Numerical Investigation of Residual Stresses in Welded Thermoplastic CFRP Structures

Using thermoplastics as the matrix in carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP) offers possibility to make use of welded joints, which results weight savings compared conventional joining methods using mechanical fasteners. In this paper, resulting temperature distribution material due resistance welding is investigated by transient finite element (FE) simulations. To examine effects on component structure, a numerical modeling approach created, allows determining residual stresses caused process. It shown that area especially near zone, highly affected process, terms stresses. particular, perpendicular fiber direction show failure relevant values up maximum 221 MPa, might lead formation microcracks matrix. turn, assumed be critical fatigue composite structures. Thus, suggested provides can used determine their strength, structural stability, and such subsequent step, these findings could play an important role design process thermoplastic