• Composites Research
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.421-428
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• 2018

In order to optimize the prepreg compression molding (PCM) process, the forming simulation is required to cope with any problems that may be raised during the process. For the improvement of simulation accuracy, the input data of material property should be measured accurately. However, most studies assume that the compressive properties of the prepreg are identical to the tensile properties without quantifying them separately. Therefore, in this study, the in - plane compressive properties of the prepreg are presented to improve the accuracy of the forming simulation. As a result, the compressive modulus of the fibers was measured to be about $10^{-2}$ times lower than the tensile modulus. Also we designed a square-cup mold with a tilting angle of $110^{\circ}$ to simulate the prepreg formability during the high temperature compression mold process. Shear angles were measured at each corner, which were compared with the simulation results. It was observed that the simulation results using the accurate compressive properties of the prepreg showed a similar trend with the experimental results. It was confirmed that the measured data of the in-plane compression property improved the accuracy of the forming simulation results.

• Composites Research
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.269-276
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• 2021

PCM (Prepreg Compression Molding) process is a high-speed molding technology that can manufacture high-quality CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic) parts. Compared to the autoclave process, it generates less waste and can significantly reduce cycle time, so various studies are being conducted in the aerospace and automobile industries. In this study, in order to improve the quality of the PCM process, a molding method was developed to increase the compression pressure of the press step by step according to the curing behavior of the prepreg. It was confirmed that this multi-stage compression molding technology is a good means to produce high-quality CFRP products and shorten cycle times. And, the laminated prepreg at room temperature was immediately put into the mold and preheated and molded at the same time, so that it could be molded without a separate preheating process. In addition, as a result of applying the same process conditions optimized for flat plate molding to three-dimensional shapes, a product similar to a flat plate in appearance could be made without the process of establishing process conditions.

• Composites Research
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.249-253
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• 2015

This paper reports a study on a method for achieving lightweight thermoplastic laminate composites referred to as tow spreading technology. Thickness of an unspread 12 K carbon fiber tow is reduced by increasing the tow width from 7 mm to 20 mm. The polypropylene (PP) film was used to stabilize and impregnate the spread tow, covering it into a partially consolidated prepreg: 12 K carbon fiber spread tow/PP. Laminates were fabricated from the spread tow prepreg and control laminate composites were produced from unspread tow prepreg consisting of 12 K carbon fiber and PP. The void content, tensile and flexural properties of the composite laminates were investigated. Consequently, the spread tow laminate composite exhibited lower void content and improved mechanical properties.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society For Composite Materials Conference
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• 2000.04a
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• pp.116-119
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• 2000

본 연구에서는 온도의 상승에 의하여 부피가 팽창하는 열팽창 고무 치공구의 팽창 특성을 이용하여 열경화성 복합재료를 경화하고 압축하는 과정을 실험과 모델링을 통하여 해석하였으며, 열가소성 복합재료의 함침공정을 연구하였다. 열팽창 고무치공구가 사용되는 닫힌계와 열린계에서 예상되는 압력을 이론적으로 유도하였고, 경화가 수반되는 과정에 있어서는 실험을 통하여 열팽창치공구와 프리프레그가 나타내는 압력을 측정하였다. 온도가 상승하고 경화가 수반되는 경우에 등속도 압축실험에 의하여 얻어지는 응력-변형율 곡선은 비선형점탄성 특성을 보여주었는데, 본 연구에서는 Maxwell모델을 KWW(Kohlrausch-Williame-Watts)식으로 변형시킨 모델식을 이용하여 이를 매우 정확하게 표현할 수 있었다. 또한 고무치공구를 이용하여 열가소성 수지의 복합재료 성형공정을 실험하였고, 중성자 레디오그래피 촬영을 통하여 기공의 분포를 관찰하였다.

• Composites Research
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.38-46
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• 2005

In order to characterize the outstanding performance of three-dimensional (3D) composites, the low velocity impact test has been carried out. 3D fiber structures have been achieved by using the automated tape placement (ATP) process and a stitching method. Materials for the ATP and the stitching process were carbon/epoxy prepreg tapes and Kevlar fibers, respectively. Two-dimensional composites with the same stacking sequence as 3D counterparts have also been fabricated for the comparison of damage tolerance. For the assessment of damage after the impact loading, specimens were subjected to C-Scan nondestructive inspection. Compression after impact (CAI) tests were conducted to evaluate residual compressive strength. The damage area of 3D composites was greatly reduced $(30-40\%)$ compared with that of 2D composites. Although the CAI strength did not show drastic improvement for 3D composites, the ratio of retained strength was $5-10\%$ higher than 2D samples. The effect of stitching on the impact performance was negligible above the energy level of 35 Joules.

