Abstract
This paper describes an opportunity to compute the surface waviness of compression moulded sheet moulding compound (SMC) parts by simulating residual stresses. First, different types of surface defects occurring on SMC parts are discussed. A method for calculating the surface waviness of the compression moulded part is presented, which combines the simulation of the production process and the structural computation. Modelling of the curing reaction and the development of mechanical properties are discussed and implemented. The potential of the computation method is shown for an automotive fender made of SMC. The results state that the curing reaction of SMC can be well described using the approach of Ng and Manas-Zloczower. The position of the measured waviness on the examined fender is in good agreement with the calculated stress distribution.
