Optimized Curing of Thick Section Composite Laminates

Conventional autoclave curing cycles for thermosetting composite laminates are generally derived from trial-and-error experimentation. Cure cycles are readily available for thin composite laminates. However, developing cure cycles for thick section laminates is time consuming and hence, costly. In addition, one cannot be sure that a selected cycle will be optimum if it is based on a conventional method. This paper shows that through numerical simulation and some minimal experimentation, optimized cure cycles can be developed for thick laminates. The heating cycles for thick laminates can be established by an iterative numerical method. Autoclave processing with conventional and optimal curing cycles for 12.5-mm-thick laminates was performed. The mechanical properties of the products were determined and shown to be comparable, with significant time saving realized in using the optimized cycle.