Friction measurements on carbon fibre tows

Abstract

Friction plays an important role in the production of fibre reinforced composite products. The fibrous tows deform during the forming phase. Friction is regarded as a dominant phenomenon in tow deformation mechanisms. The coefficient of friction is a material-interface characteristic which gives a relation between applied deformation loads and frictional forces. A capstan experiment has been performed with carbon fibre tows on a steel cylinder. This work aims to clarify friction related mechanisms and identify dominant parameters. The applicability of the capstan experiment is investigated with respect to the frictional behaviour of fibrous tows.