Heat Absorbing Device for Composite Curing Delamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
The curing of curable matrix materials in composite parts, such as rotor blades, generates significant heat, leading to thermally induced delamination and degradation, which can compromise the structural integrity of the composite parts.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising an envelope element and thermally conductive heat absorbing elements is used to absorb heat generated during the curing process, with the device being placed on or integrated into the composite structure to establish thermal contact and remove heat, utilizing non-adhering materials to prevent adhesion and flexible designs to adapt to the part's shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the curing process is allowed to proceed without heat absorption measures, then the curing reaction can complete, but thermally induced delamination and degradation occur compromising structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
A heat absorbing device is introduced as an intermediary element between the composite structure and the environment. This device includes heat absorbing elements (such as phase change materials or thermally conductive materials) disposed within an envelope element, which makes thermal contact with the composite structure to absorb excess heat generated during curing, thereby preventing thermal damage while allowing the curing process to complete
Solution Approach 2:
The heat absorbing elements utilize phase transitions (such as melting/freezing of phase change materials) to absorb large amounts of heat during the curing process. The phase change materials transition from solid to liquid or other phase changes that absorb the exothermic heat of curing, preventing temperature rise that would cause delamination and degradation
2Productivity
If heat absorbing elements are placed in direct thermal contact with the composite structure, then heat absorption efficiency increases, but the device must be removed after curing which complicates the process
Solution Approach 1:
The heat absorbing device is designed as a temporary, disposable element that is used only during the curing process. After curing completes and the device has served its purpose of absorbing excess heat, it is removed from the composite structure. This approach accepts the temporary nature of the device as a trade-off for achieving effective heat control during the critical curing phase
Solution Approach 2:
The heat absorbing device is positioned and made thermal contact with the composite structure before the curing process begins or during the early stages of curing. This preliminary positioning ensures that the device is in place to absorb heat from the onset of the exothermic reaction, maximizing heat absorption efficiency throughout the curing process
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device effectively absorbs heat, preventing thermally induced delamination and degradation, ensuring the structural integrity of composite parts by efficiently managing heat generated during curing.
Implementation Method 1
at least one thermally conductive heat absorbing element disposed within the at least one inner volume of the at least one envelope element
Data Source
AI summary
A device for absorbing heat generated by curing of a curable matrix material, particularly heat generated by curing of a curable matrix material embedding a textile structure including a number of reinforcing fibers is provided. The device includes at least one envelope element defining at least one inner volume, and at least one thermally conductive heat absorbing element disposed within the at least one inner volume of the at least one envelope element. In a further embodiment, the at least one envelope element may be built of or include at least one non-adhering material which does not adhere to the curable or cured matrix material.