Modeling for heat transfer of the thermoplastic composites in situ automated fiber placement process

Using thermoplastic composites, the automated fiber placement (AFP) technology can achieve the production of large sized and complicated shape composite material components without an autoclave. This paper presents preheating, air cooling I, main heating, air cooling II and special cooling in the AFP process. The mathematical models of above five stages have been established and analyzed. The processing parameters of AFP process, such as preheating temperature, main heating temperature and special cooling temperature, have been chose according to the practical situation and simulation analysis. The temperature variation curves of above five stages have been obtained. And the relationships among placement velocities, response time and longitudes of area for every stage has been established. According above relationships, the suitable placement velocities and longitudes of area can be set in order to manufacturing qualified products. The article establishes theory base for choosing the processing parameters of AFP process.