A non-linear transient heat transfer finite element model is developed to simulate the curing process of polymer matrix composites. Temperature distribution inside of laminates can be evaluated by solving the non-linear anisotropic heat conduction equations including the internal heat produced by chemical reactions. Thermal properties are assumed to be both temperature and degree of cure dependent. Also thermal properties, degree of cure, and internal heat generation due to exothermic reaction are permitted to vary within an element. Numerical examples are presented to verify the accuracy and convergence and to demonstrate the use of the present finite element procedure for analyzing the composite curing process. Glass/polyester and Hercules AS4/350 1-6 graphite/epoxy composites are considered. Correlation between experimentally measured and predicted temperature distributions is presented for various cure cycle histories. Good agreement between those results was obtained.

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