Analysis of the performance of a new concept for automatic draping of wide reinforcement fabrics with pre-shear: A virtual prototyping study
Christian Krogh,
Peter H. Broberg,
Sebastian M. Hermansen,
Asbjørn M. Olesen,
Brian L.V. Bak,
Esben Lindgaard,
Erik Lund,
Jørgen Kepler,
Johnny Jakobsen
Affiliations
Christian Krogh
Department of Materials and Production, Aalborg University, Fibigerstraede 16, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
Peter H. Broberg
Department of Materials and Production, Aalborg University, Fibigerstraede 16, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark; CraCS Research Group (cracs.aau.dk), Aalborg University, Fibigerstræde 16, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
Sebastian M. Hermansen
Department of Materials and Production, Aalborg University, Fibigerstraede 16, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
Asbjørn M. Olesen
Department of Materials and Production, Aalborg University, Fibigerstraede 16, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark; CraCS Research Group (cracs.aau.dk), Aalborg University, Fibigerstræde 16, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
Brian L.V. Bak
Department of Materials and Production, Aalborg University, Fibigerstraede 16, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark; CraCS Research Group (cracs.aau.dk), Aalborg University, Fibigerstræde 16, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
Esben Lindgaard
Department of Materials and Production, Aalborg University, Fibigerstraede 16, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark; CraCS Research Group (cracs.aau.dk), Aalborg University, Fibigerstræde 16, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
Erik Lund
Department of Materials and Production, Aalborg University, Fibigerstraede 16, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
Jørgen Kepler
Department of Materials and Production, Aalborg University, Fibigerstraede 16, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
Johnny Jakobsen
Department of Materials and Production, Aalborg University, Fibigerstraede 16, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark; Corresponding author.
The layup process of large composite structures made from dry reinforcement fabrics is considered. One such structure is a wind turbine blade, for which the current draping process is mostly manual. Automating the draping process will, therefore, lower the costs. Based on a literature review, a new concept is synthesized and analyzed using an advanced finite element model with rigid multi-body kinematics and a dedicated material model for the fabric. The material model is calibrated using experimental coupon tests, i.e. the bias-extension test (shear) and Peirce's cantilever test (out-of-plane bending). The concept is analyzed numerically by means of a simple parameter study and draping test cases on a flat mold as well as a general double-curved mold. The simulation results show that the concept is feasible for the draping operation and is thus qualified for the subsequent physical prototyping.
