Bending Simulation of Pre-Gelled Composites Using an Explicit Cosserat Continuum Model

Abstract

Forming simulation of uncured pre-preg can be made more efficient with the use of dedicated finite elements tailored for soft, layered media. These elements are based on the Cosserat continuum theory that introduces a rotational degree of freedom at each node within standard solid elements. In this study, a Cosserat element is developed within a 2D non-linear explicit finite element framework that uses the Carrera Unified Formulation for its spatial discretization. Two benchmark case studies involving bending deformations are presented as the verification of the developed model. It is demonstrated that similar accuracy of predictions can be achieved with much coarser meshes of Cosserat elements than the equivalent classical finite element models consisting of multi-layer stacks of solid elements.