Three‐dimensional finite‐element analysis multiphysics modelling of electromagnetic Joule heating in carbon fibre composites

Abstract

This study investigates the possibility of electromagnetic heating of carbon fibre composites (CFCs) to the resin curing temperature, utilising Joule heating, with the main potential application being the on‐site and in‐situ repair of damaged CFCs. The study describes the energy conversion from the supplied AC electrical current to the power generated and hence, heat produced in a CFC. This is investigated through the development of three‐dimensional (3D) finite‐element multiphysics models using a homogenous representation approach, which can represent single‐ and multi‐layer CFC lay‐ups. An experimental test‐rig is used to validate the 3D finite‐element models for both unidirectional and quasi‐isotropic CFCs. Both the numerical simulations and experimental results are in good agreement. The presented results show that electromagnetic induced Joule heating can be used to achieve resin curing temperatures in CFCs for potential applications such as in‐situ repair.

Novel composite curing methods for sustainable manufacture: A review

“…UD material can be heated using magnetic induction when used in a quasi-isotropic layup sequence, so there are conductive pathways between fibres at each layer through thickness. A study by Khan et.al [129] showed that the heating response of a quasi-isotropic layup subjected to magnetic induction is more isotropic than if the plies were stacked in purely UD configuration which showed an anisotropic heating response. In both cases, it was shown that the fibres could be heated to 177 • C which would allow the curing of most aerospace epoxies.…”

Heating of thick continuous glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic plates via embedded metal mesh networks

“…Examples of localized heating in the literature include applications to curing processes, 8,9 composite repair, 10 laminate consolidation, 11 and post-consolidation thermoforming of composite parts. 12,13 Localized heating modes used were inductive, 9 microwave irradiation, 7 infrared, 11,14 surface contact, 15 and resistive. 8,10,12…”

“…Examples of localized heating in the literature include applications to curing processes, 8,9 composite repair, 10 laminate consolidation, 11 and post-consolidation thermoforming of composite parts. 12,13 Localized heating modes used were inductive, 9 microwave irradiation, 7 infrared, 11,14 surface contact, 15 and resistive. 8,10,12 Examples of applications of local heating to C-FRTS composite parts found in the literature focused on developing methods to reach curing temperatures.…”