Optimal composite curing system and method

A method for controlling the curing process of a part formed of fiber-reinforced thermosetting resin composite material, comprising the steps of:

• measuring the ambient temperature surrounding the part to be cured;
• measuring the temperature of the part to be cured;
• measuring the time elapsed during the curing process;
• increasing the ambient temperature;
• calculating the lag time from the ambient temperature and the temperature of the part to be cured before the temperature of the part to be cured rises to a predetermined temperature lower than the temperature where resin reaction produces heat;
• calculating the degree of cure from the temperature of the part to be cured and the properties of the resin;
• determining the time rate of change of the degree of cure;
• calculating resin heat from the ambient temperature, the temperature of the part to be cured and the time rate of change of the degree of cure after the temperature of the part to be cured exceeds the predetermined temperature;
• determining maximum offset;
• determining the optimal temperature of the autoclave from the degree of cure and the maximum offset;
• and
• changing the ambient temperature to the optimal temperature of the autoclave.

A method for controlling the curing process of a part formed of fiber-reinforced thermosetting resin composite material, comprising the steps of:

• measuring the ambient temperature surrounding the part during the curing process;
• measuring the temperature of the part during the curing process;
• measuring the time elapsed during the curing process;
• increasing the ambient temperature;
• calculating the lag time from the ambient temperature and the temperature of the part to be cured before the temperature of the part to be cured rises to a predetermined temperature lower than the temperature where resin reaction produces heat;
• calculating the degree of cure from the temperature of the part to be cured and the properties of the resin;
• determining the optimal autoclave temperature from the degree of cure;
• and
• changing the ambient temperature to the optimal ambient temperature.