Influence of fabric shear and flow direction on void formation during resin transfer molding

In resin transfer molding, void type defect is one of common process problems, it degenerates the mechanical performances of the final products seriously. Void content prediction has become a research hotspot in RTM, while the void formation when the flow direction and the tow direction are not identical or the fabric is sheared has not been studied to date. In this paper, based on the analysis of the resin flow velocities inside and outside fiber tows, a mathematical model to describe the formation of micro- and meso-scale-voids has been developed. Particular attention has been paid on the influence of flow direction and fabric shear on the impregnation of the unit cell, so their effects on the generation and size of voids have been obtained. Experimental validation has been conducted by measuring the formation and size of voids, a good agreement between the model prediction and experimental results has been found.     

Simulation of void formation in liquid composite molding processes

Air entrapment within and between fiber tows during preform permeation in liquid composite molding (LCM) processes leads to undesirable quality in the resulting composite material with defects such as discontinuous material properties, failure zones, and visual flaws. Essential to designing processing conditions for void-free filling is the development of an accurate prediction of local air entrapment locations as the resin permeates the preform. To this end, the study presents a numerical simulation of the infiltrating dual-scale resin flow through the actual architecture of plain weave fibrous preforms accounting for the capillary effects within the fiber bundles. The numerical simulations consider two-dimensional cross sections and full three-dimensional representations of the preform to investigate the relative size and location of entrapped voids for a wide range of flow, preform geometry, and resin material properties. Based on the studies, a generalized paradigm is presented for predicting the void content as a function of the Capillary and Reynolds numbers governing the materials and processing. Optimum conditions for minimizing air entrapment during processing are also presented and discussed.     

Repair of underground buried pipes with resin transfer molding

Repairing and replacing of worn-out underground pipes, such as sewer pipes, water-supply pipes, gas pipes, and communication cables by excavating not only cause traffic congestion but also produce large amount of waste. Also, the operation requires heavy equipments and longer operating time and high cost.

In this study, the repairing–reinforcing process of underground pipes with glass fiber fabric polymer composites using resin transfer molding (RTM) which overcomes the problems of present trenchless technologies has been developed. The developed process requires shorter operation time and lower cost with smaller and simpler operating equipments than conventional trenchless technologies. For the faultless operation, a simple method to apply pressure and vacuum to the reinforcement was developed. The resin wetting and void removal during RTM process for very large and long-composite buried pipes were experimentally investigated, and the efficient void removal method was suggested. Cure status and resin filling were monitored with a commercial dielectrometry cure monitoring system, LACOMCURE.

From the investigation, it has been found that the developed repair technology with appropriate process parameters and on-line cure monitoring has many advantages over conventional methods.     

Forming characteristics during the high-pressure resin transfer molding process for CFRP

The high-pressure resin transfer molding (HP-RTM) process has potential applicability to the mass production of lightweight vehicles made of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic in the automotive industry. In recent years, the development of robust equipment, new processes, and fast cure matrix systems have significantly reduced the cycle time to less than 5 min. In this study, the cavity pressure of the HP-RTM process was monitored to analyze the molding characteristics. The mold was equipped with two cavity pressure sensors and three temperature sensors. The cavity pressure characteristics during the HP-RTM injection, pressurization, and curing processes were studied. Selected process parameters such as the mold cap size, maximum pressing force, and injection volume were analyzed. The results demonstrated correlations between the selected process parameters and final forming characteristics.     

Numerical simulation of molding-defect formation during resin transfer molding

The present study investigated a numerical simulation of molding-defect formation during resin transfer molding using boundary element method and line dynamics. The proposed method enables to simulate small molding defects by increasing the node for required position during time evolution; thereby, the method computes high-resolution flow front without being affected by the initial mesh geometry. The method was applied to the radial injection RTM with single inlet, and it was confirmed by comparison with theoretical value based on Darcy’s law that the flow advancement was computed with high accuracy. In addition, the method was also applied to the flow advancement for inclusion problem with cylinder, and four-point injection problem. The simulated flow behavior, void formation, and shrinkage agreed with the results in references. Finally, the method was compared with experiments using two-point injection problem. The computed configuration of the flow front and weld line agreed well with the experimental results.     

