Experimental and simulation investigation on spring-in deformation for L-shape component

The angular deformation is key parameter in composite manufacturing for curvature surfaces. Process Induced Distortions (PID’s) are a major problem while manufacturing a composite part using autoclave process. Spring-back or spring-in is one of the PID in autoclave process. Spring-in effect either increase or decrease at angled section during curing of composite laminates. In this paper, L-shaped composite part has been manufactured using autoclave process. The material properties like glass transition temperature, heat reaction, crystallization temperature, Coefficient of Thermal Expansion have been measured for the cured component by using various testing techniques. Spring-in angle has been found for various number of layers and layup orientation. The simulation has been performed in ABAQUS software along with the COMPRO plug-in for each component. The variation of spring-in angle has been observed with changing material properties. The experimental results have been compared with simulation results. The percentage variation of spring-in deformation for experimental and simulation results has been found in the range of 5-7%