The numerical simulation of press forming of continuus fiber reinforced thermoplastics

摘要

Numerical simulation of the press forming of continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastics (CFRTP) has so far been limited. Most analytical investigations to date have either concentrated on very specific aspects of the process or have used geometric mapping codes to predict the feasibility of forming a fabric to a given shape. This paper outlines a European research project which has developed computer aided design tools to simulate the preheating, forming and cooling phases of the thermoforming process.