Numerous studies in application of modern composite materials show that their advantages can be successfully implemented in manufacturing «smart» products. This study proposes an improved technological method of manufacturing multilayer environmentally friendly products with a variable cross section, which allows us to expand the possibilities of using modern polymer composite materials (PCM). The technology allows manufacturing products of the most complex geometric shapes, such as wind turbine blades. The aim of the study is the technological support of engineering production in the manufacture of multilayer products of variable cross section made from PCM. Scientific novelty consists in identifying the patterns of implementation and management of the manufacturing process of multilayer products of variable cross-section, and establishing the influence of structural and technological parameters of the manufacturing process on their operational characteristics. The relationship between the pressure of a hot directed air stream and the volume fraction of pores in the hardened material of a multilayer composite product with a variable cross section during layer-by-layer application is investigated. During the study, fundamental and applied principles of mechanical engineering technology, material resistance, adhesion theory, mathematical statistics tools and software were used to process the results of the experiment. Based on the results of laboratory studies, a methodology has been developed for effective prediction of pore content in the manufacturing of composite products. The introduction of the presented technology and the corresponding original methodology into production will reduce the complexity and energy costs of manufacturing composite products, improve their quality and reduce the impact of toxic components from composite materials on workers.
Alternative Composite Materials for Megawatt-scale Wind Turbine Blades: Design Considerations and Recommended Testing