Prediction of Process-induced Geometrical Deformations for Stiffened Thermosetting Composite Panels

Abstract

Stiffened thermosetting composite panels are primary structure of aircraft and fabricated with co-curing processing. The process-induced residual stresses resulted in geometrical deformation when the stiffened composite panel was fully cured and removed from the tool. An investigation into the three-dimensional cure simulation of T-shape stiffened thermosetting composite panels was presented to predict the process-induced deformation during co-curing. And flexible tools and locating tools were considered in the cure simulation. Simulation examples were presented to demonstrate use of the present finite element procedure for predicting composite parts deformations. The T300/BMI structure was analyzed provide insight into the non-uniform curing process. The temperature was higher in the interface between web and flange during the entire cure cycle. And the distortions of skin and webs for T-shape stiffened thermosetting composite panel were remarkable.