Additional information
by Maximilian Koerdt (Author)
This thesis contributes to an acceleration of the manufacturing process of composite components from hybrid textiles, which contain reinforcement fibres and polymer matrix fibres from high-performance thermoplastics. Hybrid textiles distinguish in terms of drapeability compared to thermoplastic tapes. A comprehensive material characterisation of two polyetheretherketone polymers and different configurations of hybrid textiles deliver input parameters for a consolidation model. This model comprises the process steps of heating, impregnation and cooling, with a focus laying on the knowledge-based description of impregnation on meso-scale. Relevant process parameters are investigated on model scale to support the development of the Isoforming process, which is a new developed thermoforming process tailored for hybrid textiles. During the process, the steps of heating and cooling are accelerated remarkably compared to classic variothermal approaches. A subsequent sensitivity analysis validates the consolidation model. Beside the applied pressure and impregnation time, the textile configuration is a governing factor, which is analysed to recommend parameters for a successful consolidation process. Furthermore, a comparison between porosity and resulting mechanical parameters delivers information about the recommendable maximum values of void contents in laminates. Finally, a process analysis, which comprises online thickness assessment, laminate-embedded fibre-optic sensors and a transparent tooling, provides information about the feasibility of an online assessment of the state of impregnation.
