Cure cycle design for composite materials using computer simulation and optimisation tools

摘要

In the following we present a computer simulation tool coupled with a numerical optimisation method that have been developed for use in the optimal design of the cure cycle of the production of thermoset- matrix composite parts. Their use permits the fast and straightforward optimal design of the cure cycles and leads to improved quality, reduced production times and reduced scrap. For the simulation of the cure cycle a one-dimensional non-linear transient model has been developed and coupled with the Evolution Strategy, of the Genetic Algorithms family, for the optimal design of the cure cycle of thick composite parts taking into account various realistic restrictions and targets of the production. The effectiveness and the usefulness of the proposed approach are demonstrated for several target performances together with a comparison between optimisation methods for the optimal tuning of the cure cycle.