Multiplies composite structures produced by autoclave process
Barbara Surowska, Jarosław Bieniaś
Quarterly No. 2, 2010 pages 121-126
DOI:
keywords: prepregs, laminates, autoclave process, curing process, aviation structures
abstract Composites and laminates progressively displace other classic materials applied to aviation structures. The progress in materials extorts the developing of new technologies in structures production. The autoclave process of curing and bonding of the prepreg plies is currently the basic technology. This process is used to the manufacture of all “critical” parts namely the parts working in crucial elements of the constructions. The out-of-autoclave processes are used to produce low-cost prototype and limited production structures. They enable the shortening of process time, the reducing of cost but often the structural quality is lower. Advantages of the autoclave process, from the point of view of application on aerospace structures, are the possibility of producing a wide variety of materials, high mechanical properties of manufactured composites, excellent quality of composites surface and composite structures, high fiber volume fraction in the composites, repeatability, full control of elements and process during curing (temperature, pressure) and low void content (<1%). In this paper the methods of multiplies composites parts production used in Polish aviation industry are described. The subject of the examination were composites: glass/epoxy, carbon/epoxy, kevlar/epoxy and hybrid (glass-carbon-polyethylene)/epoxy - Hexcel and Cytec prepreg systems (unidirectional tape, fabrics). In this paper the methods of multiplies composites parts production used in Polish aviation industry are described. The composites produced by autoclave method (our results) characterized by high quality and structural homogeneity.