Manufacturing characteristics of the continuous tow shearing method for manufacturing of variable angle tow composites

Byung Chul Kim, Paul M. Weaver, Kevin Potter

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Automated fibre placement (AFP) is well-known as a cutting-edge technology for manufacturing variable angle tow (VAT) composites with tailored fibre paths. However, its process-induced defects prevent the wide application of VAT composite structures. As an alternative manufacturing method, the continuous tow shearing (CTS) technique, utilising the ability to shear dry tows, has been developed. It was shown that CTS could significantly reduce process-induced defects such as fibre wrinkling, resin rich areas and fibre discontinuities. In this paper, its manufacturing characteristics such as material characteristics, layup accuracy, and thickness variation are investigated experimentally.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)141-151
Number of pages11
JournalComposites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing
Volume61
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2014
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Automated fibre placement (AFP)
  • E. Automation
  • E. Lay-up (automated)
  • E. Tow

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