AN EFFICIENT HEAT TRANSFER MODEL FOR SIMULATING MATERIAL DEPOSITION IN AUTOMATED FIBER PLACEMENT PROCESS

This study investigates the Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) process for composite slit-tape deposition on a variety of printing surfaces, including both metallic and additively manufactured thermoplastic molds. The goal is to develop an efficient heat transfer model for material deposition, focusing on the steady-state thermal response of various printing surfaces to ensure smooth deposition while avoiding thermal or mechanical damage to the molds. Additionally, the study focuses on preventing material from permanently bonding to the mold surface, thereby supporting sustainable production practices. The process uses Infrared (IR) heating technology to enable precise temperature control, ensuring material autohesion was facilitated without causing excessive heat buildup that could compromise the working surface. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and optical methods have been utilized to model heat transfer and analyze thermal interactions at the interface between the slit-tape and the printing surface. Furthermore, experimental validation of nip-point temperature and material characterization has been conducted to assess the impact of thermal history on bonding performance and structural integrity. The study aims to identify optimized deposition parameters that balance layer autohesion and surface adhesion, thereby advancing AFP processes for complex composite structures with high-quality bonding and exploring a broader range of printing surface options.