A semi-analytical model for the wrinkling of laminates during consolidation over a corner radius

TL;DR

This paper introduces a semi-analytical one-dimensional model to predict and analyze the wrinkling behavior of carbon fibre laminates during consolidation over curved geometries, aiding in manufacturing process optimization.

Contribution

It presents a novel semi-analytical model specifically for wrinkling during laminate consolidation over a corner radius, providing critical conditions and insights for minimizing defects.

Findings

Critical conditions for wrinkle formation identified

Localized buckling behavior observed in simulations

Qualitative agreement with micrograph observations

Abstract

If carbon fibre layers are prevented from slipping over one another as they consolidate onto a non-trivial geometry, they can be particularly susceptible to wrinkling/buckling instabilities. A one dimensional model for wrinkling during consolidation over an external radius is presented. Critical conditions for the appearance of wrinkles provide possible manufacturing and design strategies to minimise wrinkling. Numerical results for the unstable post buckling paths show localized buckling behaviour which demonstrates qualitative agreement with micrographs of wrinkles.