Machine-driven experimentation for solving challenging consolidation problems

The paper presents a new modelling concept for characterisation of the consolidation in composite precursors. Consolidation is a central process in composites manufacturing, it affects defects formation, dimensional tolerances and the final quality of the composite part. Due to the nonlinear and coupled nature of the process the characterisation of consolidation is a nontrivial task. The proposed concept of the consolidation sensor is not limited by a subjective judgement about material behavior from the experimental testing. It is capable of designing loading programmes and distinguishing between dominant deformation mechanisms rather than imposing rigid framework of arbitrarily selected consolidation models. The sensor is self-developing, adaptable and capable of capturing the main characteristics of the consolidation process by interrogating the material in the way it independently decides. The proposed system is set to recognise the flow/deformation modes by their characteristic signatures and make an assumption about the current flow mode during the test. The consolidation sensor was validated against a number of different phenomenological models.