Primary load-bearing composite structures require high laminate quality. This is achieved by autoclave prepreg processing where high external pressures enhance consolidation. As a result, parts of simple geometry can be manufactured with void contents less than 1%. However, defects such as wrinkles and voids are typically found within more complex structures. This research investigates defect formation within autoclave prepreg processing stages and is focused on concave female corners with high laminate thickness to corner radius ratios. Experimental studies were carried out to investigate the effect of humidity exposure to uncured prepreg on defect formation during the steps of autoclave processing. It is hypothesized that moisture uptake influences uncured prepreg characteristics such as compaction behaviour, interply friction and prepreg tack, and therefore achieved quality following consolidation. Results have shown that defects already occur during the layup and debulking process and that humidity affects the uncured prepreg characteristics and thereby the consolidation quality.

主要承重复合结构需要高层压质量。这是通过高压釜预浸料处理实现的，其中高外部压力增强了固结。因此，可以制造出空隙率小于 1% 的简单几何零件。然而，在更复杂的结构中通常会发现诸如皱纹和空隙之类的缺陷。该研究调查了高压釜预浸料加工阶段中缺陷的形成，并重点研究了具有高层压板厚度与角半径比的凹形阴角。进行了实验研究以研究未固化预浸料的湿度暴露对高压釜加工步骤中缺陷形成的影响。假设水分吸收会影响未固化的预浸料特性，例如压实行为、层间摩擦和预浸料粘性，因此在整合后达到了质量。结果表明，在铺层和压实过程中已经出现了缺陷，湿度会影响未固化的预浸料特性，从而影响固结质量。