Temperature field characteristics of CF/PEEK thermoplastic composites formed by automated fiber placement using hot gas torch with slit structure nozzle

In situ consolidation forming of high-performance thermoplastic composites by Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) is of significant interest in aerospace. During the laying process, the heating temperature has a great influence on the quality of the formed components. A three-dimensional heat transfer finite element model of Carbon Fiber (CF)/Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) heated by Slit Structure Nozzle Hot Gas Torch (SSNHGT) assisted AFP is proposed. The influence of gas flow rate, heat transfer distance, and laying speed on heating temperature is analysed. The results show that the overall temperature increases and then decreases as the gas flow rate increases. With the increase in heat transfer distance and laying speed, the overall temperature decreases. Meanwhile, the gas flow rate has the greatest influence on the temperature of CF/PEEK being heated, followed by the laying speed and finally the heat transfer distance. Furthermore, the model can also be extended to other fiber-reinforced polymer composites formed by hot gas torch assisted AFP, which can guide the optimization of process parameters for subsequent heating temperature control.