Three-dimensional Cure Simulation of Stiffened Thermosetting Composite Panels

Abstract

Stiffened thermosetting composite panels were fabricated with co-curing processing. In the co-curing processing, the temperature distribution in the composite panels was nonuniform. An investigation into the three-dimensional cure simulation of T-shape stiffened thermosetting composite panels was presented. Flexible tools and locating tools were considered in the cure simulation. Temperature distribution in the composites was predicted as a function of the autoclave temperature history. A nonlinear transient heat transfer finite element model was developed to simulate the curing process of stiffened thermosetting composite panels. And a simulation example was presented to demonstrate the use of the present finite element procedure for analyzing composite curing process. The glass/polyester structure was investigated to provide insight into the nonuniform cure process and the effect of flexible tools and locating tools on temperature distribution. Temperature gradient in the intersection between the skin and the flange was shown to be strongly dependent on the structure of the flexible tools and the thickness of the skin.