This document describes the experiments, modeling and simulation undertaken for the HAL 4 by 8 m autoclave with a view to improve the performance of its temperature and13; vacuum system. These results are presented in two parts separately.13; 13; Part I of this study include a single point and multiple point temperature models of the autoclave air temperature and component temperatures. The mathematical model has been used to design the control system parameters, in particular the PID gains for the temperature control system. In addition a setpoint hold strategy has been fine tuned to significantly improve the component temperature uniformity during cure. In Part II a mathematical model of the vacuum system has been built and validated against experimental data. Results show that the buffer tank volume in conjunction with the leakage cross-section determines the rate of pressure rise in the system. This model gives a basis for the specification of the acceptable leakage rate of the open loop vacuum system keeping in mind the frequency of control valve action desired for an on/off control scheme
