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Inductive heating of continuous CFRP loop
This thesis shall investigate the inductive heating capability of a continuous prepreg CFRP loop for preforming purposes. Relevant process parameters shall be evaluated during experimental tests and equipment and process requirements shall be defined.
Continuous prepreg CFRP loops with a constant cross section can be manufactured cost efficiently and reliably by automated fiber-placement. However, if the aspect ratio of the CFRP loop cross section shall be variable in the component, the loop must be preformed to its final shape prior to curing. For this preforming step, the prepreg must be heated to an elevated temperature.
Induction heating is the process of heating an electrically conducting object by electromagnetic induction, through heat generated in the object by eddy currents and/ or magnetic hysteresis. This technology is widely used for forging, heat treatment, and melting of metals.
Induction heating is a promising technology to heat continuous fiber CFRP loops for preforming. Its ability to transfer the energy volumetrically into the part enables faster heat up rates than other heating systems. As many parameters such as the generator power, the electromagnetic frequency, the distance between induction coil and laminate and the heat distribution affect the inductive heating rate, further studies have to be undertaken in order to evaluate the appropriate processing parameters for each individual composite part. Chances of inductive heating are short process times, volumetric and homogeneous heating (contactless) as well as cost effectiveness and high process reliability.
Continuous prepreg CFRP loops with a constant cross section can be manufactured cost efficiently and reliably by automated fiber-placement. However, if the aspect ratio of the CFRP loop cross section shall be variable in the component, the loop must be preformed to its final shape prior to curing. For this preforming step, the prepreg must be heated to an elevated temperature.
Induction heating is the process of heating an electrically conducting object by electromagnetic induction, through heat generated in the object by eddy currents and/ or magnetic hysteresis. This technology is widely used for forging, heat treatment, and melting of metals.
Induction heating is a promising technology to heat continuous fiber CFRP loops for preforming. Its ability to transfer the energy volumetrically into the part enables faster heat up rates than other heating systems. As many parameters such as the generator power, the electromagnetic frequency, the distance between induction coil and laminate and the heat distribution affect the inductive heating rate, further studies have to be undertaken in order to evaluate the appropriate processing parameters for each individual composite part. Chances of inductive heating are short process times, volumetric and homogeneous heating (contactless) as well as cost effectiveness and high process reliability.
By experimental investigation the inductive heating capability of a continuous prepreg CRFP loop shall be evaluated in order to validate the potential for the use of induction heating in the preforming process of a ring-shaped CFRP component. For this purpose, the relevant process parameters shall be summarized, analyzed, and evaluated. Additionally, the student must study and measure some material properties critical for the understanding of the induction heating process. These properties include electrical conductivity and heat capacity of the used CRFP.
By experimental investigation the inductive heating capability of a continuous prepreg CRFP loop shall be evaluated in order to validate the potential for the use of induction heating in the preforming process of a ring-shaped CFRP component. For this purpose, the relevant process parameters shall be summarized, analyzed, and evaluated. Additionally, the student must study and measure some material properties critical for the understanding of the induction heating process. These properties include electrical conductivity and heat capacity of the used CRFP.
Davi Montenegro, davi.montenegro@inspire.ethz.ch
Davi Montenegro, davi.montenegro@inspire.ethz.ch
Patrick Moser, Marenco Swisshelicopter AG patrick.moser@msh.swiss