Prediction of Shape Distortions in Composite Wing Structures

Abstract Shape distortions and warpage are a major source of problems for composite manufacturers. These distortions are usually accompanied by built up residual stresses. They can deform a component so that it becomes useless. It also has the capability to reduce the strength of the structure. In this paper, the three-dimensional version of the constitutive model originally proposed by Svanberg and Holmberg is employed to predict the warpage of a wing planform. The model takes into account important mechanisms such as thermal expansion, resin shrinkage and frozen-in strains developed during c...