Experimental study of tool–part interaction during autoclave processing of thermoset polymer composite structures

Autoclave manufacturing of thermoset polymer matrix composite structures with high dimensional fidelity requires a good understanding of various parameters affecting process-induced warpage and application of this knowledge to minimize the warpage through appropriate process control. One important contributor is the interaction between a composite part and the tool on which the part is laid and cured. This experimental study quantified the tool–part interaction by measuring the static and dynamic frictional coefficients as a function of process time, using a friction test fixture specially designed to simulate the autoclave environment. Temperature ramp rate was varied to understand the effect of autoclave cure cycle on the friction coefficients. Measured friction coefficients were maximum at the start of the cure cycle and varied as a function of degree of cure (α) and ramp rate owing to change in the tool–part interface, cure shrinkage, resin/composite properties, residual stress, and mode of interface failure.