Effect of Mold Fixture on Stress and Deformation of Composite Structures

摘要

During the process of autoclave formation of thermosetting composite structures, the temperature distribution is strongly influenced by the forming fixture, which then contributes to forming error of the composite structure. On the base of 3D thermomechanical model by the software ABAQUS effects of mold fixture on temperature, stress and deformation are investigated. Numerical simulation results of the composite structure show that the deformation in the two sides and stress in the middle are both maximum. Comparison of composite structures shows that the column mold fixture, in contrast to oblique support mold and vertical plate mold ones, manifests uniform temperature and deformation distributions during the process of autoclave formation. Therefore, from the viewpoint of controlling the deformation of the composite structure, the column mold fixture is superior to the oblique support or vertical plate mold fixtures.