Compaction behaviour of continuous fibre-reinforced thermoplastic composites under rapid processing conditions

This investigation presents a methodology for the characterisation of thermoplastic composite materials under rapid processing conditions, as is needed understanding flow mechanisms in Unidirectional (UD) tapes. A bespoke compaction rig was designed and constructed to carry out series high temperature ramp-dwell loading experiments on CF/PPS (Carbon Fibre/Polyphenylene Sulphide) CF/PEEK Fibre/Polyetheretherketone) specimens. Significant deformations were observed above melting points, where further increases led gradually smaller through-thickness displacements larger in-plane deformations. phenomenological material model, initially developed toughened thermosets, applied, assess its suitability predicting behaviour composites across range temperatures pressures. The modelling approach then deployed Finite Element (FE) simulations compacted specimens, making use extracted parameters from experimental tests.