Degree
Master of Engineering Science
Program
Mechanical and Materials Engineering
Supervisor
Dr. Remus Tutunea-Fatan
2nd Supervisor
Dr. Jeff Wood
Joint Supervisor
Abstract
The replacement of steel with lightweight carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) represents one of the alternatives seriously considered by carmakers in preparation for the emission regulations of the future. While CFRPs have been used for a few decades across several industries, the recent price fall of carbon fibres have also made CFRPs attractive for high-volume automotive applications. Some challenges to address before the full-scale deployment of composites in the automotive industry are related to the efficient severing of carbon fibres. To address this, the present study investigated the effects of backing on the performance of carbon fibre severing through the development of a linear and a rotary cutter. The results obtained suggest that in addition to the foreseeable effect of backing hardness, the presence of backing wear marks and grooves also play a significant effect on the severing process.
Recommended Citation
Alexander, Ryan W., "The Effect of Backing Material on Carbon Fibre Severing for High-Volume Production of Composites" (2015). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 2783.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/2783