Three-dimensional process cycle simulation of composite parts manufactured by resin transfer molding

A process cycle of resin transfer molding (RTM) consists of two sequential stages, i.e. filling and curing stages. These two stages are interrelated in non-isothermal processes so that the curing stage is dominated by the resin flow as well as temperature and conversion distributions during the filling stage. Therefore, it is necessary to take into account both filling and curing stages to analyze the process cycle accurately. In this paper, a full three-dimensional process cycle simulation of RTM is performed. Full three-dimensional analysis is necessary for thick parts or parts having complex shape. A computer code is developed based on the control volume/finite element method (CV/FEM). The resulting computer code can provide information regarding flow progression and pressure field during mold filling; and temperature distribution and degree of cure distribution for a process cycle. The computer code can also be used for process cycle simulation of composite structures with complex geometry and with various molding strategies including switching injection strategy, multiple gate injection strategy and variable mold wall temperature. Numerical examples provided in the present work show the capabilities of the computer code in analyzing the process cycle.     

Non-isothermal injection molding with resin cure and preform deformability

In this paper, a non-isothermal model to simulate some injection molding processes used to fabricate composite materials is deduced. The model allows the solid constituent in both the dry and the wet region to deform during infiltration. The dry porous material is assumed to behave elastically, while the mixture of resin and preform is assumed to behave as a standard linear solid. The model also takes into account the fact that the liquid undergoes an exothermic cross-linking reaction during infiltration and eventually gels stopping the infiltration process. Focusing then on one-dimensional problems it is shown that the integration of the mechanical problem in the uninfiltrated region can be reduced to the integration of an ordinary differential equation defining either the space-independent volume ratio or the location of the infiltration front, depending on whether the flow is driven by a given infiltration velocity or by a given inlet pressure. The remaining system of partial differential equations in the two interfaced and time-dependent domains is then posed with the proper interface and boundary conditions. After writing the problem in a Lagrangian formulation fixed on the solid constituent, domain decomposition techniques are used for the simulation.     

Eliminating volatile-induced surface porosity during resin transfer molding of a benzoxazine/epoxy blend

We studied the mechanism of volatile-induced surface porosity formation during the resin transfer molding (RTM) of aerospace composites using a blended benzoxazine/epoxy resin, and identified reduction strategies based on material and processing parameters. First, the influence of viscosity and pressure on resin volatilization were determined. Then, in situ data was collected during molding using a lab-scale RTM system for different cure cycles and catalyst concentrations. Finally, the surface quality of molded samples was evaluated. The results show that surface porosity occurs when cure shrinkage causes a sufficient decrease in cavity pressure prior to resin vitrification. The combination of thermal gradients and rapid gelation can generate large spatial variations in viscosity, rendering the coldest regions of a mold susceptible to porosity formation. However, material and cure cycle modifications can alter the resin cure kinetics, making it possible to delay the pressure drop until higher viscosities are attained to minimize porosity formation.     

Analysis of vacuum bag resin transfer molding process

An analytical model is developed to analyze the resin flow through a deformable fiber preform during vacuum bag resin transfer molding (VBRTM) process. The force balance between the resin and the fiber preform is used to account for the swelling of fiber preform inside a flexible vacuum bag. Mold filling through multiple resin inlets is analyzed under different vacuum conditions. The formation of dry spots is demonstrated in the presence of residual air. Molding of a three-dimensional ship hull with lateral and longitudinal stiffeners is simulated to demonstrate the applicability of the model.     

Application of calcium carbonate in resin transfer molding process: An experimental investigation

The resin transfer molding (RTM) process is used to manufacture advanced composite materials made of continuous glass or carbon fibers embedded in a thermoset polymer matrix. In this process, a fabric preform is prepared, and is then placed into a mold cavity. After the preform is compacted between the mold parts, thermoset polymer is transferred from an injection machine to the mold cavity through injection gate(s). Resin flows through the porous fabric, and eventually flows out through the ventilation port(s). After the resin cure process (cross‐linking of the polymer), the mold is opened and the part is removed. The objective of this study is to verify the application of calcium carbonate mixed in resin in the RTM process. Several rectilinear infiltration experiments were conducted using glass fiber mat molded in a RTM system with cavity dimensions of 320 × 150 × 3.6 mm, room temperature, maximum injection pressure 0.202 bar and different content of CaCO₃ (10 and 40%) and particle size (mesh opening 38 and 75 µm). The results show that the use of filled resin with CaCO₃ influences the preform impregnation during the RTM molding, changing the filling time and flow front position, however it is possible to make composite with a good quality and low cost.     

