Curing of Composites: An Integrated Multiscale Process Description Toward Tailored Structures and Properties

摘要

The overall goal of the investigation was to develop a fundamental physical modeling of the complex thermal and mass transport mechanisms at the various scales (from the laminate to the microstructural and phase levels) that govern the interphase formation during cure. In particular, the goal of the University of Connecticut MEANS effort was to develop a comprehensive multiscale description of the cure process by addressing processing-related issues at the phase, microstructural, and laminate scales. The integrated modeling tool was aimed at predicting the constituent phases and their properties, as function of the process parameters; these, in turn, were to be used in the mechanics models for property prediction of composite structures. The multiscale modeling was aimed at providing the critical information on processing-interphase- property relationships necessary for viable modeling, analysis, design, and accelerated insertion of high performance composite materials in various aerospace applications. Detailed theoretical and experimental investigations were carried out. The research was synergistic with the activities of AFRL's Structural Materials Branch (Materials and Manufacturing Directorate) on mechanics modeling as well as a companion MEANS effort at Pennsylvania State University on microstructural modeling.