THERMAL SIMULATION OF QUARTZ TUBE INFRARED HEATERS USED IN THE PROCESSING OF THERMOPLASTIC COMPOSITES

The use of infra-red heaters in the processing of thermoplastic compos ites is increasing due to the potential for quick process cycle times. Accurate modelling of the heating characteristics will help processor s predict heat-up times for their processes and avoid the disadvantage s associated with infra-red heating. This paper deals with the modelli ng of quartz tube infra-red heaters, taking into account both the char acteristics of the emitted radiation and the absorption properties of the materials involved. Comparison of the model and experimental resul ts shows that the model successfully predicts the heat-up rate and tem perature distribution though different materials when heated using qua rtz tube infra-red heaters.