Research on the Heating Process of CFRP Circular Tubes Based on Electromagnetic Induction Heating Method

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Engineering
• Electromagnetic Heating

Background:

• Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) curing via electromagnetic induction offers high energy efficiency and environmental benefits.
• The temperature field during CFRP heating is influenced by both the material's weaving structure and the mold composition.
• Understanding these influences is crucial for optimizing industrial production processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a finite element analysis model for electromagnetic heating of CFRP circular tubes.
• To investigate the temperature rise mechanism within CFRP structures under a magnetic field.
• To analyze the impact of different mold materials (45# steel and glass fiber-reinforced plastic) on CFRP heating.

Main Methods:

• Development of an electromagnetic heating finite element analysis model for CFRP circular tubes.
• Simulation of CFRP circular tubes with varying weave structures (89-degree winding, 45-degree winding, plain weave).
• Experimental validation of the finite element model's accuracy.

Main Results:

• When using a metal mold (45# steel), the CFRP weaving structure had minimal impact on temperature distribution.
• With a glass fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) mold, the CFRP structure significantly affected the temperature field.
• A higher density of fiber cross points in the CFRP structure led to a more uniform temperature field when using FRP molds.

Conclusions:

• The choice of mold material is critical in controlling the temperature distribution during electromagnetic induction heating of CFRP.
• CFRP's internal structure plays a more significant role in temperature uniformity when heated within non-metallic molds.
• The validated finite element model provides a theoretical basis for optimizing industrial CFRP manufacturing.