Modelling of heat transfer in thermoplastic composites manufacturing: double-belt press lamination

Abstract The process of double-belt press lamination of thermoplastic composite laminates has been modelled in terms of heat transfer and crystallization kinetics. Modelling includes temperature dependent thermal properties and non-infinite contact conductances at material interfaces. Model predictions have been compared with experimental results from double-belt press lamination of a sandwich-like glass reinforced polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material. A model for prediction of the temperature distribution along the length of the belt surface is also presented and compared with experimental results.