Consolidation and cure simulations for laminated composites

Fiber reinforced polymer composites have been increasingly used in various structural components. One of the important processes for fabricating high performance laminated composites is autoclave assisted prepreg lay-up. Since the quality of laminated composites is largely affected by the cure cycle, selection of the cure cycle for each particular application is important and must be optimized. Thus, some fundamental model of the consolidation and cure processes is necessary to properly select the suitable parameters for each application. This study used the viscoelastic solid model for the consolidation of the laminate. In addition, variations of permeability and thermal properties caused by the change of the fiber volume content during the consolidation process were also included. Simulated thickness variations of epoxy continuous carbon fiber prepreg (AS4/3501-6 from Hercules) laminate under consolidation were compared to the experimental results to test the model. Based on the model analysis, one can predict the pressure, velocity, and laminate thickness during the consolidation process, which can be used to properly select the cure cycle for applications of laminated composites.