Pultrusion of epoxy matrix composites: Pulling force model and thermal stress analysis

Pultrusion processing for epoxy resin with glass, carbon, and DuPont Kevlar fibers has been modeled. The model has three submodels: heat transfer, pressure, and force. The validity of the model was verified by comparison of results obtained on the glass fiber/epoxy system with experimental values in the literature. The application of the model permitted an explanation of the difference in behavior between polyester and epoxy resins. Different process variables were studied. Increasing the pulling velocities increases force values. The influence of the fiber content was analyzed. Different wall temperature profiles were used and the residual thermal stresses were calculated. The use of different fibers (glass, carbon, and Kevlar) was simulated under the same process conditions. The higher pulling force was obtained for composites with carbon fibers.