Fiber-reinforced plastics are usually processed at temperatures above room temperature. This ensures manufacturability and, in combination with high-rate capable material systems, enables shorter and therefore more economical cycle times.

However, process-induced warpage and/or residual stresses usually occur as a result of chemical shrinkage and thermal contraction, which can lead to dimensionally unstable components.

We develop material models and simulation routines that take into account the complex interaction between resin kinetics and mechanical properties to predict warpage.

Process engineers and toolmakers can use these findings to derive measures to prevent warpage.

Research focus

• Modeling the reaction kinetics of the resin system
• Consideration of chemical shrinkage
• Macroscopic material modeling as a function of resin condition
• Optimization of process parameters and geometry