Title: Finite element model for microwave heating of thermoplastic composites

Authors: Pramendra Kumar Bajpai; Inderdeep Singh; Jitendra Madaan

Addresses: Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, 247667, India. ' Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, 247667, India. ' Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, 247667, India

Abstract: An increase in the application spectrum of polymeric composite materials necessitates cost effective high quality rapid processing in order to meet the stringent design as well as market requirements. Microwaves have been used for many years for kitchen and industrial heating applications. As, these heat materials volumetrically therefore reduces processing times and saves energy. The research work is progressing on the application of microwave energy for joining of thermoplastic-based materials. The present research investigation aims at proposing a finite element-based approach for studying the microwave heating process in context of thermoplastic composites. The preliminary model of the microwave heating has been highlighted and the related issues and challenges have been addressed. The initial findings from the finite element model suggest that microwave energy is a feasible and rapid solution for heating of thermoplastic composites leading to their joining.

Keywords: microwave joining; thermoplastics; composite materials; FEM; finite element method; modelling; thermoplastic composites.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMATEI.2012.049264

International Journal of Materials Engineering Innovation, 2012 Vol.3 No.3/4, pp.247 - 258

Published online: 23 Aug 2014 *

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