CCT Curing Processes & Autoclave Operations Flashcards
6 cards from real CCT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 CCT Curing Processes & Autoclave Operations flashcards as text
What is the primary purpose of an autoclave in composite manufacturing?
Answer: To apply simultaneous heat and pressure for curing composite laminates
An autoclave applies controlled heat and elevated pressure simultaneously to consolidate and cure composite laminates, producing high-quality, low-void parts.
What is the typical autoclave pressure used for curing carbon fiber/epoxy aerospace composites?
Answer: 85 to 100 psi (approximately 6 bar)
Aerospace carbon fiber/epoxy composites are typically cured at 85 to 100 psi to consolidate plies and minimize void content to meet structural requirements.
What does a cure cycle define in composite autoclave processing?
Answer: The time-temperature-pressure profile followed during laminate cure
A cure cycle defines the specific time, temperature, and pressure ramp rates and dwell periods that ensure proper resin flow, consolidation, and crosslinking.
What is the purpose of pulling vacuum on the bag during autoclave composite processing?
Answer: To remove volatiles and entrapped air before and during cure
Vacuum removes entrapped air and volatiles from the laminate stack before and during cure, reducing void content in the finished part.
What is the role of thermocouples during an autoclave cure cycle?
Answer: To monitor part and tooling temperatures and verify the cure cycle is achieved
Thermocouples attached to the tool and part surfaces monitor actual temperatures to verify the cure cycle is followed and identify hot or cold spots.
What happens to epoxy resin viscosity as temperature increases during the initial heat-up phase?
Answer: Viscosity decreases (resin becomes more fluid) before crosslinking begins
During initial heat-up, resin viscosity drops as temperature rises, enabling resin flow and air/volatile removal before gelation and crosslinking begin.