Residual Stress
Unexpected residual stresses arise from the placement process — driven by thermal history and constrained layers. Here is how OTOM predicts and minimizes them.
Yes, we are well aware of the presence of unexpected residual stresses in composite structures resulting from the placement process — a common challenge that arises due to the structure’s thermal history and the presence of constrained layers.
The different thermal expansion rates of the composite layers contribute to this phenomenon. The resulting residual stresses can lead to issues such as delamination, unwanted deformations, and the initiation and progression of failures. The thermal expansion mechanism also influences delamination growth and crack propagation, impacting interlaminar fracture toughness.
Predicting and understanding the distribution of residual stresses is crucial, particularly for large-scale structures or when employing different ply orientations. By gaining insight into the thermal limits of the materials and process, it becomes possible to minimize the occurrence and magnitude of residual stresses.
How OTOMcomposite helps
We specialize in optimizing composite structures and addressing challenges related to residual stresses. Our expertise in numerical modeling, analysis, and simulation lets us predict and evaluate the behavior of composite structures under thermal loads — identifying areas of concern and proposing design or process adjustments for enhanced reliability, reduced delamination, and improved interlaminar fracture toughness.