Comparison of processing parameters for pultruded graphite/epoxy and fiberglass/epoxy: A heat transfer and curing model

Journal Article · Fri Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1994 · Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1177/073168449401300401· OSTI ID:7243731

Gorthala, R; Roux, J A; Vaughan, J G; Donti, R P ^[1]

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1. Mississippi Univ., University, MS (United States)

Mathematical modeling of any manufacturing process enhances the understanding of the mechanisms governing the process and helps to establish guidelines for optimizing the process. In the present study, a thermal model utilizing Patankar's method has been developed to simulate/optimize the pultrusion process. The numerical model solves the steady-state continuity and momentum equations and the transient energy and species reaction equations in cylindrical coordinates for a two-dimensional product. This model is comprehensive in the sense that it includes a liquid resin layer near the wall and involves solving for the velocity field. Most other researchers have assumed either flat or linear velocity profiles for this liquid region. The axial conduction term in the energy equation, neglected by most other researchers, is also included in the present model. The composite materials studied in this analysis are graphite/epoxy and fiberglass/epoxy. Since the thermal properties of graphite and fiberglass are different, the bulk properties of the composites are different, and the thermal response of these two composites during pultrusion can be expected to be different. The present article focuses on the comparison of the model's processing predictions for graphite/epoxy and fiberglass/epoxy and compares the predictions with experimental results. The key pultrusion process parameters examined were die wall temperature profile, fiber volume-fraction, and pull speed. Comparison with experimental results were obtained using a 3/8 inch diameter, 36 inch long die for both graphite/epoxy and fiberglass/epoxy. The comparison of experimental data with numerical predictions are excellent and provide an ideal means by which to optimize the pultrusion process for a given product geometry or to determine a start-up process window for a new product. 13 refs.

• OSTI ID: 7243731
• Journal Information: Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites; (United States), Journal Name: Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites; (United States) Vol. 13:4; ISSN 0731-6844; ISSN JRPCDW
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
360601* -- Other Materials-- Preparation & Manufacture
42 ENGINEERING
420400 -- Engineering-- Heat Transfer & Fluid Flow
COMPOSITE MATERIALS
CURING
ENERGY TRANSFER
HEAT TRANSFER
MANUFACTURING
MATERIALS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
REINFORCED MATERIALS
THERMAL ANALYSIS