TOOLED THICK COMPOSITES by ARVEN H. SAUNDERS III ...

temperature conditions. The principles of the flat laminate model were then carried over to each
CV of the larger flexbeam model.
Once the flexbeam model was built and the software functionality verified, the numerical
values that it produced were checked and validated before the model was utilized for
experimental optimization iterations. The cure and viscosity model predicted values for S2/8552
were evaluated first. Estimated degree of cure values from the cure model were acceptable.
The minimum output value for viscosity was compared with Hubert’s minimum value of 3 Pa-
secs when subjected to a straight temperature ramp of 2 degrees C per minute. The flexbeam
model was run and attained a minimum viscosity value of 2.5 Pa-secs, deemed acceptably
close. Likewise, good agreement was found with the IM7/3501-6 cure and viscosity model
values.
4.2 Model Operation
One of the first checks for fidelity of the model was to verify tool lid movement and
subsequent contact with the flexbeam laminate. Figure 4.1 displays the side view of the tool lid
Lam Height inches
5.50
4.50
3.50
2.50
1.50
0.50
-0.50
Flexbeam Laminate and Tool Dimensions
0 12 24 36
Station inches
48 60 72
Figure 4.1. Lengthwise View of Tool Lid (red) Contact with Flexbeam (blue).
and flexbeam laminate. Figure 4.2 illustrates a 2-dimensional view of contact between the tool
lid (fushia) and the flexbeam laminate (blue) over CV nodes along the flexbeam length (x) and
height (z) at time = 0. As it indicates, the initial position of the lid is resting on two small contact
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