Publication: Effect of preform non-uniformity on mold filling in RTM process
Program
KU-Authors
KU Authors
Co-Authors
Advisor
Publication Date
2001
Language
English
Type
Conference proceeding
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
A reinforcing fabric preform is placed in a mold, and thermoset resin is injected into the mold to form a composite part in the Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) process. As resin flows through a porous fabric preform, it races along less resistive sections of a non-uniform preform. Racetracking channels between preform and mold wall are a major reason for non-uniformity. As a secondary effect, the random variations in tow cross section and spacing between them, cause non-uniform preform. Mold filling simulations were performed for a simple mold shape to observe the effect of preform non-uniformity on the flow patterns and injection pressure under constant flow rate. The effect of random permeability variation of up to +/- 35% from the average value did not have a significant effect on the flow pattern if the resin was injected from a line source in a rectangular mold, and if the preform permeability variation was completely random. The same amount of permeability variation in a specific pattern, rather than random, resembling the effect of bending of mold lid, caused a more significant effect on the mold filling results than the effect of random variation.
Description
Source:
Advancing Affordable Materials Technology
Publisher:
Soc Advancement Material & Process Engineering
Keywords:
Subject
Materials sciences, characterization & testing, Materials sciences, Composite materials