Simulation and thermal analysis on temperature fields during composite curing process in autoclave technology

Autoclave process is a widely-used method of composite materials manufacturing. The uniformity of temperature fields during the composite curing process has an important effect on the component and then product quality. Previous simulations on composite curing temperature field had some limitations, because either in the thickness direction of thick composite component or under a rather simple external environment was only considered into the simulations, thereby leading to deviations from the actual composite curing process. In this study, taking into considerations of factors such as auxiliaries, mold and forced convection phenomenon inside autoclave, a refined simulation method has been established on composite curing temperature field in autoclave technology. On this basis, simulation and thermal analysis of the curing temperature field with regard to composite structure and material system in the aviation industry have been performed. The variables such as the time of heat preservation, heating rate are also controlled, so that the improvements of heating efficiency and uniformity of temperature field are achieved.