Experimental identification of process parameters inducing warpage of autoclave-processed CFRP parts

Abstract

Autoclave processing of reproducible carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) structures with high dimensional fidelity is a main challenge for today’s composite manufacturing within the aerospace industry. An ex ante geometrical tool compensation as well as an appropriate process control to minimize dimensional variations requires a good understanding of the crucial parameters. In the present paper a wide range of experimental investigations affirm that warpage deformation of symmetric and initially flat laminates is mainly driven by mechanical tool-part interaction. Furthermore, tool surface roughness and interleaved neat resin areas are observed to influence the magnitude of these deformations significantly. For the description of the effective mechanism a new model, accounting for these findings, is proposed.