Clean filament winding: process optimisation

Shotton-Gale, Nicholas Edward Harry (2013). Clean filament winding: process optimisation. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

This thesis reports on a modified wet-filament winding method, termed ‘clean filament winding’, which was developed to address multiple issues associated with the conventional method. The modified method comprised of a resin dispensing unit, static mixer and resin impregnation unit; these were incorporated to replace the practice of commonly used resin baths. Adaptations and developments of this method, such as impregnation modelling, fibre spreading and composite recycling were also used to further enhance the process.

It was shown that the modified method was able to produce filament wound tubes with comparable (or superior) mechanical properties when compared the conventional technique. It was also shown that the modified method had considerable economic viability whilst providing substantial environmental impact reductions. These results were attributed to the use of a patented resin impregnation method which reduced the amount of waste resin, solvent for cleaning and production-time needed to fabricate filament wound components. This thesis concludes with details of a closed-loop composites recycling sitetrial. Here, waste-fibre materials were used to manufacture filament wound tubes as replacements for cardboard tubes for the storage of glass-fibre fabrics.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):