Simulation analysis of resin-based composites on temperature and degree of cure fields by thermoforming process considering the influence of temperature distribution inside the autoclave.

The curing process is critical in the production of composite materials. In this paper, a heat transfer and curing kinetics of the two-way coupling model reflecting the resin-based composite curing process was built. The degree of curing and temperature fields simulation programme using the finite difference method independently was also developed. With this programme, a numerical simulation for a flat plate was conducted. The distributions of temperature and degree of curing fields were obtained. The simulation results indicated that temperature distribution plays an important role in the resin curing process. The internal temperature of autoclave is inhomogeneous. The temperature of the composite has a non-linear relationship with the gradient temperature distribution in the autoclave. Moreover, the existence of temperature difference inside the autoclave can have a more significant influence at a low temperature than that of a high one. This research provides a certain basis for optimising the moulding process parameters, mould design and product quality control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]