Effects of heat transfer coefficient variations on composite curing

Curing of composite laminates in a vessel was investigated this study. The environment inside the processing dictates efficiency and ultimately drives quality thermoset parts. Experimental measurements spatial heat transfer coefficients were conducted on industrial scale vessels, including autoclaves large ovens, which final part using experimental data as input to coupled curing model. Measurements showed that greater magnitude variability. distribution followed pattern common literature, contrast ovens varied considerably between devices. Numerical predictions indicated autoclave measured provide less lag imposed temperature history smaller overshoots. However, robustness variability at offset by variability, resulting comparable across autoclaves.