The issues of manufacturing geometrically complicated elements using FML laminates
Jarosław Bieniaś, Radosław Mania, Patryk Jakubczak, Krzysztof Majerski
Quarterly No. 4, 2015 pages 243-249
DOI:
keywords: FML, autoclave, NDT, microstructure
abstract The present study is an attempt to evaluate the developed exclusive technology for the production of high quality thinwalled Z profiles from Fibre Metal Laminates on the basis of an aluminium and epoxy-glass pre-impregnate using the autoclave process. The research examined Fibre Metal Laminates (Al/GFRP) based on metal sheets made of aluminium alloy and pre-impregnated tape made of glass fibres in an epoxy resin matrix. FML were produced in a 3/2 lay-up (three aluminium layers and two composite layers in 0/90 configuration). The following conclusions have been drawn on the basis of our exclusive technology for the production of thin-walled profiles made of FML laminates: (1) the hardening technology for preformed components in the autoclave process ensures the achievement of excellent dimensional tolerance of thin-walled profiles made of FML; (2) no delaminations, cracks, gas blisters etc. were detected by means of structural tests; (3) the process of forming Fibre Metal Laminates by means of component pre-forming does not significantly limit the values of selected profile angles. In the case of proper precision of component pre-formingand maintained regime in the case of the FML laminating process, the risk of structural defects, including profile corner zones, is significantly limited.