ISSN:
1013-9826
Source:
Scientific.Net: Materials Science & Technology / Trans Tech Publications Archiv 1984-2008
Topics:
Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Production Engineering, Mining and Metallurgy, Traffic Engineering, Precision Mechanics
Notes:
Although the autoclave technique produces composite parts of high quality, the process istime consuming and has intrinsically high capital and operating costs. QuickstepTM is a novelpolymer composite manufacturing technique designed for the out-of-autoclave processing of highquality,low-cost components with a reduction in cure-cycle times. This paper assesses the use ofthe Quickstep method for the processing of an epoxy-carbon fibre aerospace composite material.The Quickstep process is compared both to a thermal vacuum-bag only process and themanufacturer’s specifications for autoclave cured panels. Higher process ramp rates, achievable byusing Quickstep, have been shown to reduce resin viscosity and facilitate void removal. Throughmanipulation of the Quickstep cure cycle while the resin is at low viscosity, significant effects onthe mechanical properties of the product are demonstrated. Using Quickstep curing it has beenfound that better interlaminar properties than the manufacturers autoclave data could be obtainedwhile the flexural strength was a little lower. The work identifies key parameters associated with theQuickstep process giving an insight into how it can be optimised further in an attempt to producepanel properties that rival those produced by autoclave methods
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://www.tib-hannover.de/fulltexts/2011/0528/01/53/transtech_doi~10.4028%252Fwww.scientific.net%252FKEM.334-335.545.pdf
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