• Polymer(Korea)
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.690-700
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• 2000

In this study, an elastomer-assistered compression molding process was investigated by experiments as well as modeling for the long-fiber reinforced thermoset composites. The consolidation pressure generated by fixed-volume and variable-volume conditions was thermodynamically derived for both elastomer and curing prepregs, and was compared with the pressure measured during curing of epoxy matrix. Exhibiting non-linear viscoelastic characteristics in the compressive stress-strain tests, the measured stress was well compared with a modifed KWW (Kohlrausch-Williame-Watts) equation, which is based on the Maxwell viscoelastic model. Using the developed model equations, the consolidation pressure generated by the elastomer was successfully predicted for the compression molding process of thermoset composite materials in tile closed mold system.

• Composites Research
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.28-36
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• 2004

Micro-tow deformation during forming of PVC foam-fabric composite sandwich structure is investigated to find out the correlation between forming condition and material deformation. The foams used in this research are PVC foams which have 4 different densities and the fabric composite is Carbon/epoxy prepreg which is plain weave (3k) as a skin material. Tow parameters such as crimp angle and tow amplitude are measured using microscope and a proper image tool and are compared with each other. In order to find out the effect of foam deformation during forming on tow deformation the compressive tests of foams are performed in three different environmental temperatures ($25^{\circ}C$, $80{\circ}C$, $125^{\circ}C$). The microscopic observation results show that the micro tow deformations are quite different from each other with respect to the foam density and forming pressure.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A
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• v.38 no.8
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• pp.849-855
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• 2014

The GFRP composite is used for hot press flow molding of automotive components, and the different flow rates of fiber and plastic are likely to induce fiber orientation and inhomogeneity in the material. However, very limited systematic research studies are available on composite materials with superior flow homogeneity and optimized fiber orientation. The inhomogeneity and fiber orientation issues of GFRP composites have still not been resolved through research. The plain weaving method applied to the GFRP prepreg can improve its recyclability, inhomogeneity, fiber flow, structural stability, fiber deformation, surface smoothness, degree of impregnation, and other mechanical properties. The need for more detailed and thorough studies is evidenced.

• Composites Research
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.33-40
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• 2003

In order to overcome one of the most pronounced shortcomings of conventional laminated composites, such as the low damage tolerance due to delamination, the thermoplastic materials and 3D (three-dimensional) preforms have been utilized in the manufacture of composite materials. From the newly developed process termed as the co-braiding, hybrid yarns of the thermoplastic fibers (PEEK) and reinforcing fibers (carbon) have been fabricated. In order to further enhance the delamination suppression, through thickness fibers have been introduced by way of 3D weaving technique in the fabrication of textile preforms. The preforms have been thermoformed to make composite materials. Complete impregnation of the PEEK into the carbon fiber bundles has been confirmed. For the comparison of mechanical performance of 3D woven composites, quasi-isotropic laminates using APC-2/AS4 tapes have been fabricated. Tensile and compressive properties of both the composites have been determined. Furthermore. the open hole, impact and CAI(Compression After Impact) tests were also carried out to assess the applicability of 3D woven textile reinforced thermoplastic composites in aerospace structures.

• Composites Research
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.106-114
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• 2022

Carbon fiber-reinforced plastic, well known high specific strength and high specific stiffness, have been widely used in the aircraft industry. Mostly the CFRP structure is fabricated by lamination of carbon fiber or carbon prepreg, which has major disadvantage called delamination. Delamination is usually produced due to absence of the through-thickness direction fiber. In this study, three-dimensional carbon preform woven in three directions is used for fabrication of aircraft wing unit structure, a part of repeated structure in aircraft wing. The unit structure include skin, stringer and rib were prepared by resin transfer molding method. After, the 3D structure was compared with laminate structure through compression test. The results show that 3D structure is not only effective to prevent delamination but improved the mechanical strength. Therefore, the 3d preform structure is expected to be used in various fields requiring delamination prevention, especially in the aircraft industry.