Fibre orientation modelling for rubber press forming of thermoplastic composites

The fibre re-orientation caused by the press forming of thermoplastic composites is one of the main factors in the process induced product distortions. Classical geometric drape simulation methods can be used to predict this fibre re-orientation. However, these methods have difficulties to incorporate the process specific boundary conditions. Therefore, a fabric reinforced fluid model was implemented into the Finite Element package DIEKA, which is capable of modelling the boundary conditions as well. The predictions of both types of simulations are compared with the results of drape experiments on a double dome geometry.