Integration of Processing Models with Control and Optimization of Polymer Composites Fabrication

Abstract

Processing of polymer matrix composites is always associated with strong modifications of the polymeric structure. In the case of thermosetting matrices the fabrication process involves polymerization reactions which are responsible for the evolution of the polymer structure and viscosity. Several studies have been developed in the past to model changes of material properties during the processing of polymer composites. These attempts also include heat and momentum transfer operations for different processing technologies like autoclave lamination, pultrusion, filament winding, compression molding and resin transfer molding. In this work recent results on the modelling of the evolution of polymeric matrix properties during processing are presented. Moreover, the modelling strategy is integrated with temperature monitoring procedures allowing control and optimization of the process. The intelligent system developed specifically for autoclave lamination allows the computation in real time of heat transfer coefficients for each selected tool, the prediction of temperature changes inside the laminate as a function of the programmed air temperature and the optimization of the cure cycle minimizing the difference between the actual temperature and the value recommended by process specifications, minimizing also the processing time.