Discontinuous fibre composites (DFC) are produced by compression molding of prepreg chips, which are made of a combination of unidirectional fibre and a Thermoset or ThermoPlastic matrix. In some cases, matrix is made of thermoset that consolidate through a chemical/cure reaction at elevated temperature. However, when the curing cycle is not well monitored it can be observed some cracks that appear between the chips due to apparition of thermal stresses normal to two chips.
Due to their complex microstructure, these materials request the definition of new dedicated methods in order to capture accurately the local orientation and to compute the local homogenised properties in order to simulate correctly the curing and the design process.
Hence, the Digimat platform is used to build a complete methodology to compute these residual stresses and to take them into account during the design cycle of the part…
New IET report examines grid transmission costs
I imagine the cables are heavily optimised but you do wonder whether the heat dissipation can be improved. Perhaps some lateral fins? Fitting them...