• Login
    View Item 
    •   DSpace@RPI Home
    • Rensselaer Libraries
    • RPI Theses Online (Complete)
    • View Item
    •   DSpace@RPI Home
    • Rensselaer Libraries
    • RPI Theses Online (Complete)
    • View Item
    JavaScript is disabled for your browser. Some features of this site may not work without it.

    Ultrasonic consolidation of thermoplastic composite prepreg for automated tape layup

    Author
    Rizzolo, Robert
    View/Open
    175990_Rizzolo_rpi_0185N_10575.pdf (82.65Mb)
    Other Contributors
    Walczyk, Daniel F.; Blanchet, Thierry A.; Picu, Catalin R.;
    Date Issued
    2015-05
    Subject
    Mechanical engineering
    Degree
    MS;
    Terms of Use
    This electronic version is a licensed copy owned by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY. Copyright of original work retained by author.;
    Metadata
    Show full item record
    URI
    https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.13015/1473
    Abstract
    There is an industry need to manufacture advanced thermoplastic composite parts faster, cheaper and with less waste as interest in these materials continues to grow. For example, although hot gas torch heating is a well-established method for bonding and consolidating thermoplastic 'prepreg' in automated tape layup (ATL), researchers are looking at other polymer welding methods (laser, infrared and ultrasonic heating) to improve the process. This thesis focuses on benchmarking the capabilities of one of these methods, ultrasonic consolidation, against the industry standard process for consolidating thermoplastic composites, i.e. thermal pressing (welding). To accomplish this, 3-point beam bending tests were conducted on specimens made with both methods using a custom-designed experimental apparatus, and flexural strength and modulus results were used as an objective comparison. Ultrasonic welding proved to be more effective in welding PET/Carbon composite tape than thermal welding; specifically, a maximum increase of 65.4% flexural stiffness was observed. Contrarily, flexural stiffness of ultrasonically welded HDPE/Glass composite samples was as much as 36% lower than thermally welded ones. The quasi-isotropic samples exhibited very similar results. The results show that given suitable process parameters and a compatible thermoplastic composites system, ultrasonic consolidation of prepreg composite tape can be as effective as current thermal methods. In addition, a simple transient conduction model used to predict temperature rise in the thickening laminate compared favorably to experimental results.;
    Description
    May 2015; School of Engineering
    Department
    Dept. of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering;
    Publisher
    Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY
    Relationships
    Rensselaer Theses and Dissertations Online Collection;
    Access
    Restricted to current Rensselaer faculty, staff and students. Access inquiries may be directed to the Rensselaer Libraries.;
    Collections
    • RPI Theses Online (Complete)

    Browse

    All of DSpace@RPICommunities & CollectionsBy Issue DateAuthorsTitlesSubjectsThis CollectionBy Issue DateAuthorsTitlesSubjects

    My Account

    Login

    DSpace software copyright © 2002-2022  DuraSpace
    Contact Us | Send Feedback
    DSpace Express is a service operated by 
    Atmire NV