Finite element analysis of temperature induced stresses and deformations of polymer composite components

Due to the heterogeneous nature of composite materials, residual stresses b uild up during manufacture of composite products, Such stresses can change the final shape of a component from the tool shape. Temperature induced str esses and deformations of thick cylindrical parts have been studied by a nu mber of researchers using analytical approaches. However these approaches c annot solve a thick composite component with arbitrary geometry. Finite-ele ment-method (FEM) analysis was conducted in this study using ABAQUS. Mechan ical and thermal properties of composite materials were determined through microstructure analysis. Different element types were compared with respect to their prediction accuracy. The technique of application of FEM is discu ssed in the paper. Spring-in values of 90 degrees angles with varying curva ture at the corner are predicted. Reasonably good agreement between the pre diction and the measurement is achieved.