Computer simulation of process induced stress and strain development during cure of thick-section thermosetting composites

An investigation into the cure and process-induced stress and strain development in thick-section polymer matrix composite is presented. A one-dimensional anisotropic cure simulation analysis is coupled to an incremental laminated plate theory model to monitor the evolution of stresses, strains and mechanical properties during the autoclave curing process. A two-dimensional cure simulation analysis is destined to predict the degree of cure and temperature distribution within arbitrary cross-sectional geometries. A material kinetics model is developed to describe the glass reinforced phenol matrix composite behavior during curing. The effects of the stacking geometry and laminate thickness on the development of processing induced stresses and strains are examined.