Thermal and rheological characterisation of a thermoset matrix for filament winding modelling

Rheo-kinetic behaviour of an epoxy resin, coupled with an aliphatic polyamines hardener, used in fibre reinforced plastics, was analysed comparing experimental data to theoretical models. Then the modelling of technological filament winding process for thermoset matrix composites, developed through a numerical code realized with MATLAB, is reported. The model includes winding and curing phase decoupling the manufacturing process into sub-models. Four sub-models are used: fibre motion, thermal, kinetic and rheological model. Considerable differences are obtained in process condition, using several thermal treatments. The numerical modelling helps to detect the process conditions to optimise the filament winding process