Geometry Assurance Integrating Process Variation with Simulation of Spring-in for Composite Parts and Assemblies

C. Jareteg, K. Wärmefjord, C. Cromvik, R. Söderberg, L. Lindkvist, J. S. Carlson, F. Edelvik. In proceedings from ASME IMECE 2014, Montreal, Canada, November 2014.

Abstract

Geometrical variation and deviation in all manufacturing processes affect quality of the final product. Therefore geometry assurance is an important tool in the design phase of a new product. In the automotive and aviation industries where the use of composite parts is increasing drastically, new tools within variation simulations are needed. Composite parts tend to deviate more from nominal specification compared to metal parts. Methods to simulate the manufacturing process of composites have been developed before.

In this paper we present how to combine the process variation simulation of composites with traditional variation simulations. The proposed method is demonstrated on a real complex subassembly, representing part of an aircraft wing-box. Since traditional variation simulation methods are not able to capture the spring-in and the special deviation behavior of composites,the proposed method adds a new feature and reliability to the geometry assurance process of composite assemblies.

Keywords: Variation simulation, composites, part variation.

Authors and Affiliations

  • Cornelia Jareteg, Chalmers (Institutionen för matematiska vetenskaper), Fraunhofer-Chalmers Centre
  • Kristina Wärmefjord, Chalmers (Institutionen för produkt- och produktionsutveckling)
  • Christoffer Cromvik, Fraunhofer-Chalmers Centre
  • Rikard Söderberg, Chalmers (Institutionen för produkt- och produktionsutveckling)
  • Lars Lindkvist, Chalmers (Institutionen för produkt- och produktionsutveckling)
  • Johan S Carlson, Fraunhofer-Chalmers Centre
  • Stig Larsson, Chalmers (Institutionen för matematiska vetenskaper)
  • Fredrik Edelvik, Fraunhofer-Chalmers Centre



Photo credits: Nic McPhee