A Guide To Modeling Thermoplastic Composite Manufacturing Processes

Models and experiments for faster, less expensive manufacture of thermoplastic partsFocused on simulating thermal defects in thermoplasticsTechniques for better molds, tooling and equipment Book explains methods and coding to create FEM-based models to optimize process variables and predict dimensional distortions during the manufacture of thermoplastic matrix composite parts. After investigating defects, such as spring-in, caused by thermal inconsistencies during manufacture, the text offers a step-by-step approach to simulating and predicting the magnitude of distortion via readily available FE codes. Models are validated by testing using the example of a multi-staged roll-formed continuous thermoplastic woven laminate, which can be readily extended to a variety of mold geometries. Information in this book is intended to reduce the need for costly and time-consuming re-tooling in thermoplastic parts design.

An ideal introductory text, this book helps readers understand and improve current manufacturing processes as well as invent novel composite processing techniques. It includes qualitative questions and fill-in-the-blank exercises along with quantitative problems. The contents covers transport equations especially geared towards polymer flows, the basics of fluid mechanics and heat transfer principles, short fiber suspension and advanced thermoplastic manufacturing methods, reaction and crystallization kinetics and permeability of fabrics, conventional assumptions in polymer composite processing, and modeling tools such as dimensionless analysis and closed forms solutions.

An ideal introductory text, this book helps readers understand and improve current manufacturing processes as well as invent novel composite processing techniques. It includes qualitative questions and fill-in-the-blank exercises along with quantitative problems. The contents covers transport equations especially geared towards polymer flows, the basics of fluid mechanics and heat transfer principles, short fiber suspension and advanced thermoplastic manufacturing methods, reaction and crystallization kinetics and permeability of fabrics, conventional assumptions in polymer composite processing, and modeling tools such as dimensionless analysis and closed forms solutions.

More and more companies manufacture reinforced composite products. To meet the market need, researchers and industries are developing manufacturing methods without a reference that thoroughly covers the manufacturing guidelines. Composites Manufacturing: Materials, Product, and Process Engineering fills this void. The author presents a fundamental

A state-of-the-art look at advanced composites processing and manufacturing-from leading academic and industry experts Advanced Composites Manufacturing combines cutting-edge coverage of the scientific fundamentals of composites processing with an in-depth treatment of the major manufacturing processes for advanced composite materials. Complete with important information on such key issues as new processing areas, manufacturing process control, deformation forming, and cost-control strategies, this unique reference is essential reading for materials scientists, researchers, and engineers across a range of industry sectors. Topics covered include: * The Processing Science of Reactive Polymer Composites. * The Processing Science of Thermoplastic Composites. * The Elastic Deformation of Fiber Bundles. * Processing of Textile Preforms. * The Autoclave Processing of Composites. * Pultrusion of Composites. * Forming of Advanced Composites. * Filament Winding Process Model for Thermosetting Matrix Composites. * Liquid Composite Molding. * Process Control of Thermosetting Composites. * Joining of Composites. * Cost, Automation, and Design .

Contains 16 original papers on the processing and manufacturing of thermoset and thermoplastic composites. In this book, nine chapters cover modeling and process parameters for many shapes of thermosets using RTM, VARTM and CRTM.

Describes advances, key information, case studies, and examples that can broaden your knowledge of composites materials and manufacturing methods. This text deals with composites manufacturing methods, providing tips for getting the best results that weigh the required material properties against cost and production efficiency. An Instructor's Guide is also available.

The potential application areas for polymer composites are vast. While techniques and methodologies for composites design are relatively well established, the knowledge and understanding of post-design issues lag far behind. This leads to designs and eventually composites with disappointing properties and unnecessarily high cost, thus impeding a wider industrial acceptance of polymer composites. Manufacturing of Polymer Composites completely covers pre- and post-design issues. While the book enables students to become fully comfortable with composites as a possible materials choice, it also provides sufficient knowledge about manufacturing-related issues to permit them to avoid common pitfalls and unmanufacturable designs. The book is a fully comprehensive text covering all commercially significant materials and manufacturing techniques while at the same time discussing areas of research and development that are nearing commercial reality.