Graduiertenkolleg 2078, Teilprojekt C3: MacroScaleCharacterization: Mechanical Properties for SMC and LFT Composites and Locally Reinforced CoDiCoFRP

M.Sc. Anna Trauth und M.Sc. Miriam Bartkowiak

Introduction and Motivation

A Sheet Moulding Compound (SMC) is a flat semi-finished product made of cross-linkable resins with or without filler and additives reinforced by glass or carbon fibers. Discontinuously fiber reinforced SMC (DiCoFRP) offer a high bulk material flow capability, which – compared to continuously reinforced structures (CoFRP) increases the design freedom, whereas CoFRP have a significantly higher load-bearing capacity. An optimal combination of design options as well as high stiffness and strength on can be obtained by combining CoFRP and DiCoFRP to CoDiCoFRP.

The International Research Training Group of “Integrated Engineering of Continuous-Discontinuous Long Fiber Reinforced Polymer Structures” aims to contribute significantly to a fundamental understanding of the material and the structural behavior of CoDiCoFRP and optimal processing routes as well as design strategies. Predictive computational engineering tools inherently coupled with methods of characterization are sought to enable new application of lightweight materials, especially in the context of three-dimensional load bearing components. So far there is no simple application of concepts for dimensioning, testing of COFRP and DiCoFRP to CoDiCoFRP. 

Objectives

To provide validation data for the related process, optimization and simulation projects, testing methods for continuous-discontinuous (CoDiCo) fiber reinforced polymers have to be generated. Aim of this research project is the characterization of mechanical properties of DiCoFRP and CoDiCoFRP on a macroscopic scale considering quasi-static and dynamic loading. Already existing testing methods used for SMC materials with the focus on local strain and damage measurement will be extended to generate testing methods for CoDiCoFRP featuring local reinforcements. Starting point for the observation of structure-property relationships will be a comprehensive material investigation and process parameter screening for SMC-based (Co)DiCoFRP with consideration of process-related influences on the mechanical properties. Besides that a fundamental analysis of failure and local deformation as well as damage evolution under near-service loads will be carried out. Additionally fatigue testing series are taken into consideration for a comprehensive understanding of material behavior.

Methods

  • Quasi-static testing
  • Dynamic testing
  • Cyclic and fatigue testing
  • µCT : In-situ testing 

Further information

Additional information can be found here.