Development and implementation of direct electric cure of plain weave CFRP composites for aerospace

• DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2023.107615
• Publication Date: 2023-05-10T16:37:36Z
• Authors: M.G. Collinson; T.J. Swait; M.P. Bower; B. Nuhiji; S.A. Hayes
• Keywords: Void (composites)

Curing aerospace composites is time-consuming with high energy requirements, particularly when using methods such as autoclaves, ovens and heated presses. This study investigates direct electric cure (DEC), which uses the Joule effect to directly heat carbon fibre their temperature. Its benefits include a significant increase in efficiency, control over temperature low void content compared oven curing. Samples were manufactured vacuum-assisted resin transfer moulding (VARTM) prepreg, well curing two-meter-long leading-edge component, demonstrate evaluate method at scale. The average for VARTM DEC samples was lower by 0.82 % oven-cured panel, however, degree of (DoC) decreased 6.25 %. Normalised consumption significantly reduced all cures, cures 99 less than components.