Curing optimization for pultruded composite sections

In this paper, a mathematical relationship between the degree of cure profile across the cross-section of a pultruded part and the die-heater temperatures was established. The relationship was employed to optimize the die-heating profile such that finally a near-uniformly-cured component could be obtained. The algorithm was implemented using the three-dimensional finite element/nodal control volume (FE/NCV) approach for process simulation. The application of the procedure is demonstrated by simulating the pultrusion of composite sections that use a multi-heater die. The effects of the element aspect ratio and different initial heater conditions were studied. The results of the case studies show that the developed algorithm is numerically stable and provides optimal die temperatures for producing a uniformly cured pultrudate under the prescribed process conditions.