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Experimental Study on a Microwave Composite Forming Process Based on a SiC Mold for Manufacturing Fiber Metal
Eu-Tteum Park1, Jeong Kim1, Beom-Soo Kang1
1Department of Aerospace Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|October 13, 2021
Summary
A new microwave composite forming (MCF) process using a silicon carbide mold improves fiber metal laminate (FML) properties. This enhanced MCF method reduces manufacturing costs and minimizes non-adhesive areas, overcoming limitations of previous polytetrafluoroethylene mold techniques.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Composite Materials
Background:
- Microwave composite forming (MCF) offers reduced manufacturing costs via dielectric heating.
- Previous MCF processes using polytetrafluoroethylene molds had limitations: variable tensile properties, no temperature monitoring, and uncontrolled power input.
- These limitations impacted the quality and consistency of manufactured fiber metal laminates (FMLs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an improved MCF process addressing previous limitations.
- To evaluate the performance of a novel MCF process utilizing a silicon carbide mold.
- To compare the mechanical properties and structural integrity of FMLs produced by the new and old MCF methods.
Main Methods:
- A modified microwave oven with a silicon carbide mold was employed for MCF.
- Uniaxial tensile tests were performed on manufactured FML specimens.
- Microscopic imaging and quantification of non-adhesive areas were conducted.
- Tensile properties and thickness distribution were analyzed based on FML sheet cutting location.
Main Results:
- The proposed MCF process demonstrated improved tensile properties in FML specimens.
- A significant reduction in the non-adhesive area was observed with the new process.
- Enhanced consistency in tensile properties across different cutting locations was achieved.
Conclusions:
- The silicon carbide mold MCF process effectively overcomes the drawbacks of previous methods.
- This improved MCF technique leads to superior FML material performance and reduced manufacturing defects.
- The findings suggest a more robust and cost-effective approach for FML production.
