Gripper modeling

Grippers are valuable utility to enable defect-free forming. SimuDrape provides accurate gripper modeling approaches taking into account kinematics and load application and, thus,  enables the optimization of gripper setups.

Fiber orientation prediction

Forming induces a local change in fiber orientation. The local fiber orientation can be predicted by SimuDrape and transferred to downstream FEA by SimuChain, our Abaqus add-on for setting up a virtual process chain, to increase the prediction accuracy of FEA.

Tailoring determination

Near-net-shaped forming enables the reduction of material waste and thus increases material efficiency. SimuDrape enables the determination of the results from composite forming simulation to determine a suitable tailoring for near-net-shaped forming.

Defect prediction

Composites forming might go along with defects, such as local wrinkling or gapping. Composites forming simulation is capable to predict local defects and thus can be used to validate and optimize the manufacturability of a specific geometry.

Sequential draping

Sequential forming concepts can facilitate the forming process by mimicking a hand-draping process. SimuDrape allows the automatic model setup with an arbitrary number of stamps and therefore virtual optimization of arbitrary sequential draping concepts.

Membrane forming

The use of vacuum-assisted processes with a deformable membrane enables forming of large components. SimuDrape supports the automatic model setup for membrane forming processes and membrane modeling using hyperelastic material modeling.

Initial charge forming

Compression molding of SMC, GMT, or LFT might go along with material forming before the onset of material flow. SimuDrape enables modeling material forming in Abaqus these chopped fiber materials. The result is the formed geometry at the onset of material flow including the local fiber orientation predicted by well-known models (Jefferey, Folgar-Tucker, ARD-RSC).

Non-crimp fabrics (NCF) & woven fabrics

Forming engineering textiles is an essential process step before infiltration with a resin, e.g. as part of the Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) technology.

The currently deployed version of SimuDrape supports the modeling of woven fabrics.

We currently work on making a modeling approach for unidirectional, biaxial, and triaxial non-crimp fabrics (NCFs) available. Stay tuned for updates!

Thermoplastic tape laminates, organosheets & thermoset prepregs

Continuous reinforcements with a thermoplastic matrix are broadly applied in industrial applications. In addition, thermoset prepregs play a major role.

The currently deployed version of SimuDrape supports modeling thermoplastic tape laminates, organosheets, and thermoset prepregs. For thermoplastic materials, we support both an isothermal analysis as well as a thermokinetical-thermomechanical analysis.

DISCONTINUOUSLY FIBER-REINFORCED COMPOSITES 

Chopped fiber materials are processed using compression molding technologies through material flow. Compression molding of GMT, LFT, and SMC, however, can involve material forming prior to material flow. SimuDrape provides material models to accurately describe chopped fiber-reinforced composites during forming. Based on this, a sequential molding simulation approach can be established, which covers the stages of material forming (SimuDrape) and material flow (e.g. Moldflow).