Geometrical optimization of thermoforming continuous fibers reinforced thermoplastics with Finite Element Models: A case study

The manufacturing of thermoformed components of continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastics (CFRTPs) relies on an optimization process owing to a demand for quality and the mechanical requirements. Geometrical optimization is typically based on trial-and-error processes, and delays due to the manufacturing of different prototypes increases the development cost of the final product. In this study, the mechanical behavior of a CFRTPs top mount damping component made of polyamide 6 (PA6) reinforced with long glass fibers (47% in volume) and installed in an automobile differential system was evaluated. This was achieved by developing ad hoc tooling for axial testing. The experimental results were used to validate those obtained using a finite element (FE) model based on the fabricated geometry and mechanical properties of the CFRTPs laminate. Furthermore, a complete mathematical procedure was implemented to address the lack of information on the mechanical moduli and Poisson's ratio in the material datasheet for the FE simulation. This method was based on a Halpin-Tsai model and classical lamination theory with a 3D expansion for out-of-plane mechanical property calculation, wherein Tsai's modulus was obtained for checking purposes. The obtained results were fitted with the test results to validate the developed FE model. In addition, this model was used to further optimize the component geometry. The implementation of in silico models based on FE techniques can be useful for accelerating the development of recyclable CFRTPs for large-scale production, allowing significant weight reduction and lower greenhouse emission without diminishing their reliability and safety throughout their useful life.The authors would like to acknowledge the support of CMP Automotive Group for collaboration in the experimental part and to IGESTEK for the information provided on the composites it manufactures

Importance of the “project” in the geometric documentation of the heritage

[ES] La medida y representación del un elemento patrimonial debe responder a unas necesidades. Será difícil plantear un proceso de documentación geométrica encaminado exclusivamente a conservar la información sobre su forma y dimensiones, si no son determinadas previamente las características de la información que se requiere conservar: su cantidad, cómo se almacenará, se gestionará, se reproducirá y difundirá. Se considera al Proyecto de Documentación Geométrica como el eje vertebrador de la intervención, entendiendo por tal, el documento que recoge las necesidades y circunstancias que rodean al elemento patrimonial, propone resultados para satisfacerlas, plantea alternativas tecnológicas junto a la evaluación de los recursos temporales, instrumentales y económicos de cada una de las opciones; y en definitiva supone el diseño de la intervención para la medida y la representación. En este artículo se analizan las circunstancias que justifican la redacción del proyecto y la transcendencia de la generación de este documento en el proceso de la documentación geométrica.[EN] The measurement and representation of heritage has to respond to necessities. It will be difficult to plan a job of geometric documentation directed exclusively to store the data about shape and size if the features of the element to document are not set beforehand: the amount of data, storage, management and spreading. The Project of Geometric Documentation will be considered as the way to articulate the intervention, that is to say, the document gathering the requirements and the circumstances of the patrimonial element. It suggest outputs to fulfil these requirements ad proposes technological alternatives with the assessment of the temporal, material and economic resources for every option; in other words, it involves the design of the intervention for the measurement and representation. In this paper, the circumstances justifying the generation of a Project and the transcendence of this document are analysed

Digital eco-design and life cycle assessment—key elements in a circular economy: A case study of a conventional desk

In recent times, there has been an indisputable need to move towards a more sustainable economy, known as a circular economy, which is basically aimed at reducing the consumption of newly extracted raw materials to manufacture products, and thus, reduces waste generation by recycling products beyond their useful life to ultimately close the economic flow of the product. For the economy generated by products to close the circle, it is essential to tackle the problem at the source, that is, the process to achieve the desired product should be conducted by designing the product with environmental criteria (eco-design) and analysing its life cycle from the extraction process to the point when it ends its useful life (LCA). This article presents an ECO + LCA methodology that provides designers with an easy way of visualising the effect of their design decisions on the final environmental impact of the product. This methodology was tested on a case study of a conventional desk, with four alternative scenarios presented and an assessment of their final impact with a cradle-to-grave perspective. The final design obtained reduces the environmental impact by more than 30% and reduces costs by more than 11%

Importance of the “project” in the geometric documentation of the heritage

[ES] La medida y representación del un elemento patrimonial debe responder a unas necesidades. Será difícil plantear un proceso de documentación geométrica encaminado exclusivamente a conservar la información sobre su forma y dimensiones, si no son determinadas previamente las características de la información que se requiere conservar: su cantidad, cómo se almacenará, se gestionará, se reproducirá y difundirá. Se considera al Proyecto de Documentación Geométrica como el eje vertebrador de la intervención, entendiendo por tal, el documento que recoge las necesidades y circunstancias que rodean al elemento patrimonial, propone resultados para satisfacerlas, plantea alternativas tecnológicas junto a la evaluación de los recursos temporales, instrumentales y económicos de cada una de las opciones; y en definitiva supone el diseño de la intervención para la medida y la representación. En este artículo se analizan las circunstancias que justifican la redacción del proyecto y la transcendencia de la generación de este documento en el proceso de la documentación geométrica.[EN] The measurement and representation of heritage has to respond to necessities. It will be difficult to plan a job of geometric documentation directed exclusively to store the data about shape and size if the features of the element to document are not set beforehand: the amount of data, storage, management and spreading. The Project of Geometric Documentation will be considered as the way to articulate the intervention, that is to say, the document gathering the requirements and the circumstances of the patrimonial element. It suggest outputs to fulfil these requirements ad proposes technological alternatives with the assessment of the temporal, material and economic resources for every option; in other words, it involves the design of the intervention for the measurement and representation. In this paper, the circumstances justifying the generation of a Project and the transcendence of this document are analysed