Author(s)

Z. Yang, V. Filial, A.N. Bens & P. Dhurjati

Abstract

Integrated simulation, optimization and control of autoclave curing of thick laminate composites Z. Yang, V. Filial, A.N. Bens, P. Dhurjati Department of Chemical Engineering, Center for Composite Materials, University of Delaware, ABSTRACT The manufacture of thick laminate composite parts through autoclave curing presents special challenges related to the reaction heat and the resin flow during the curing. An expert-driven methodology has been developed for the optimiza- tion and the process control based on an one-dimensional (through thickness) heat transfer and reaction model which has been recently applied successfully to the autoclave process. Here, the coupling of resin flow with heat transfer and reaction has been considered in the model in order to more accurately predict the curing behavior under an arbitrary temperature and pressure cycle. The results from the simulation are compared with one set of data reported in the literature showing good agreement with the trend an

Keywords