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Discontinuous Fiber Vacuum Assisted Compression Molding, Bennet Heidenreich

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Discontinuous short fiber carbon reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites were manufactured, and tested to demonstrate feasibility, and to document material properties. Different variations of manufacturing techniques were tested including continuous fiber reinforcement, metal inserts, and randomization of the dry fibers before processing. The process produced parts with strength to weight ratios similar to 6061-T6 aluminum without continuous fiber reinforcement, and 53% higher when small volumes of continuous reinforcement are added. Randomization of fibers produced no significant change in strength of the material, but did increase compression stiffness of the mixture while molding, increasing tool deflection. A pin joint was tested, and …