Optimization of Parts Placement in Autoclave Processing of Composites
Source abstract
Abstract
The main processing variable in autoclave production, besides pressure and time, is fluid temperature. The different geometry of tools and composite laminates and the fluid dynamic characteristics of each autoclave batch lead to temperature changes in the composites, during heating, soaking and cooling, not easily predicted. The soak time at maximum temperature is considered one of the most critical constraints. This time is computed for the entire autoclave batch when the last composite laminate reaches the specified cure temperature. In this work a completely different approach is presented. Areduction of cure time is achieved identifying a rule for the position of different tools inside the autoclave. An optimization model is derived by defining an objective function in terms of penalty coefficients associated to different tools and different positions into the autoclave. Test cases of the behaviour of autoclave batches have been simulated leading to significant predicted cure time reductions.
Source: openaire · Quality: candidate unverified · Source record ↗
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Epoxy Resin Curing Processes · Injection Molding Process and Properties · Mechanical Behavior of Composites
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
References (34)
Show source-provided references
1. Halpin, J.C., Kardos, G.L., Dudukovic, M.P.: Processing Science: An Approach for Prepreg Composite Systems. Pure & AppliedChemistry. 55, 893–906 (1983)10.1351/pac198355050893 ↗
2. Loos, A.C., Springer, G.C.: Curing of epoxy matrix composites. J. Compos. Mater. 17, 135–169 (1983)10.1177/002199838301700204 ↗
3. Dave, R., Kardos, J.C., Dudukovic, M.P.: A model for resin flow during composite processing: Part 1—general mathematical development. Polym. Compos. 8, 29–38 (1987)10.1002/pc.750080106 ↗
4. Kenny, J.M., Apicella, A., Nicolais, L.: A model for the thermal and chemorheological behavior of thermosets. I: Processing of epoxy-based composites. Pol. Eng. Sci. 29, 973–983 (1989)10.1002/pen.760291502 ↗
5. Berglund, L.A., Trivisano, A., Kenny, J.M.: Chemorheological and dielectric behavior of the epoxy matrix in a carbon fiber prepreg. SAMPE J. 27(2), 39–45 (1991)
6. Torre, L., Maffezzoli, A., Nicolais, L.: Rev. de l’insitutfrancais du pétrole 50, 135 (1995)
7. Trivisano, A., Kenny, J.M., Nicolais, L., Inserra, S., Voto, C.: Proc. of 37th Int. SAMPE Symp., Covina, CA, USA March (1992).
8. Kenny, J.M.: Application of modeling to the control and optimization of composite processing. Compos. Struct. 27, 129–139 (1994)10.1016/0263-8223(94)90074-4 ↗
9. Kalra, L., Perry, M.J., James Lee, L.: Automation of autoclave cure of graphite-epoxy composites. J. Compos. Mater. 26, 2567–2584 (1992)10.1177/002199839202601706 ↗
10. Lee, D.G., Kim, J.S.: Development of an autoclave cure cycle with cooling and reheating steps for thick thermoset composite laminates. J. Compos. Mater. 31, 2264–2282 (1997)10.1177/002199839703102203 ↗
11. Broyer, E., Macosko, C.W.: Heat transfer and curing in polymer reaction molding. AICHE J. 22, 268–276 (1976)10.1002/aic.690220208 ↗
12. Han, C.D., Lee, D.S., Chin, H.B.: Development of a mathematical model for the pultrusion process. Polym. Eng. Sci. 26, 393–404 (1986)10.1002/pen.760260604 ↗
13. Bogetti, T.A., Gillespie, J.W.: Two-dimensional cure Simulation of thick thermosetting composites. J. Compos. Mater. 25, 239–273 (1991)10.1177/002199839102500302 ↗
