Optimal composite curing system and method

摘要

An intelligent control system for directing a process for curing parts made of fiber-reinforced composite material in an autoclave. The system uses data gathered during the curing processing to calculate repetitively the temperature of the autoclave required to establish and maintain a predetermined cure temperature. The system accounts for heat generated by the exothermal reaction of the resin during polymerization. The control recalculates an optimal autoclave temperature at periodic intervals during the cure cycle on the basis of temperature data from the part being cured and temperature within the autoclave. The optimal autoclave temperature is determined from calculated values representing resin heat, maximum offset, lag time and degree of cure of the resin. Control signals produced by a computer that executes control algorithms stored in electronic memory accessible to the processor cause corresponding changes in the temperature of the autoclave needed to cure the part without overheating and in less time than with a conventional autoclave temperature control.