Processing of unidirectional fiber reinforced tapes—fundamentals on the way to a process simulation tool (ProSimFRT)

An overview of previous and current work within the field of process analysis, modeling and development of processing technologies for unidirectional fiber reinforced thermoplastic tapes with high temperature matrices like PEEK is presented. The importance of the temperature, its history and its control during the process becomes quite obvious. Widespread investigations on complex material behavior, temperature dependent properties, crystallization and anisotropy were carried out. Thermodynamic boundary conditions, pre- and main-heating have been theoretically modeled as well as empirically measured. Even approaches for the complex aspect of the consolidation were partly successful. Nevertheless, some or many of the parameters of most models need to be determined experimentally. None of the models incorporate all aspects of the actual processing techniques, especially radiation as a boundary condition. Nor is any computer program available capable to serve as a process simulator. Therefore, a simulation environment structure was developed as a starting point for an integrated process simulation chain which shall serve as a tool for the current process developments.