Finite element dynamic analysis of rotating orthotropic sandwich annular plates

Dimensional control of composite components is critical for cost effective manufacturing of large composite aerospace structures. This paper presents an engineering approach to the prediction of process-induced deformations of three-dimensional (3D) autoclaved composite components. A 6-step method that uses a two-dimensional (2D) special purpose finite element (FE) based process simulation code and a standard 3D structural FE code is presented. The approach avoids the need to develop a full 3D process model, significantly reducing the computational effort yet retaining much of the detail required for accurate analysis. The methodology is presented together with numerical examples and two case studies demonstrating the validity, utility, and limitations of the approach.