Abstract
A method is presented for determining the optimal autoclave temperature history for pre-impregnated thermoset composites based on their failure performance. A coupled finite-element model that incorporates a thermochemical and incremental elastic analysis is used to predict the residual stress distribution at the edge of a thick composite beam. The optimal autoclave temperature is sought using a gradient-based optimization algorithm. The objective is designed to maximize the minimum failure load of the manufactured beam amongst a set of load cases, while the constraints are imposed to ensure that the composite is uniformly cured and does not sustain temperature damage during the manufacturing process. The hybrid-adjoint, a novel semi-analytic gradient evaluation technique is developed, that incorporates elements of both the adjoint and direct sensitivity methods. Results demonstrate that the method is highly accurate and competitive with a full adjoint approach for a moderate number of design variables.
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Kennedy, G.J., Hansen, J.S. The hybrid-adjoint method: a semi-analytic gradient evaluation technique applied to composite cure cycle optimization. Optim Eng 11, 23–43 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11081-008-9068-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11081-008-9068-9