Friction measurement on towpregs for the filament winding

Abstract

This study focuses on the measurement of frictional properties of towpregs applied in filament winding processes for carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) manufacturing. The filament winding technique is widely employed for creating rotationally symmetrical structures like pipes and pressure vessels due to its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Accurate estimation of friction coefficients between towpregs and ­surfaces is crucial to ensure quality in wound components. Incorrect friction estimations can lead to suboptimal winding and compromised component performance. The study investigates various parameters influencing friction behavior, including fiber force and process speed. Experimental setups involve testing rovings under different conditions and measuring frictional forces. The results reveal, that increasing fiber forces and process speeds lead to higher friction forces. Comparative analysis with dry carbon fibers and other towpregs demonstrates varying friction behavior. The tests also showed a clear influence of the towpreg material aging on the friction coefficient. The static coefficient of friction values for different materials are calculated and discussed. This research contributes to a better understanding of friction phenomena in CFRP filament winding processes, aiding in optimizing manufacturing quality and efficiency.

Keywords

• Filament winding
• friction
• towpreg
• aging
• prepreg