Graduiertenkolleg 2078, Teilprojekt C2: MicroScaleCharacterization: Mechanical Properties for SMC and LFT Composites and Locally Reinforced CoDiCoFRP

M.Sc. Ludwig Schöttl

Introduction and Motivation

A Sheet Moulding Compound (SMC) is a flat semi-finished product made of cross-linkable resins with or without filler and additives reinforced by glass or carbon fibers. Discontinuously fiber reinforced SMC (DiCoFRP) offer a high bulk material flow capability, which – compared to continuously reinforced structures (CoFRP) increases the design freedom, whereas CoFRP have a significantly higher load-bearing capacity. An optimal combination of design options as well as high stiffness and strength on can be obtained by combining CoFRP and DiCoFRP to CoDiCoFRP.

The International Research Training Group of “Integrated Engineering of Continuous-Discontinuous Long Fiber Reinforced Polymer Structures” aims to contribute significantly to a fundamental understanding of the material and the structural behavior of CoDiCoFRP and optimal processing routes as well as design strategies. Predictive computational engineering tools inherently coupled with methods of characterization are sought to enable new application of lightweight materials, especially in the context of three-dimensional load bearing components. So far there is no simple application of concepts for dimensioning, testing of COFRP and DiCoFRP to CoDiCoFRP. 

Objectives

The primary goal of the MicroScaleCharacterization is to describe the microstructure of CoDiCoFRP by means of orientation tensors and fiber length distributions using a computed tomography scanner to offer good input parameters for modeling and simulation projects. Furthermore, in-situ tests are examined to allow the microstructure characterization and validation of micromechanical modeling results by the comparison of local strain fields. Moreover, the interface between fiber and matrix material is investigated due to the strength and chemical effects occurring there.

Methods

  • µCT image processing
  • In-situ tests (µCT)

Further information

Additional information can be found here.