Influence mechanism and optimization analysis of technological parameters for the composite prepreg tape winding process

Composite prepreg tape winding technology has proven to be an effective method for manufacturing revolving body composite structures in aerospace field. Process parameters including heating temperature, tape tension and roller pressure have an important impact on the winding products' mechanical property such as tensile strength. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence mechanism and optimization analysis of parameters for the composite prepreg tape winding process. Firstly, the sensitivity analysis for single parameter had be employed to reveal the influence mechanism of each winding parameter change on tensile strength. Secondly, iso-surfaces analysis for parameter range had be applied to describe the distribution law of parameter with continuous distribution characteristics. Then the coupling analysis for process parameters was carried out employing response surface methodology. The analysis results showed that tape tension has the most significant effect on the winding products' tensile strength. And the outstanding parameter combination with the heating temperature of 72 °C, tape tension of 307 N and roller pressure of 1263 N was provided by response surface design software via desirability function method. The validation experiments showed that the optimal parameter combination has a positive guiding significance for improving the quality of winding products.