New Methods for Computing and Developing Hybrid Sheet Molding Compound Structures for Aviation Industry

The combination of Sheet Molding Compounds (SMC) and pre-impregnated, tailored continuous fiber fabrics in a single-stage compression molding procedure is a promising technology for the time-saving as well as cost-efficient manufacturing of functional aircraft structures. However, reliable methods for designing, material modeling and predicting of the mechanical behavior of those hybrid composite materials have to be developed for the use in aviation industry. This paper deals with the development of hybrid SMC materials with local tailored continuous fiber reinforcements, appropriate manufacturing procedures and a microstructural modeling approach for the prediction of the material behavior.