CCT Curing Processes & Autoclave Operations Flashcards
6 cards from real CCT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 CCT Curing Processes & Autoclave Operations flashcards as text
What is the purpose of a release film in an autoclave vacuum bag layup?
Answer: To prevent the laminate from bonding to the bleeder or caul plate during cure
Release film placed on the laminate surface prevents adhesion to bleeders or caul plates while controlling resin bleed-off through its perforations.
What causes a 'short shot' defect in resin transfer molded (RTM) composite parts?
Answer: Insufficient resin volume injected to fill the mold completely
A short shot occurs when insufficient resin is injected to fill the entire mold cavity, leaving dry, unresin-impregnated fiber areas in the finished part.
How is cure completion typically verified during an autoclave run without removing the part?
Answer: By reviewing thermocouple data confirming the required time at temperature per the qualified cure cycle
Cure completion is verified by confirming all thermocouples recorded the required time at temperature throughout the run, as defined in the qualified cure procedure.
What is the purpose of a caul plate in autoclave composite processing?
Answer: To apply uniform pressure and produce a controlled smooth surface finish on the bag side of the part
A caul plate transmits autoclave pressure uniformly across the bag-side surface of the laminate, producing controlled surface finish and dimensional accuracy.
What is VARTM (Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding)?
Answer: An out-of-autoclave process using vacuum pressure to infuse resin into a dry fiber preform
VARTM uses vacuum pressure to draw liquid resin through a dry fiber preform in a one-sided mold covered by a flexible vacuum bag, eliminating the need for an autoclave.
Why is it important to generate and retain cure records for each autoclave run?
Answer: They provide traceability and quality evidence that the part was cured per the qualified cure cycle specification
Cure records document time-temperature-pressure data for each run, providing the traceability and conformance evidence required by quality and certification standards.