Variation simulation of stress during assembly of composite parts

Weight reduction requirements in aerospace and automotive industry lead to an increased use of composite materials. However, composite parts cannot be bent like sheet metal parts. Hence, only low forces can be applied to close gaps between parts, caused by geometrical variation in parts and assembly fixtures. Shimming is therefore used to compensate for bad fitting, with increase cost as a consequence. This paper investigates how variation in assembly fixtures and parts give rise to variation in gaps and thereby also to variation in stress. Monte Carlo simulations are used to find the distribution of stress, which supports shimming strategies.