount | £5,250 (GBP) |
Organisation | Rolls Royce Group Plc |
Sector | Private |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 06/2008 |
End | 09/2008 |
Description | University of Genoa |
Organisation | University of Genoa |
Country | Italy |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Supervision of a final year student, provision of materials and facilities |
Collaborator Contribution | Modelling work carried out by final year student over a period of 6 months secondment |
Impact | Student now registered for PhD at the University of Bristol, progressing modelling of tufted structures |
Start Year | 2010 |