Induction heating of polymer matrix composites in an autoclave

摘要

Induction heating is utilized to heat polymer matrix composites containing electrically conductive fibers. This is accomplished with an apparatus having a mandrel for supporting a composite workpiece and a helical induction coil disposed around the mandrel. The mandrel, workpiece and induction coil are disposed in an autoclave. The mandrel is a hollow, porous member having a port formed therein which is connected to a vacuum. A vacuum bag is hermetically sealed on the mandrel so as to define an enclosure over the workpiece. A power source is connected to the induction coil and, when activated, causes the coil to generate an oscillating magnetic field lying along the longitudinal axis of the mandrel. The magnetic field induces heat-generating eddy currents in the fibers of the workpiece which are oriented orthogonally to the magnetic field.