Exothermic Temperature History in the Processing of Resin Infused Composite Structural Components

Resin Infusion Processes such as SCRIMP, VA-RTM, and variations thereof, are increasingly being considered for the fabrication of large structural components such as bridge decks and ship hulls wherein preform elements consist not only of varying fabric architectures but also include foam cores. Based on the method of infusion – high permeability distribution media or resin channels/microgrooves, flow through the preform can be tailored to be either 1-D, 2-D, 3-D or a combination thereof. This paper emphasizes the effect of exothermic temperature history on flow & cure phenomena, and mechanical properties of a series of structural elements ranging from a flat plate to a typical truss-core type structure. The effect of geometry and flow on exothermic characteristics is experimentally monitored, and results correlated to provide guidance in the further use of the process. Critical areas lacking in detailed understanding are identified and a set of preforming and process induced defects that cause changes in thermal history are described.