Simulation as a cure process design tool for aerospace materials

Abstract

Composite aerospace materials, known for their good mechanical properties and low weight, present interesting cure process design problems to the engineer. It is shown that computer simulation can be used as a powerful tool in solving these problems.

Using physical principles, simple mathematical models are constructed which describe observed phenomena. With the advent of high-speed microcompu ters and desktop workstations, the simulations can be run at low cost. It is shown that with a properly validated model, the process engineer can use simulation to efficiently optimize cure cycles, as well as map undesirable operating regions.

Examples are presented, which show that "standard" cure cycles for these materials can be modified to shorten processing times. Also, conditions which could cause reaction runaway are exposed.