Experiments, modeling and simulation of curing processes in composite materials

In this project various aspects of the curing behavior of a particular epoxy is studied. First, the shrinkage behavior is modeled. Second, the complextity of the curing evolution in respect of material parameter identification is addressed. For both goals, appropriate experiments have to be designed. Third, the difficulties in the temporal and spatial evolution using finite elements are treated using high-order time-integration schemes to overcome inherent instabilities in the curing evolution. Finally, an entire composite is studied with regard to its anisotropic chemo-thermomechanical behavior.