Simulation of thermoplastic composite forming using shells with pinching elements
Résumé
Forming at high temperature composites with continuous fibers and thermoplastic matrix permits to obtain structures with high mechanical properties in a single and fast manufacturing operation. An experimental study is presented that shows that porosities appears at the beginning of the process and that the re-compaction stage is very important in order to obtain a final state without defects. In order to simulate the forming process including the compaction, a shell with pinching element is developed. This element permits to account for the through the thickness loads and stresses that are essential for the consolidation of the material. It is shown that the formulation of the element can lead to a locking and how it can be avoid.
