High Temperature Composites Process Simulation

Important results from the project

Polymer composites can save weight in aircraft engines. The project´s goal has been to develop technology for the design and manufacture of temperature-resistant composites, which means that they can also be used in hot parts of the engine. This project has contributed to a further development of simulation models that are based on taking into account viscoelastic phenomena in the curing process. Including this physicality is currently unique in the world. Experimental validation shows that the developed model "VisCoR" can capture the time-dependent cure process well.

Expected long term effects

The end result is a computer code (subroutine) that is implemented in the commercial finite element solver LS-Dyna. With this code, process simulation can be performed at GKN, which is more advanced than the commercial alternatives available on the market. The manufacturing process is expected to be more efficient as a result of more accurate computer models being able to assist in the development of the process.

Approach and implementation

The project has been coordinated by GKN and largely carried out practically by RISE. Through further development of a simulation code, RISE contribute to GKN´s simulation tools. GKN´s needs has influenced decisions of material systems, etc. A total of 6 work packages have been carried out during the course of the project. These include project management, literature study, development of the model and demonstrator component, experimental validation and dissemination of the project. Both partners have a well-established collaboration that has contributed to the project success.