Abstract
A numerical study on the evolution of spherulitic microstructures during crystallization of fiber-reinforced thermoplastic matrix, poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK), in a composite tow-placement process is presented. A model for spherulitic microstructure growth within a unit cell formed between adjacent fibers and at the interlayer surface is developed, by accounting for the spatial temperature variation and the temperature history resulting from hot gas torch heating during the process, as discussed in a previous work [Compos. Sci. Tech., in press]. Parametric studies are conducted to elucidate the effects of processing conditions, in terms of torch incidence angle, θ, torch exit diameter, D, torch distance to target, L, hot gas temperature, T noz, gas velocity, U noz, line speed, V, and number of layers in tow substrate, N layer, on the crystalline microstructures. The range of average spherulite size corresponding to optimal processing conditions based on considerations of overall crystallinity is determined.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
