Rheological response of compressible SMCs under various deformation kinematics: Experimental aspects and simple modelling approach

Flow conditions during compression moulding of Sheet Moulding Compounds (SMCs) govern the microstructure and resulting mechanical properties composite parts. Low-density high-fibre content SMCs were subjected to simple compression, œdometric through-thickness shear loadings, using dedicated rheometers. Simple experiments revealed compaction behaviour both types SMCs. During experiments, low-density was accompanied by in-plane elongational flow phenomena, whereas exhibited below a characteristic axial strain elongation above. Shear tests showed that stress did not vary over wide range while being stress. Both shear-thinning with viscosities depended on fibre volume fraction. Finally, transversely isotropic tensorial model for seen as compressible materials proposed. Its predictions are consistent experiments.