Placement defects in thermoset‐impregnated rovings deposited along curved paths

Wet Fiber Placement (WFP) is a novel process for manufacturing complex shaped parts from continuous fiber-reinforced polymers without semi-finished products. Here, dry fiber bundles (rovings) are in-line impregnated with thermoset resin, followed by almost tension-free deposition. The freshly and limp rovings allow placement in radii. Due to the lack of compression deposition, subsequent consolidation, example, via vacuum bagging, required. However, this consolidation cannot compensate defects already present deposited lay-up as they will typically occur when depositing along curved paths. In study, we two carbon radii between 5 2000 mm WFP. occurring were visually evaluated. Three main observed: waviness, up-folding twists. extent was evaluated using image analysis techniques. Results show, that twists dominant <100 mm, while greater waviness defect. Up-folding completely disappear >500 but slight still observed. effect on longitudinal stiffness estimated be small perhaps acceptable some applications.