Three-dimensional cure simulation of composite structures by the finite element method

In this paper, a finite element formulation for three-dimensional cure simulation of composite structures is introduced and a three-dimensional finite element code is developed based on the formulation. Results from the present cure simulations agreed well with the measured cure-induced temperatures and the numerical results from one- or two-dimensional simulations. Unlike in the one- and two-dimensional simulations, temperature and degree of cure can be calculated at any point within composite structures in the present analysis. The finite element program can be used for cure simulation of composite structures with arbitrary geometry under non-uniform autoclave temperature distribution.