Cure and Consolidation Study of Cavity Molded Flex Beam Composite Parts
Preimpregnated fibers or prepregs are widely used to
produce high quality composite parts. One process in particular, known
as cavity molding, is frequently used to process high quality thick
composite details with exceptionally precise dimensions by using a
platen press to apply heat and pressure to rigid tooling and thereby
entice the prepreg within to cure into the shape of the confines of an
internal cavity. The objective of the research described here is to
develop an mathematical model for glass/epoxy prepreg which simulates
the resin flow, heat transfer, consolidation and curing of cavity-molded
flex beams which varies significantly with location. An enhanced
understanding of the mechanisms involved will help significantly improve