An integrated preforming-performance model for high-fidelity performance analysis of cured woven composite part with non-orthogonal yarn angles

Preforming process would change yarn angle and yarn orientation, its influence on the material properties and material orientations needs to be considered in the performance analysis. However, most current performance models fail to account for the preforming effect. An integrated performance model accounting for the impact of preforming has been developed. In this integrated model, part geometry, yarn angle and orientation after preforming of multiple prepreg layers are predicted by Finite Element Analysis (FEA) using a non-orthogonal constitutive law. Experiments were conducted to validate the preforming simulation for a single dome composites structure made by two prepreg layers with different initial fiber orientations. Performance analysis until failure was then conducted for the single dome structure to validate the integrated performance model. Comparison between simulation and experiment shows that not only the failure mode and failure zone, but also the force-displacement curve during compression process are captured correctly by the performance model, demonstrating the effectiveness of the newly proposed model in accounting for the impact of preforming process.