Title: CONTINUOUS FIBER STEERING VIA LOAD PATHS FOR PART OPTIMIZATION

Authors: Maxwell J. Johnson, Jeremy P. Tumpak, Nathan A. Stranberg, Patrick K. McHail

DOI: 10.33599/nasampe/s.23.0159

Abstract: Continuous Composites Inc. based in Coeur d’Alene, ID is the developer of CF3D®, a fully automated solution for continuous fiber additive manufacturing with proprietary process planning software for a wide range of high-strength composite applications. CF3D uses ultraviolet snap curing technology for in situ curing of thermoset organic matrix composites.
Continuous Composite's unique capability allows for parts to be optimized by steering fibers in and out of the plane to create the most efficient part. With this technology, Continuous Composites can work with the designer to understand the loading conditions and develop a print strategy that steers fibers in the directions of the loads to take advantage of the anisotropic properties of continuous fibers for optimal part performance. Understanding this ability, an aircraft bulkhead was designed and printed with steered fibers in the direction of the principal stresses. It shows that having this capability can increase stiffness and decrease localized stress concentrations.

References: [1] Tosh MW, Kelly DW. Fibre steering for a composite C-beam. Sydney; 2001. Available from: www.elsevier.com/locate/compstruct. [2] Lopes CS, Gürdal Z, Camanho PP. Tailoring for strength of composite steered-fibre panels with cutouts. Compos Part A Appl Sci Manuf. 2010;41:1760–1767. [3] Brooks TR, Martins JRRA. On manufacturing constraints for tow-steered composite design optimization. Compos Struct. 2018;204:548–559. [4] Adams D. Composites testing as part of a building block approach, Part 1: Coupon-level testing. Composites World. 2021. Available from: https://www.compositesworld.com/articles/composites-testing-as-part-of-a-building-block-approach-part-1-coupon-level-testing.

Conference: SAMPE 2023

Publication Date: 2023/04/17

SKU: TP23-0000000159

Pages: 13

Price: $26.00