FIGURE 3.7 Vacuum bag sequence and tool plate placed in an autoclave. 200 160 Temperature 9 80 2C/min Pressure 88星 0.6 40 0.4 Maintain Vacuum Inside Bag 0.2 0 0 0 100 200 300 Time,min FIGURE 3.8 Typical cure cycle for a carbon/epoxy prepreg. temperature hold controls the rate of the chemical reaction and prevents degradation of the material by the exotherm.The pressure is held constant throughout the cure cycle to consolidate the plies until the resin in the laminate is in its glassy state at the end of the cooling phase.The vacuum should be checked throughout the cure cycle.The vacuum is applied to achieve a uniform pressure on the laminate and draw out volatiles created during the cure.Loss of vacuum will result in a poorly consolidated laminate. 14.After the power is turned off to the autoclave,maintain pressure until the inside temperature has dropped to about 100C. 15.Carefully remove the laminate from the aluminum plate.Gently lift it in a direction parallel to the main principal direction of the laminate. 16.Clean the aluminum plate,and store it for future use. ©2003 by CRC Press LLCtemperature hold controls the rate of the chemical reaction and prevents degradation of the material by the exotherm. The pressure is held constant throughout the cure cycle to consolidate the plies until the resin in the laminate is in its glassy state at the end of the cooling phase. The vacuum should be checked throughout the cure cycle. The vacuum is applied to achieve a uniform pressure on the laminate and draw out volatiles created during the cure. Loss of vacuum will result in a poorly consolidated laminate. 14. After the power is turned off to the autoclave, maintain pressure until the inside temperature has dropped to about 100°C. 15. Carefully remove the laminate from the aluminum plate. Gently lift it in a direction parallel to the main principal direction of the laminate. 16. Clean the aluminum plate, and store it for future use. FIGURE 3.7 Vacuum bag sequence and tool plate placed in an autoclave. FIGURE 3.8 Typical cure cycle for a carbon/epoxy prepreg. TX001_ch03_Frame Page 43 Saturday, September 21, 2002 4:51 AM © 2003 by CRC Press LLC