树脂传递模塑工艺中的非饱和流动过程模拟与实验研究

针对编织类纤维增强体的纤维束之间与纤维束内孔隙的双尺度特点,建立了平纹织物的细观结构模型,并推导了汇函数的数学表达式。建立了局部细观流动特征的非饱和流动控制方程,利用有限元/控制体积方法求解,得到了局部饱和度分布。与实验进行比较,吻合较好。      

An experimental investigation of class A surface finish of composites made by the resin transfer molding process

Achievement of high class surface finish is important to the high volume automotive industry when using the resin transfer molding (RTM) process for exterior body panels. Chemical cure shrinkage of the polyester resins has a direct impact on the surface finish of RTM molded components. Therefore, resins with low profile additives (LPA) are used to reduce cure shrinkage and improve surface quality of the composite parts. However, little is known about the behaviour of low profile resins during RTM manufacturing and their ultimate effects on the surface quality of molded plaques. In this work, the effects of controlled material and processing parameters on the pressure variations, process cycle times and ultimately on the surface quality of RTM molded components were investigated. Taguchi experimental design techniques were employed to design test matrices and an optimization analysis was performed. Test panels were manufactured using a flat plate steel mold mounted on a press. Pressure sensors were inserted in the mold cavity to monitor pressure variations during different stages of cure and at various locations in the mold cavity. It was found that a critical amount of LPA (10%) was required to push the material against the mold cavity and to compensate for the resin cure shrinkage. A significant increase in pressure was observed during the later stages of resin cure due to the LPA expansion. The pressure increase had a significant effect on the surface roughness of the test samples with higher pressures resulting in better surface finish. A cure gradient was observed for low pressure injections which significantly reduced the maximum pressure levels.     

Electrical properties of short sisal fiber reinforced polyester composites fabricated by resin transfer molding

The electrical properties of sisal fiber reinforced polyester composites fabricated by resin transfer molding (RTM) have been studied with special reference to fiber loading, frequency and temperature. The dielectric constant (ε′), loss factor (ε″), dissipation factor (tan δ) and conductivity increases with fiber content for the entire range of frequencies. The values are high for the composites having fiber content of 50 vol.%. This increment is high at low frequencies, low at medium frequencies, and very small at high frequencies. The volume resistivity varies with fiber loading at lower frequency and merges together at higher frequency. When temperature increases the dielectric constant values increases followed by a decrease after the glass transition temperature. This variation depends upon the fiber content. Finally an attempt is made to correlate the experimental value of the dielectric constant with theoretical predictions.     

Experimental validation of post-filling flow in vacuum assisted resin transfer molding processes

In Liquid Composite Molding (LCM) processes with compliant tool, such as Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding Process (VARTM), resin flow continues even after the inlet is closed due to the preform deformation and pressure gradient developed during infusion. The resin flow and thickness changes continue until the resin pressure becomes uniform or the resin gels. This post-filling behavior is important as it will determine the final thickness and fiber volume fraction distribution in the cured composite. In this paper, a previously proposed one dimensional coupled flow and deformation process model has been compared with the experimental data in which the resin pressure and part thickness at various locations during the post-filling stage is recorded. Two different post-infusion scenarios are examined in order to determine their impact on the final part fiber volume fraction and thickness. The effects of different venting arrangements are demonstrated. The model predictions compare favorably with the experimental data, with the minor discrepancies arising due to the variability of material properties.     

风轮叶片树脂与成型工艺研究进展

简要介绍了当前风轮叶片复合材料成型工艺方法,对常用树脂体系进行分类和比较.并对树脂传递模塑成型工艺树脂的流动充模工艺以及固化工艺等最新进展进行了综述.     

