Optimum design of curvilinear reinforcing fiber shapes for CFRP plates fabricated by electrodeposition resin molding method

Abstract

Fiber shape optimization was performed to improve the damping properties of CFRP fabricated by electrodeposition resin molding (EDRM) method. Damping properties of composites were modeled by the specific damping capacity (SDC), and the material damping parameters required for numerical estimation were identified by an inverse analysis using results of experimental modal analysis and finite element analysis. In the optimization, a curvilinear fiber shape that maximizes the first mode SDC was explored. The thickness distribution due to the curvilinear fiber shape was estimated and applied to the finite element analysis. The fiber shapes obtained by the optimization improved the first natural frequencies and mode SDCs compared to several straight fiber orientations, indicating that the curved fiber orientation is effective in improving damping.