Abstracts

This research investigates the limits of temperature control and estimation when using embedded resistive heaters for adhesive bonding of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) adherends. With the increasing use of CFRP materials, high quality adhesive bonding is important for reducing costs of manufacturing, and improving repair methods. By using carbon fiber heaters to elevate the temperature and cure adhesive within a bond, the process becomes targeted and highly efficient. To accomplish accurate temperature control without placing thermocouples within the bondline, this research develops a method by which to estimate bondline temperatures using surface measurements. Additionally, it is shown that boundary control on an embedded heater can be used to control heat within a heater. This can be used to compensate for variations in heat flow in the bonded adherends to maintain a uniform temperature. This is demonstrated on a single lap joint with a subsurface heatsink. Finally, the use of carbon fiber embedded heaters will be investigated as a means for manufacturing of space structures and habitats.Advisors/Committee Members: Devasia, Santosh (advisor), Tuttle, Mark E (advisor).