Numerical study of resin transfer molding (RTM) curing process

It is a very important phase in resin transfer molding (RTM) process that resin is cured. The result of the curing process determines the quality of a part, including mechanical properties, lifecycle of the part under high temperature and chemical properties. Therefore, it is very meaningful to discuss the curing process. In our work, the code is prepared based on unstructured mesh using divergence theorem. A case is used to verify properness of the code and the results are in good agreement with the published experiment data. In the paper, some factors of materials and numerical calculation, e.g., time step, reaction heat, the whole heat conductivity of fiber and resin and fiber initial temperature, which affect result of simulation, are emphatically investigated and carefully revealed. The conclusion shows that time step, the reaction heat and heat conductivity have an important effect on the curing process, while fiber initial temperature has very little impact. These are helpful to understand and adopt the curing process in order to produce good products.     

新型树脂传递模塑技术

概述了传统树脂传递模塑(RTM)及在其基础上发展起来的新型RTM工艺,包括真空辅助树脂传递模塑(VARTM)、Seemann复合材料树脂浸渍模塑成型工艺(SCRIMP)和树脂膜渗透成型工艺(RFI)的成型原理、优点,并指出目前存在的缺点及解决方法.     

缝合夹层结构复合材料树脂传递模塑成型工艺充模仿真

对复合材料与金属经缝合连接形成的夹层结构板的树脂传递模塑成型（RTM）工艺进行了充模模拟研究。首先通过实验和数值计算的方法,分别获得缝合夹层结构织物和芯层孔洞的渗透率;随后,建立能够反映缝孔内流动情况的二维和三维简化模型,进行RTM充模仿真,讨论不同工艺参数对成型流动的影响;最后通过成型实验验证工艺的可行性。缝线与孔洞直径之比为0.3~0.8时,孔洞渗透率随缝线直径的增大而减小,预制体织物渗透率与孔洞渗透率相差两个数量级;缝孔内容易产生缺陷,没有缺陷的区域随着注射压力的增加、孔洞密度和芯层厚度的减小而增大,在芯层表面沿每排孔洞单向开槽能够改善树脂在孔洞内的浸润;线注射时,树脂整体流动情况优于点注射,而点注射时,将进胶口设置在一角,能够减少表面干斑。     

Transient gas flow technique for inspection of fiber preforms in resin transfer molding

A transient gas flow method was developed to determine the quality of fibrous preforms in resin transfer molding (RTM) prior to resin injection. The method aims at detecting defects resulting from preform misplacement in the mold, accidental inclusions, preform density variations, race tracking, shearing, etc. Unlike the previously developed method based on steady-state gas flow, the new method allows for the acquisition of continuous time-varying pressure data from multiple ports during a single test. The validity of the method was confirmed by one-dimensional flow experiments.     

Experimental investigation and flow visualisation of the resin transfer mould filling process for non-woven hemp reinforced phenolic composites

Resin transfer moulding (RTM) of glass fibre reinforced polymeric composites offers the advantages of automation, low cost and versatile design of fibre reinforcement. A replacement of glass fibres with natural plant fibres as reinforcement in polymeric composites provides additional technological, economical, ecological and environmental benefits. The resin transfer mould filling process has significant effects on different aspects, such as fibre wetting out and impregnation, injection gate design, “dry patch” and void formation. Flow visualisation experiments were carried out using a transparent RTM mould to develop a better understanding of the mould filling process for hemp mat reinforced phenolic composites. The mould filling of unreinforced phenolics was characterised by a “quasi-one-dimensional steady state” flow. In the case of hemp non-woven reinforced system, the mould filling process can be considered as the flow of fluids through porous media. “Fibre washing” was a typical problem encountered during the injection process, leading to poor property uniformity. In addition, a preferential flow path was usually created near the edges and corners of the mould. The path exhibited low flow resistance and caused the resin flow front to advance much faster in these regions. The edge flow disturbed the steady flow, leading to difficulties in venting arrangement and “dry patch” formation. The edge flow and fibre washing were alleviated by reinforcement manipulation so steady state flow could be achieved. The relationships between the filling time and injection pressure and between filling time and different fibre weight fractions have been established for certain specific injection strategies.