Modeling of curing process and residual stress analysis of thick-section thermosetting composites

The curing behavior of composites significantly influences their performance, making it crucial to understand the curing process. This study experimentally measured specific heat capacity, thermal conductivity, glass transition temperature, coefficient of thermal expansion, and cure shrinkage of materials. A simulation model of its curing deformation was established and validated against strain data obtained from fiber Bragg grating experiments. The effects of thickness, heating rate, and cooling rate on the curing temperature field and residual stress field during the molding of thick-section composite plates were analyzed.