Experimental approach for optimizing dry fabric formability

In order to understand the mechanisms involved in the forming step of LCM processes and provide validation data to numerical models, a specific experimental device has been designed in collaboration between PRISME Institute and EADS. This toot also makes it possible to test the feasibility to obtain specific double curved shape constituted with dry fabric reinforcement. It contains one mechanical module containing the classical tools in forming process, (punch, blank holder, and open-die), and one optical module to measure the 3D-deformed shape and the distribution of local deformations, like shear angles of the woven reinforcement during all the process. The goal of this paper is to present the potentialities and the first results obtained with this device.