ELSTec : Efficient lightweight structures made by automated fiber placement (AFP) of thermoplastic composites

This project deals with the continuation of a project at Concordia University in 2020 via Mitacs Globalink research
award. The project investigated different manufacturing scenarios of a thermoplastic skin/grind structure using automated fiber placement (AFP) in the Concordia Center for Composites labs. The thermoplastic skin/grin structure was successfully fabricated via AFP in-situ consolidation.
Now, this project will evaluate the plate with the help of the existing experimental facilities at Concordia University. The goal is to evaluate the performance of the in-situ consolidated skin/grid structure through mechanical testing and microscopy analysis. Mechanical test will be performed using universal testing machine and stiffness and strength properties will be extracted. Void
content and delamination of the specimen will be investigated with microscopic analysis. Finally, the results are compared with a Finite Element (FE) analysis to get further insight of the failure behaviour. With the results it is possible to benchmark the developed skin/grid structures with already existing’s ones and it should be possible to draw conclusions to improve the structure itself and the manufacturing process with AFP.

Faculty Supervisor:

Farjad Shadmehri

Student:

Partner:

Munich University of Applied Sciences

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Automotive; Aerospace; Advanced Manufacturing

University:

Concordia University

Program: