AIM

Defects are inherent in composite materials. They are a source of variability and often become the limiting factor of mechanical properties. Porosity is one of the most common defects found in composite materials. It can compromise the structural integrity and negatively affect aesthetics. It’s presence and extent are a direct outcome of processing parameters. In ... Read more

Pultrusion is an automated composite manufacturing process allowing the continuous production of constant cross-section beams. Pultrusion has been successfully used in the industry with thermoset polymers. The pultrusion of thermoplastic polymer composites, however, has not reached the same level of industrial penetration. This is mostly due to the high viscosity of melted thermoplastic polymers that ... Read more

High-fidelity prediction of the performance of composite structures is helpful for product development and is used increasingly more often by industry. The type of manufacturing process and process conditions will influence the material microstructure and induce defects, which will ultimately impact part performance. Liquid composite molding processes utilizing dry reinforcement fabrics and snap-cure liquid resins ... Read more