Characterisation of tensile properties perpendicular to fibre direction of a unidirectional thermoplastic composite using a dynamic mechanical analysis system

The ability of a draping simulation to accurately predict the outcome of a forming process mainly depends on the accuracy of the input parameters. For pre-impregnated composites, material must be characterised in the same conditions as forming occurs, i.e. in temperature regulated environment. Given the issues encountered while testing specimens enclosed in a thermal chamber and mounted on a tensile testing machine, new test methods have to be developed. A new approach using a Dynamic Mechanical Analysis system is presented for the investigation of tensile properties perpendicular to fibre direction of unidirectional pre-impregnated composites. Analyses are focused on a unidirectional carbon fibre thermoplastic tape reinforced polyamide 6 in its molten state. Quasi-static tests are performed at forming temperature for different loading rates with specimens of different geometries in order to assess the reproducibility of the test method.