Abstract
When cured in a microwave, flat thin composite panels can experience even heat distribution throughout the laminate. However, as load and geometric complexity increase, the electromagnetic field and resulting heat distribution is altered, making it difficult to cure the composite homogeneously. Materials that absorb and/or reflect incident electromagnetic radiation have the potential to influence how the field behaves, and therefore to tailor and improve the uniformity of heat distribution. In this study, an absorber was applied to a composite with non-uniform geometry to increase heating in the location which had previously been the coldest position, transforming it into the hottest. Although this result overshot the desired outcome of temperature uniformity, it shows the potential of absorbing materials to radically change the temperature distribution, demonstrating that with better regulation of the absorbing effect, a uniform temperature distribution is possible even in non-uniform composite geometries.
Highlights
High rate curing technologies are increasingly being investigated to manufacture composites [1,2,3,4,5], given the demand for these high strength, low weight materials within industry, such as for aerospace and automotive application
This study investigates the influence of microwave absorbing materials (MAMs) when applied to a carbon fibre composite geometry consisting of a variable thickness, in order to enhance heating in regions that are otherwise not sufficiently heated
These results show that the composite panel exhibited greater temperature homogeneity of the composite when utilising MAM-2 during the curing process, and crucially the MAM did not appear to be significantly inhibiting the heating of the laminate while heating itself
Summary
High rate curing technologies are increasingly being investigated to manufacture composites [1,2,3,4,5], given the demand for these high strength, low weight materials within industry, such as for aerospace and automotive application Of these technologies, microwaves can offer significant benefits, such as selective and volumetric heating of composite materials, high heating rates (reduction of processing time), and energy efficiency [6]. Microwaves can offer significant benefits, such as selective and volumetric heating of composite materials, high heating rates (reduction of processing time), and energy efficiency [6] To obtain these advantages on an industrial scale, without a reduction in composite performance, the manufacturing method must be optimised .
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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.
