Process maps are complex plots used to describe both how a given material state (in Degree of Cure vs Temperature space) can be reached, as well as the material properties at that given state.
The Process Maps dialog allows creation of a set of process maps for a material. There are three basic map types available; isothermal, dynamic and material property maps. All process maps are plotted in Degree of Cure vs Temperature space.
The general tab of the process map dialog controls global map settings, as well as which maps will be generated. All maps will be generated for the material selected here. Isothermal process maps are generated by querying across multiple isothermal virtual material runs. The Isothermal Temperature Resolution value determined can be used to increase the data density of isothermal process maps. For consistency, all process maps will have their temperature axes ranges set to the values defined in the Plot Minimum/Maximum Temperature entries. The degree of cure axes ranges are automatically set from 0 to 1.
Selecting the Isothermal and Dynamic checkboxes will create tabs to further define those map types. Selecting Dynamics Overlayed on Isothermals will create combined versions of any/all isothermal and dynamic maps generated. Depending on the material selected, several material properties will available for map creation. Checking the corresponding checkbox will create a tab for additional map details.
Isothermal maps are made up of curves of constant time. Generally there will be several sets of curves for different time ranges. For example: curves from 1min to 10min (1min increments), curves from 10min to 60min (10min increments), and curves from 60min to 360min (60min increments). Since the cure rates of most materials slow as they approach full cure, this approach is used to space out the time contours as cure progresses.
Each individual map tab has a minimum and maximum temperature value, which defaults to the plot minimum/maximum on the general tab. These values can be used to calculate map data outside the plotted range, which may be necessary for some materials.
Dynamic maps are made up of curves starting with different initial degrees of cure, and heating at a constant rate over the temperature range of interest. Unlike isothermal maps, each rate value defined in a segment will result in an entire plot (not just a set of curves on a single plot). The example shown below would generate a dynamic process map at 0.5 C/min, 1.0 C/min, and 1.25 C/min.
Material property maps show contours of constant property values over the range of interest. The values used for these maps can vary widely by material, and some trial and error may be required to obtain meaningful map values.
