RESUMEN
This article is focused on the experimental study of flexural properties in different multi-layer carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites and correlations with the results of finite element method (FEM) simulations of mechanical properties. The comparison of the results shows the possibility of reducing the number of experimental specimens for testing. The experimental study of flexural properties for four types of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composites with twill weaves (2 × 2) was carried out. As input materials, pre-impregnated carbon laminate GG 204 T and GG 630 T (prepreg) and two types of carbon fiber fabrics (GG 285 T and GG 300 T (fabric)) were used. Multi-layer samples were manufactured from two types of prepregs and two types of fabrics, which were hand-impregnated during sample preparation. The layers were stacked using same orientation. All specimens for flexural test were cut with the longer side in the weft direction. Pre-impregnated carbon laminates were further impregnated with resin DT 121H. Carbon fabrics were hand-impregnated with epoxy matrix LG 120 and hardener HG 700. To fulfill the aim of this research, finite element method (FEM)-based simulations of mechanical properties were performed. The FEM simulations and analysis were conducted in Hexagon's MSC Marc Mentat 2022.3 and Digimat 2022.4 software. This paper presents the results of actual experimental bending tests and the results of simulations of bending tests for different composite materials (mentioned previously). We created material models for simulations based on two methods-MF (Mean Field) and FE (Finite Element), and the comparative results show better agreement with the MF model. The composites (GG 285 T and GG 300 T) showed better flexural results than composites made from pre-impregnated carbon laminates (GG 204 T and GG 630 T). The difference in results for the hand-impregnated laminates was about 15% higher than for prepregs, but this is still within an acceptable tolerance as per the reported literature. The highest percentage difference of 14.25% between the simulation and the real experiment was found for the software tool Digimat FE 2022.4-GG 630 T composite. The lowest difference of 0.5% was found for the software tool Digimat MF 2022.4-GG 204 T composite. By comparing the results of the software tools with the results of the experimental measurements, it was found that the Digimat MF 2022.4 tool is closer to the results of the experimental measurements than the Digimat FE 2022.4 tool.
RESUMEN
This article focuses on the computational analysis of sandwich composite materials based on polypropylene, polyester, glass, and cotton fibers. In the automotive components prepared from these fiber materials, the various components are used in different proportions. Through the manufacturing process, isotropic materials become somewhat anisotropic. Part of this article is aimed at obtaining input values of material characteristics for calculations using finite element analysis (FEM) and the comparison of experimental results with FEM-based material models created using the Digimat 2023.1 software. This article analyzes the modeling of two-phase as well as multiphase composite materials. This work focuses on calculations using FEM according to the test defined in the PR375 standard for loading the finished product in the luggage compartment of a car. The defined methodology enables the application of the FEM-based calculation directly to the product design in the initial phase of research. The construction and production of expensive prototypes and the subsequent production of automotive parts is replaced by computer-based simulation. This procedure makes it possible to simulate several optimization cycles over a relatively shorter time. From the results of computational simulations, it is clear that materials based on PP/PET/glass fibers show a much higher modulus of elasticity than materials created using cotton, i.e., materials of the PP/PET/cotton type. In order to achieve a high strength and stiffness, it is, therefore, appropriate to use glass fibers in the composite materials used for such applications.