Polymer Engineering and Science, Vol.39, No.4, 778-788, 1999
Thermal analysis characterization of fiberglass epoxy prepreg used to join composite pipes
Thermal characterization of a fiberglass/epoxy prepreg fabric used as the bonding material to join composite-to-composite pipes by curing has been investigated. The prepreg material and composite pipes have temperature dependent thermal properties. Thus the resulting boundary value equations are nonlinear and analytical solutions cannot be easily obtained. Finite difference modeling (FDM) and numerical computational techniques were used to solve the one-dimensional heat conduction with chemical kinetics in the thermosetting material. Temperature distributions and degree of cure within the composite pipe joint are predicted. A Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) in both isothermal and dynamic modes was used to characterize the curing kinetic properties of the prepreg. The result of this characterization is necessary for optimizing the curing process to produce a superior heat activated coupled joint. In addition, to assess the effects of induced thermal stress in the joint, the temperature profile is needed. The methodology employed in this analysis compares favorably with data from experimentation.