ABSTRACT
Parts and structures constructed from continuous fiber reinforced thermosetting resin composites are manufactured by arranging the uncured fiber-resin mixture into the desired shape and then curing the material. The curing process is accomplished by exposing the material to elevated temperatures and pressures for a predetermined length of time. The temperature and pressure conditions inside the autoclave are set by adjusting the heater, cooler, and pressure controllers. The "optimum" processing conditions can be established by analytic models. Such models have been developed for autoclave curing and filament winding of thermoset matrix composites and for processing of thermoplastic composites. Analytic models require extensive material data which often are difficult to measure.
