Determination of Temperature Variable Properties of Composite Materials: Methodology and Experimental Results

In the present article we discuss a method for the determination of temperature variable properties of composite materials. The method involves thermophysical properties (specific heat and thermal conductivity) and rate of cure. The method is general and based on the combined analysis of heat transfer in thin and thick pieces of material. A simulation model is then developed to predict the cure response and heat transfer that occur in composite material during fabrication. It is validated by experimental results obtained with an epoxy resin/glass fiber composite.