| A rule based expert system was developed for controlling the autoclave temperature and pressure during cure of fiber reinforced thermosetting matrix composites. Rules were established which are needed to adjust the autoclave heater, cooler and pressure controllers. Software and hardware were developed for collecting and processing data, for applying the rules, and for controlling the autoclave. The software and hardware were integrated into a control system designated as SECURE which performs the cure without the need of human interaction.; The overall control strategy, the rules, and the resulting SECURE system were validated by employing SECURE in simulated as well as in actual cures. The tests showed that SECURE performed all its required functions well. Most importantly, the cure time with SECURE was less than that with conventional curing methods which had been optimized by the CURE model. In addition, the mechanical properties of laminates cured by SECURE were as good or better than the mechanical properties of laminates cured by the optimized conventional method. |
