LAUSR

Abstract Simple analytical models for designing rapid heating (via electric resistance or fluid flow in conformal channels) and cooling (via fluid flow in conformal channels) capabilities for composites manufacturing tooling are presented and demonstrated. The electric resistance heating and conformal channel cooling models are implemented for design purposes through spreadsheets and experimentally validated for a test mold designed for the Specialized Elastomeric Tooling out-of-autoclave process. Considering the modeling assumptions made, the rapid heating model provides very reasonable estimates of time versus mold surface temperature behavior. However, the rapid cooling model over-predicts the cooling time, although sensitivity to flow conditions (laminar vs. turbulent) is quite evident. Both models allow a designer to quickly vary design parameters to determine how production performance (e.g., cycle time) is affected. Finally, the model for rapid heating via conformal channels is demonstrated for a test mold. The high flow rates of heating oil required in this example as predicted by the model demonstrate the compromises a designer must make in tooling development.