Analysis of the performance of a new concept for automatic draping of wide reinforcement fabrics with pre-shear: A virtual prototyping study

The layup process of large composite structures made from dry reinforcement fabrics is considered. One such structure is a wind turbine blade, for which the current draping process is mostly manual. Automating the draping process will, therefore, lower the costs. Based on a literature review, a new concept is synthesized and analyzed using an advanced finite element model with rigid multi-body kinematics and a dedicated material model for the fabric. The material model is calibrated using experimental coupon tests, i.e. the bias-extension test (shear) and Peirce's cantilever test (out-of-plane bending). The concept is analyzed numerically by means of a simple parameter study and draping test cases on a flat mold as well as a general double-curved mold. The simulation results show that the concept is feasible for the draping operation and is thus qualified for the subsequent physical prototyping.