Simulaition and verification of cure-induced deformaiton for composite structures

Cure induced deformation of fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composites brings many problems to parts assembly. A multi-level simulation method for cure process of composite integrated structure was developed to simplify calculation and improve accuracy of prediction. Several simplified models were involved in multi-level simulation method. Thermal shrinkage, cure shrinkage and mold effect were considered in analysis models. Panels, L-shape beams, stiffened panels and sandwich structures were manufactured to verify the simulation method. It is found that numerical predictions compared quite well with experimental measurements. The results show that the adopted simulation method can be used to predict the cure-induced deformation for different kinds of structures, with accuracy of 85% more or less.