Analysis of shape distortion resulting from the manufacturing process for thermoset composites

Abstract

Many different engineering fields are nowadays relying in the use of advanced composite materials. In order to minimize the cost of production, simulation of the manufacturing process and the shape of the final part becomes vital. This thesis focuses of the curing simulation of thermosetting-based composites with the aim of predicting process induced deformations. Firstly, an analytical model is applied to calculate the degree of cure and compare to the experimental DSC results. Later on, a thermo-mechanical simulation is used in order to predict the deflection of an L-shape composite beam.