Abstract:Autoclave process is commonly used for composites manufacture. During this process, factors including the temperature distribution changes in the tank, the thermal coefficients mismatch between the mold and composite components, and the low thermal conductivity of flexibility mold result in the inevitable generation of temperature gradient and the residual stress in the parts, thus affecting the performance of the materials. Composite large-scale hyperboloid hat-stiffened panels adopt autoclave process as well. According to the working principle of autoclave, the temperature field distribution and curing deformation in the process of the autoclave molding were simulated and analyzed. By comparing the simulation results and the actual results of the full-size parts, the validity of the simulation was verified, and the dimensional precision of the product was satisfied by optimization of the manufacturing process and the inspection method of mold quality to control curing deformation. The results for the simulation and the optimization of manufacturing process show that the deformation resilience and the residual stress of the composite large-scale hyperboloid hat-stiffened panels during formation process could be predicted and eliminated at the utmost, which is beneficial to integrate the design and manufacture process as well as improve the forming quality of the parts.