Three-dimensional finite element analysis for temperature filed of composite materials during the cure

Purpose The cure simulation of composite structures with arbitrary geometry can be investigated by the finite element program. Design/methodology/approach Finite element method is employed in this work. Findings The simulated results match the experimental results well, which demonstrates the finite element analysis models are reliable. Compared with the one- and two-dimensional finite element analysis, temperature and degree of cure can be calculated at any point within composite structures in the present simulation analysis. The cure simulation of composite structures with arbitrary geometry can be investigated by the finite element program. Originality/value A coupled thermokinetic simulation of the liquid composite molding process based on a three-dimensional finite element method is presented. The cure simulation of composite structures with arbitrary geometry can be investigated by the finite element program.