14. Kenny, J.M., Maffezzoli, A., Nicolais, L.: A model for the thermal and chemorheological behavior of thermoset processing: II) Unsatured polyester based composites. Compos. Sci. Tech. 38, 339–358 (1990)10.1016/0266-3538(90)90020-6 ↗
15. Pillai, V.K., Beris, A.N., Dhurjati, P.S.: Implementation of model-based optimal temperature profiles for autoclave curing of composites using a knowledge-based system. Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 33, 2443–2452 (1994)10.1021/ie00034a029 ↗
16. Ciriscioli, P.R., Wang, Q.W., Springer, G.S.: Autoclave curing—comparisons of model and test results. J. Compos. Mater. 26, 90–102 (1992)10.1177/002199839202600106 ↗
17. Davè, R.: In International Encyclopedia of Composites, Vol. 1, 67, VCH Publisher N.Y. USA (1990)
18. Martinez, G.M.: Fast cures for thick laminated organic matrix composites. Chem. Eng. Sci. 46, 439–450 (1991)10.1016/0009-2509(91)80005-J ↗
19. White, S.R., Hahn, T.H.: Cure cycle optimization for the reduction of processing-induced residual stresses in composite materials. J. Compos. Mater. 27, 1352–1378 (1993)10.1177/002199839302701402 ↗
20. Joseph, M.-M., Joseph, B., Kardos, J.L.: Experimental characterization of autoclave-cured glass-epoxy composite laminates: Cure cycle effects upon thickness, void content, and related phenomena. Polym. Compos. 18, 283–299 (1997)10.1002/pc.10282 ↗
21. Rai, N., Pitchumani, R.: Optimal cure cycles for the fabrication of thermosetting-matrix composites. Polym. Compos. 18, 566–581 (1997)10.1002/pc.10309 ↗
22. Maistros, G., Bofilio, D., Cracknell, G., Milburn, A.: Proc. of 20th Int. SAMPE Europe Conference, Paris, France, April 1998, p. 733
23. Dufour, P., Michaud, D.J., Touré, Y., Dhurjati, P.S.: A partial differential equation model predictive control strategy: application to autoclave composite processing. Comput. Chem. Eng. 28, 545–336 (2004)10.1016/j.compchemeng.2003.08.007 ↗
24. Pillai, V., Beris, A.N., Dhurjati, P.: Heuristics guided optimization of a batch autoclave curing processComputers. Chem. Eng. 20, 275–294 (1996)
25. Senturia, S.D., Sheppard, N.F.: Dielectric analysis of thermoset cure. Adv. Polym. Sci. 80, 1–47 (1986)10.1007/3-540-16423-5_11 ↗
26. Maffezzoli, A., Trivisano, A., Opalicki, M., Kenny, J.M., Mijovic, J., Nicolais, L.: Correlation between dielectric and chemorheological properties during cure of epoxy based composites. J. Mater. Sci. 29, 800–808 (1994)10.1007/BF00445996 ↗
27. Shepard, D.D., Smith, K.R., and Maurer, D.C., Proc. of 18th Int. SAMPE Europe Conference, Paris, France, April 1997, p. 211
28. Buonocore, V., Giordano, M., Nicolais, L., Cusano, A., Cutolo, A., Di Vita, G., Cantoni, S., Calabrò, A.: Proc. of 20thInt. SAMPE Europe Conference, Paris, France, April 1999, p. 65
29. Xie, F., Wang, X., Li, M., Zhang, Z.: Statistical study of delamination area distribution in composite components fabricated by autoclave process. Appl. Compos. Mater. 16, 285–295 (2009)10.1007/s10443-009-9094-6 ↗
30. Liu, L., Zhang, B.M., Wang, D.F., Wu, Z.J.: Effects of cure cycles on void content and mechanical properties of composite laminates. Compos. Structures. 73, 303–309 (2006)10.1016/j.compstruct.2005.02.001 ↗
31. Cong, J., Zhang, B.: Methodology for evaluating manufacturability of composite materials. Appl. Compos. Mater. in press
32. Kreith, F.: Principles of heat transfer. Dun-Donnelley Publishing, NY (1973)
33. Bird R.B., Stewart W.E., Lightfoot E.N.: Transport Phenomena. 2ed. Wiley, 2002
34. Hiller, F.S., Liebermann, G.J.: Introduction to Operations Research, McGraw-Hill Publishing Company, 1993