Numerical Analysis of Pultrusion Process of GFRP Composite Rebar

The manufacturing process of composite pultruded rebars requires consideration of various aspects. In this work, the heat transfer at the pultrusion die was investigated. The aim was to analyze the heat transfer from the die to the GFRP composite rebar. The 3D numerical model was prepared to simulate the pulling process of the rebar through the heated die. As a result, detailed heat distribution in the composite was obtained to state, whether the complete curing process may be obtained or not. The numerical models provide the possibility to vary the pulling speed and heating temperature according to the used material composition. The presented approach can be used in the optimization process of heaters placement and their power or heating cycles.