Numerical modeling of internal heating curing of glass reinforced epoxy pipes

Abstract

A dynamic one-dimensional model is developed to simulate the novel internal heating curing process in the manufacturing of glass reinforced epoxy pipes by filament winding. The model combines the energy balance with a mechanistic kinetic approach and it is experimentally validated using industrial plant data. The efficiency of a specific curing cycle at different operating conditions is analyzed. In particular, the influence of ambient temperature, initial mandrel temperature, glass fiber content, initiator concentration and pipe wall thickness on temperature, and degree of cure profiles within the pipe wall thickness is discussed. This study attempts to dispel current industrial myths and to propose practical strategies to improve the internal heating curing process.