Simulation Method for Curing Deformation of Composite Part Considering Tool–Part Interaction

For the assembly problems caused by the curing deformation of L-shaped composite structure, a simulation model of the curing deformation of composite part considering tool–part interaction was established. Firstly, the shear slip effect of the tool on the composite structure during curing process was characterized by setting the friction coefficient with the maximum shear stress. Secondly, the effects of composite anisotropy, material thermal expansion and contraction, and matrix chemical shrinkage on the curing deformation were considered. Finally, the cure hardening instantaneously linear elastic model was used to realize the curing deformation simulation calculation under the premise of effectively improving the computational efficiency. Then, the validity of the simulation model was verified by designing experiments of curing deformation of L-shaped structures with different thicknesses and different lay-up sequences. The experimental and simulation analysis results were compared with a maximum error of − 20.8% and an average error of − 7.35%. Results show that for L-shaped structural parts prepared by aluminum tool, the tool–part interaction exacerbates the curing deformation situation of the structure, and the structural stiffness plays an important role in this deformation.