A MODEL FOR THERMOSETTING COMPOSITE PULTRUSION PROCESS

The pultrusion process of thermosetting composite was modeled. The tem perature and the degree of cure distribution inside the composite were calculated numerically using the finite element method. The cure kine tics of the resin was modeled from the data obtained from the differen tial scanning calorimetry. The pulling force during the pultrusion pro cess was also estimated from a model. The model assumes that the pulli ng force is induced from backward resin flow as well as Coulomb fricti on. Effect of partially cured resin inside the resin layer between the composite and the mold wall was also considered in the model. Mathema tical forms of the model were derived. Effects of the pulling speed as well as the die temperature on the pulling force were modelled. Valid ity of the model was tested experimentally. The experiments were perfo rmed for two resin systems (vinylester and epoxy resins) with two diff erent die geometries. The results showed close agreement between the m odel and experimental results.