Optimal cure cycles for manufacturing of thick composite parts using multi-objective genetic algorithms

The paper addresses the multi-objective optimization of the cure process of a Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding for components ranging from 40 to 100 mm thickness and aims to investigate the effect of thickness on the identification and quantification of a set of optimal cure profiles that minimize temperature overshoot and process time. Optimal cure solutions are sought among three dwells temperature profiles and are compared to the manufacturer’s recommended cure cycle (MRCC). The methodology successfully approximates the efficient fronts for the three different cases under study (40, 70 and 100mm) and points out the efficiency opportunity available compared to MRCC. In the case of 70 and 100 mm thick component temperature overshoot reductions of about 75% are achievable and 67% reduction in process time. The results also suggest a change in the objectives’ landscape for the higher thicknesses in the vertical region of the Pareto.