Surface waviness in glass fiber reinforced composites is predominately due to dif ferences in the thermal expansion properties of the resin and the reinforcement. A model has been developed which simulates the surface deformation of glass fiber reinforced composites as a function of factors such as molding temperature, thickness of glass fibers, and the thermal expansion properties of the resin and the glass. Application of a top layer helps to conceal fiber readout which is a type of surface waviness. Based on the predic tions of the model, increasing the top layer thickness is more effective than increasing the top layer stiffness.
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References
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