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Simulating the induction welding process of thermoplastic composite materials for aircraft structures

Panagiota Polydoropoulou (Department of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics, Polytechnic School, University of Patras, Patras, Greece)
Leonardo Cosma (CETMA, Brindisi, Italy)
George Labeas (Department of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics, Polytechnic School, University of Patras, Patras, Greece)
Dionysios Markatos (Department of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics, Polytechnic School, University of Patras, Patras, Greece)
Rosario Dotoli (CETMA, Brindisi, Italy)
Francesca Felline (CETMA, Brindisi, Italy)

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology

ISSN: 0002-2667

Article publication date: 24 September 2024

51

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to use two different numerical approaches to simulate the induction welding process for a hybrid thermoplastic material, and the results have been validated experimentally.

Design/methodology/approach

The first approach used a numerical model that combines electromagnetism, heat transfer and solid mechanics in the same numerical environment using Hexagon Marc software. Simultaneously, a computationally efficient approach combined steady-state electromagnetism results at specific intervals in the Ansys EM suite with heat transfer and solid mechanics in Ansys Workbench.

Findings

The results from both numerical approaches showed a strong correlation with the experimental findings.

Originality/value

The current research offers valuable insights into enhancing induction welding procedures within the aerospace industry, as well as across broader industrial applications. The synergistic combination of numerical simulations and experimental validation served as a robust framework for future research endeavors aimed at enhancing the efficiency, reliability and quality of thermoplastic welding techniques.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

This work has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 723309, NHYTE Project.

The statements made herein do not necessarily have the consent or agreement of the NHYTE consortium. This document and its contents remain the property of the beneficiaries of the NHYTE Consortium.

Citation

Polydoropoulou, P., Cosma, L., Labeas, G., Markatos, D., Dotoli, R. and Felline, F. (2024), "Simulating the induction welding process of thermoplastic composite materials for aircraft structures", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/AEAT-04-2024-0116

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited

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