Heat transfer modelling of flashlamp heating for automated tape placement of thermoplastic composites

Flashlamp systems introduce pulsed and broadband heating to automated tape placement (ATP) offering greater control optimisation potential. A thorough understanding of the role operation parameters on process is necessary unlock these capabilities. 2D finite element model heat conduction, able analyse temperature field evolution in time scales short high-energy pulses, was developed combined with ray tracing analysis this work. The validated against experimental data from ATP trials AS4/PEEK composites. Parametric studies showed that pulse duration frequency influence significantly both surface bulk profiles. Longer pulses lead higher irradiation temperatures, whilst profiles converge behaviour a continuous source equivalent power at high frequency. versatility flashlamp enhances processing envelope through expanding feasible combinations maximum depth penetration achievable processing.