Finite element modelling of composite consolidation from fibre and wire lay-ups

Finite element modelling was carried out for the consolidation process of a relatively new manufacture route for SiC fibre reinforced titanium composites (Ti/SiCf), involving the co-winding of the reinforcing fibre and metal wires. Both the plasticity and creep deformation were considered in the model with plain strain constraint. Different processing conditions were simulated to evaluate the effects of temperature and pressure on the consolidation time. The effect of fibre volume fractions and winding configurations were analysed. It is identified that although fibre volume fractions and winding arrangements influence the consolidation process of the composites at the initial stage, the differences diminish for the perfectly parallel co-winding arrangement as the holding time increases. In the practical design of the wire/fibre architecture, emphasis should be placed on the easiness of the co-winding process.