Variation Simulation for Composite Parts and Assemblies Including Variation in Fiber Orientation and Thickness

All manufacturing processes are afflicted by geometrical variation, which can lead to defect products. A simulation tool for geometry assurance analysis is therefore important in the design process. The use of composites has recently increased drastically, but there is still a lack of understanding about the effects of variation in such parts. A method for predicting variation in subassemblies, including variation in fiber orientation and ply thickness for composites is presented. The approach is demonstrated on an industrial case and finite element analysis is used to calculate the deformation. In particular, contribution from variation in material properties to the variation in critical points is analyzed. The results indicate that material uncertainties have a small impact on the geometric variation for the test case.