This paper outlines the developmental testing of hot drape forming. Hot drape forming is a process for forming a flat uncured thermoset composite prepreg laminate into an angle or channel, using heat and pressure (vacuum). During this process interply slippage must occur. The heat applied during the process reduces the resin viscosity and thus the interply shear, while the pressure provided the mechanical action to form the laminate. The following variables significantly affect hot drape forming: (1) part design: geometry, ply orientation, flange length; (2) equipment settings: temperature, forming rate; (3) laminate processing; level of compaction, outtime as compared to direct hand lay-up, hot drape forming reduces flow-time, operator fatigue and operator exposure to uncured prepregs.
| Number of Pages : | 23 |
| Published : | 06/01/1993 |
