Abstract: Methods and a double vacuum processing system are presented. A double vacuum processing system comprises a first vacuum zone; a second vacuum zone encompassing the first vacuum zone; a first vacuum pump connected to the first vacuum zone and configured to draw a vacuum within the first vacuum zone; a second vacuum pump connected to the second vacuum zone and configured to draw a vacuum within the second vacuum zone; and a diverter valve. The diverter valve is configured to alternate between pneumatically connecting the first vacuum zone to the second vacuum pump or connecting the first vacuum zone to the first vacuum pump.

Abstract: Methods and a double vacuum processing system are presented. A method of performing a double vacuum debulk and cure on a composite laminate is presented. A composite laminate is heated to begin a double vacuum debulk of the composite laminate while vacuum is pulled in a first vacuum zone containing the composite laminate and a second vacuum zone containing the first vacuum zone. Pressure within the second vacuum zone is increased to above atmospheric pressure. Heating the composite laminate is continued to complete a cure cycle for the composite laminate while the second vacuum zone is above atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: Methods and an induction curing system for curing a composite panel. The induction curing system comprises; a rigid curing tool configured to hold a composite material; a vacuum bagging material sealed to the rigid curing tool; and a dimensional control structure having a lattice and an open casing formed of a rigid material, the lattice positioned within a concavity of the open casing, the dimensional control structure sealed to at least one of the vacuum bagging material or the rigid curing tool.

Abstract: A method for heat blanket certification employs a thermochromatic coating containing one or more chromatic probes which is prepared and applied to a measurement surface. A test layup is created with the heat blanket and a vacuum bagging film. The vacuum bagging film is sealed and a vacuum is drawn through a vacuum probe in the vacuum bagging film. The heat blanket is brought to operating temperature and the thermochromatic coating is illuminated with ultraviolet light. The chromatic probe coloration is then observed for determination of temperature consistency in the heat blanket.

Abstract: A method for heat blanket certification employs a thermochromatic coating containing one or more chromatic probes which is prepared and applied to a measurement surface. A test layup is created with the heat blanket and a vacuum bagging film. The vacuum bagging film is sealed and a vacuum is drawn through a vacuum probe in the vacuum bagging film. The heat blanket is brought to operating temperature and the thermochromatic coating is illuminated with ultraviolet light. The chromatic probe coloration is then observed for determination of temperature consistency in the heat blanket.