Consolidation Techniques and Cure Control

Abstract

Consolidation is an important step that occurs in almost every process used to make an advanced composite article. Consolidation is usually brought about by the application of pressure at a boundary which squeezes air and resin out of the composite thereby changing both its microstructure and dimensions. Improper consolidation can lead to voids, residual stresses, warping and other unwanted effects which could ultimately lead to the rejection of the part. A comprehensive discussion of consolidation in composites would include many complex phenomena. Simultaneously, there is heat, momentum and mass transfer, accompanied by the chemical curing reaction of the resin and the deformation and motion of fibers.