The effects of different cure cycles on the mechanical performance of thick-walled composites

Master thesis (2018)

Authors

G. Alleman Aerospace Engineering

Contributors

R. Benedictus (graduation committee member)
J.M.J.F. van Campen (graduation committee member)
G. Struzziero (graduation committee member)
Faculty
Aerospace Engineering, Aerospace Engineering
Copyright: © 2018 Guyonne Alleman
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Published Date

16-05-2018

Language

English

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Faculty

Aerospace Engineering

Abstract

A composite wind turbine blade is partially thick-walled to comply with high strength criteria. When the manufacturer’s recommended cure cycle (MRCC), which is designed for thin-walled components, is used for thick-walled components it can lead to high levels of residual stress. This experimental research investigates different cure cycles for thick-walled glass-fibre epoxy composites made by vacuum infusion with the objective of minimising residual stresses and cycle time. It is found that a two-dwell cure cycle with a low second dwell temperature will significantly decreases the exothermic peak temperature, increases the maximum shear stress, decreases the acoustic emission activity and reduces time compared to the single dwell MRCC.