Fabric Forming: how it affects design and processing, and how simulation can address this

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One unique benefit that composite materials have is the ability to be formed into complex geometries that other materials struggle with. Forming fabric into these geometries is key to producing these geometries. If the wrong fabric is used for a particular geometry and/or process it can lead to defects, such as severe fibre distortion, porosity, ... Read more

Fibre Architecture: Availability, pros and cons, and selection for my application

Selecting the form of fibre, often referred to as the fibre architecture is a critical decision during the development process. Fibre architecture has a significant effect on cost, processability, defect generation, design/geometry limitations, damage tolerance, and other outcomes of a composite part. Individual fibres are grouped into bundles of thousands of fibres called tows. These ... Read more

Understanding polyester resin processing: the effect of ambient temperature on final part cure

Controlling the curing parameters of resin, often referred to as thermal management, has a significant effect on the outcome of a thermoset polyester resin and therefore the overall performance of a composite part. Allowing polyester resin to cure under ambient conditions is the most common technique used in industry. One major drawback of this technique, ... Read more

Composites Process Simulation: A Review of the State of the Art for Product Development

A fundamental concept in materials science is that process history leads to microstructure evolution, which in turn determines mechanical and functional properties. For composite components, where the material is transformed at the same time as the component is created, the local process history is a function of the whole processing system which includes material(s), part ... Read more

Deconstructing composites processing: Why it seems so complex and how to think about it in a structured way

Composite materials come in many different forms, shapes, and sizes. While this allows for flexibility in tailoring the design, it also results in many different possibilities for manufacturing, which can seem complicated and daunting. However, despite there being numerous choices for manufacturers, the complexities often associated with composite material processing can be deconvoluted and approached ... Read more

Parameters for Structural Analysis of Composites

Structural analysis of composites requires material properties such as elastic and strength values. Physical testing, handbook/database values, micromechanics, and classical lamination theory are all sources of these properties; but when are they valid and what are their advantages, disadvantages, hidden challenges and quirks? When you need nine unique values just to define the elastic response ... Read more

Costing Composite Parts

Accurately estimating the cost of manufacturing a composite part is essential to the success of small, medium and large businesses alike; but where should you begin? Many factors such as material and consumable prices, labour cost, purchase and maintenance of equipment and tooling, energy cost, development cost, overhead cost as well as production run numbers ... Read more

Composite Materials Engineering 12-Part Webinar Series

https://vimeo.com/415240845 In a time of uncertainty for the Canadian Composites Manufacturing industry, one thing is certain: knowledgeable and experienced engineers will be needed to facilitate regrowth of the industry. To support this, the CKN, in partnership with SAMPE Canada, is hosting a 12-part webinar series on composite materials engineering. This series is intended for junior to senior engineers that are looking to obtain a ... Read more