Vacuum Infusion Manufacturing of CFRP Panels with Induced Delamination

Polymer based composite materials have significant interest and find several engineering applications in many industrial sectors, such as automotive, aeronautic, civil, naval. In particular, composite materials with carbon fibres and polymeric thermoset matrices are good candidates to achieve the required weight savings for aerospace applications. To deliver product competitiveness, composite materials properties, the respective design and manufacturing process must be optimized in an integrated manner. The challenge for material and processing development is to provide the full benefits of composites at economically viable prices. Focus of current technical development is to find cheaper manufacturing methods with less emphasis on improving properties. Liquid molding dry fabric processes have the potential for being the most economic route for many applications. In addition, these processing techniques are flexible and enable the production of proper composite panels replicating delamination phenomena characteristics allowing a better understanding of composites damage mechanisms.