Variation simulation for composite parts and assemblies including variation in fiber orientation and thickness

C. Jareteg, K. Wärmefjord, R. Söderberg, L. Lindkvist, J. S. Carlson, C. Cromvik, F. Edelvik. In proceedings from the 5th CATS 2014 - CIRP Conference on Assembly Systems and Technologies, Dresden, Germany, November 2014.

Abstract

All manufacturing processes are afflicted by geometrical variation, which can lead to defect products. A simulation tool for geometry assurance analysis is therefore important in the design process. The use of composites has recently increased drastically, but there is still a lack of understanding about the effects of variation in such parts. A method for predicting variation in subassemblies, including variation in fiber orientation and ply thickness for composites is presented.

The approach is demonstrated on an industrial case and finite element analysis is used to calculate the deformation. In particular, contribution from variation in material properties to the variation in critical points is analyzed. The results indicate that material uncertainties have a small impact on the geometric variation for the test case.

Authors and Affiliations

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



Photo credits: Nic McPhee