Controlled curing of thermoset composite components using infrared radiation and mathematical modelling

The production and curing of thermoset fibre composite components are usually carried out using conventional heating techniques at atmospheric pressure with an oven, pressurised forced convection using an autoclave or a conducive system using a heating press or metal plate. Each of these techniques is energy demanding and requires high capital investment. A novel process using only a controlled and required minimal amounts of energy from infrared radiation has been developed. Due to the ease of monitoring the infrared radiation, this newly developed process is more adaptable, controllable and cost-efficient than existing techniques. The novelty of this research is the development of a mathematical model to predetermine the infrared heater parameters required to cure complex shape composite components. Using this technique, thermoset composite components can be manufactured correctly from initial production runs.