Constitutive Model and Draping Simulations of Self-Reinforced Polypropylene Composites

Self-reinforce polypropylene (SRPP) is a self-reinforced polymeric composite in which the reinforcement and the matrix consist of the same polymer, namely polypropylene. The present work focuses on the development and validation of an FE model for thermoforming of SRPP. The constitutive model of SRPP sheet is based on the hyperelastic law of Boisse - Charmetant. Material properties required to fit the model were obtained from the tensile and picture frame shear tests performed at forming temperatures and bending test of a non-consolidated fabric at room temperature. To understand how wrinkles developed during forming, intermediate forming trials were conducted. Samples were deformed to 1-4 cm heights using a hemispherical mould with a 4.5 cm diameter. Overall, good qualitative correlation between experimental and modelling results is observed.