Effect of carbon nanotubes on sheet molding composite analysis for automotive application: FEA method

Abstract

Sheet Moulding Composite (SMC) is used in automotive body’s for weight & tool cost reduction instead of sheet metal. As an alternative material SMC must fulfill the strength requirement as well as contribute less weight to Body-in-white (BIW). Hence, its mechanical properties & thickness selection must be done strategically. Further bending test setup has to be created & tested by FE analysis and followed by lab testing as a part of validation. Sheet moulding compounds (SMC) are fiber-reinforced thermosetting products. SMC is a generic term of different types of compounds together with the process to convert them into large composite parts by compression molding. SMC are widely used in the sectors like aerospace, agricultural, rail, marine, electrical and energy construction but the automotive and truck industries remain the drivers of SMC technology.