3D Fibre-Reinforced Composites for Future Multifunctional Guide Vanes (3DFuture)

Purpose and goal:

The project goals have been fulfilled. A greater understanding was built relating to 3D fibre-reinforced composites, their manufacturability and potential benefits for industrial applications. The material’s structural performance was characterised and numerical tools to predict the structural performance were developed. Stronger research ties were built between project partners and the findings were disseminated through five conferences and two research papers.

Expected results and effects:

This project has delivered clear and defined material properties for this 3D-textile composite material and verified methods for characterising the properties. A viscoplastic damage constitutive model has also been developed to aid in predicting how these materials deform and eventually fail. Both provide valuable input for future developments. Research collaborations in this field have also been developed and nurtured, providing a solid base to support ongoing and future research.

Approach and implementation:

This project was truly a collaboration on many fronts. The project resources and the research was lead between both Chalmers and GKN representatives. Textile preforms were purchased from a regional SME. This textile material was infused with epoxy and sectioned at GKN using the expertise and equipment there. Testing rigs and expertise were used at both GKN and Chalmers. Constitutive model developments were supported by expertise at Chalmers.