4. Thermokinetics

A classic problem in the field of thermosetting prepreg consolidation concerns the definition of the optimum process window in terms of pressure, time and temperature to obtain a sound composite with the desired fiber content and dimensions. Among the various issues related to this problem, we are interested here in monitoring the polymerization of a plate made with a thermosetting prepreg reinforced with unidirectional glass fibers.

The 10 mm thick stack, initially at a homogeneous temperature of 20°C, is exposed to a constant ambient temperature of 100°C to activate polymerization. The planar dimensions are assumed to be large relative to the stack thickness, so the temperature field is assumed to be homogeneous in the plane. Using the energy conservation equation (equation