A Guide to Modeling Thermoplastic Composite Manufacturing Processes: Optimizing Process Variables and Tooling Design Using Finite Element Analysis

Models and experiments for faster, less expensive manufacture of thermoplastic parts
Focused on simulating thermal defects in thermoplastics
Techniques 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.