Prepreg Platelet Molded Composites Process and Performance Analysis

Abstract

Prepreg platelet molding compounds (PPMCs) are utilized in a growing number of composite applications where parts with complex geometry require both a moderate degree of processability and performance. In collaboration with Boeing Commercial Airplanes, a research group at Purdue University has developed a comprehensive framework for the analysis of process-structure-property-performance relationship of PPMC material systems. The research team focused on non-destructive inspection, multi-scale performance analysis, and molding flow simulation utilizing a complementary set of commercial and research tools that aid in design and understanding of PPMC materials and structures. The lessons learned from each approach about required degree of orientation information, variability in fiber orientation state, variability in performance, and best practices for modeling PPMC systems should be utilized wherever possible and added to as inspection and simulation technologies improve.