In this study, a multi-parameter design of experiments, using Taguchi method, has been conducted in order to investigate the optimum curing conditions for glass fabric/epoxy laminated composites, followed by a statistical analysis and genetic algorithm optimization. Heating rate a, temperature T1 and duration h1 were treated as independent variables in a L25 Taguchi orthogonal array addressing five levels each. Tensile load and flexural strength were examined as pre-selected quality objectives. The results of the analysis of variance performed showed that the significant parameters for both tensile and flexural strength were temperature and duration, at a 95% confidence level. The estimation of the curing parameters for optimum tensile and flexural performance was achieved with an error considerably lower than 1%. The Poisson regression analysis was introduced to achieve a highly accurate regression model, with R2 greater than 97% for both optimization criteria. Finally, these two regression models were converted into a two-fold function for maximizing both criteria, and used as fitness function for a multi-objective optimization genetic algorithm.
Keywords:
Polymer-matrix composites; Laminates; Cure behavior; Mechanical properties; Poisson regression; Soft-computing
