Analysis of Three Pultrusion Models Proposed for use in a Pultrusion Control System.

摘要

Three mathematical models currently under consideration for use in real-time control of the pultrusion process have been implemented and compared. The results of the simulations were compared to each other, and to an experimentally acquired thermal history of pultruded glass/epoxy bar stock, in order to determine the suitability of the various models to the process and control environment. The sensitivity of the models to variations in materials properties and kinetics parameters was also investigated. The models were run with values of thermal diffusivity, heat of reaction, rate of reaction, and activation energy which were varied by amounts within the realm of experimental error. As a continuous processing technique, pultrusion offers the advantage of a less expensive method of fabrication than alternative processes. However, the continuous nature of pultrusion presents problems in process control not encountered in continuous fully liquid processes. The plug flow nature of the pultrusion process is not conducive to continuous process monitoring since internal sensors which, when used, necessarily become incorporated into the product. Effort has been extended toward developing compatible and nondestructive sensors for inclusion in composite structures.