Evaluation of Stamp Forming Process Parameters for CF/PEKK Thermoplastic Composite Using Finite Element Method

Abstract

This study presented the evaluation of the stamp forming process for L-shape CF/PEKK thermoplastic composite using the finite element model. The formability of three different trimming allowances has been examined for representative product geometry. The results showed that those manufactured by high trimming allowance showed more excellent formability in those areas. Moreover, the effects of the trimming allowances on the stress, thickness, wrinkle distributions of thermoplastic composites fabricated with the stamp forming process were evaluated. The comparison of the simulation and experimental results for the thickness and wrinkle distributions proved the accuracy of the stamp forming model. The crystallinity of the composite was performed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The void content of the composite was evaluated by matrix digestion. Then, the fabricated structure was characterized and achieved high quality in crystallinity and void content. Consequently, the presented FEM modeling shows excellent potential for application in the aircraft product design process. This pragmatic approach could efficiently offer a valuable solution for the thermoplastic composite manufacturing field.