A Model for Thermosetting Composite Pultrusion Process

Abstract

The pultrusion process of thermosetting composite was modeled. The temperature and the degree of cure distribution inside the composite were calculated numerically using the finite element method. The cure kinetics of the resin was modeled from the data obtained from the differential scanning calorimetry. The pulling force during the pultrusion process was also estimated from a model. The model assumes that the pulling force is induced from backward resin flow as well as Coulomb friction. Effect of partially cured resin inside the resin layer between the composite and the mold wall was also considered in the model. Mathematical forms of the model were derived. Effects of the pulling speed as well as the die temperature on the pulling force were modelled. Validity of the model was tested experimentally. The experiments were performed for two resin systems (vinylester and epoxy resins) with two different die geometries. The results showed close agreement between the model and experimental results.