An inverse model for optimisation of laser heat flux distributions in an automated laser tape placement process for carbon-fibre/PEEK. (September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stokes-Griffin, C.M.; Compston, P.
• Is Part Of: Composites. Volume 88(2016)
• Page Start: 190
• Page End: 197
• Publication Date: 2016-09
• Subjects: A. Polymer-matrix composites (PMCs) -- B. Strength -- C. Process modelling -- E. Tape placement; Composite materials -- Periodicals; Manufacturing processes -- Periodicals; Composite materials; Manufacturing processes; Periodicals; 620.11805
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2016.05.034
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-835X

Abstract

Abstract: High power diode lasers have enabled higher placement rates to be achieved in automated tape placement (ATP) of thermoplastic-based composite materials. Laser ATP heads in published literature employ homogeneous linear or rectangular laser spots, however a variety of solutions are available to produce customised irradiance profiles. No efforts to date have investigated what a more ideal heat flux profile would be for laser ATP in terms of length and distribution. This paper describes a method to determine the required laser heat flux profiles to achieve desired heating zone temperature profiles by means of an inverse thermal model. A bonding model was implemented to assess the performance of various heating zone temperature profiles for placement at 400 mm/s. Short beam strengths from experimental trials (Stokes-Griffin and Compston, 2015) were used to validate the bonding model. A two-stepped heating profile was found to provide a good balance of increased strength with a small increase in power requirement.