Filament winding is an efficient method for manufacturing large, high-performance composite shells and structures. The research will investigate the use of infrared heating to continuously-cure filament-wound composite structures as they are being wound onto a mandrel or preform. Fundamental to proving the viability of this novel process is understanding the radiative heat transfer upon the winding's surface and its affect upon the resin's cure kinetics, optical characteristics, and mechanical properties. To this end, these characteristics will be measured and a thermo- mechanical model will be developed to describe the concurrent winding-curing process. "Proof-of-Principle" experiments will be conducted using pilot-scale infrared oven with thermal imaging equipment with a bench-scale filament-winder. Comparisons will be made as to the efficiency of continuous curing versus batch curing. In the event that manufacturers are interested in commercializing this technology, process procedures and design guidelines will be developed.
