3D printed continuous fibre composites: Validation of design and analysis methods

In the present study a contemporary damage model is used to predict the performance of 3D printed continuous fibre thermoplastic composites. The damage model has been previously validated against several carbon-epoxy material systems [1], however, it will be shown that the model can successfully predict the behaviour of 3D printed thermoplastic composites. Three laminate configurations were examined, [+-45]2S, [+-55]2S and [+-70]2S, and these configurations introduce varying magnitudes of shear and transverse stresses. The model was capable of predicting the evolution of plasticity and damage that result in a highly non-linear stress-strain behaviour. The excellent correlation gives confidence that advanced numerical models can be used in forward facing simulations to optimise the topology of 3D printed continuous fibre composites to drive the development of this emerging manufacturing capability.