Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
7892335 | Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing | 2014 | 34 Pages |
Abstract
Automated manufacturing of composite materials is key to reducing cost and improving consistency in part quality. Modeling of manufacturing processes can identify influential material, geometric, and process variables, while providing a framework for their optimization and control. A process model has been formulated to describe the compaction and saturation of partially impregnated thermoset prepreg tapes during their placement, using a roller compaction and vacuum consolidation. The roles of various parameters that characterize the initial prepreg tape state and the final prepreg tape state are investigated. The model yields the degree of resin saturation in the tape with changes in its thickness after being compacted, due to an external pressure. The results estimate the degree of dry fiber region within the tape, which can provide vacuum pathways for air or volatile removal before consolidation and cure. The model can be adapted for different material constitutive relationships of tape compaction and saturation.
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering
Materials Science
Ceramics and Composites
Authors
John J. Jr., Pavel Simacek, Shatil Sinha, Suresh G. Advani,