A new kinetic and viscosity model for liquid composite molding simulations in an industrial environment

Liquid composite molding is broadly used for manufacturing composite parts. Apart from the preforming of the dry fibrous material, mold filling and curing of the resin are the main steps in the manufacturing process. For process simulation numerical methods, like finite element methods are applied. Flow models describing the flow behavior through a porous medium are well established. The ability to predict and monitor the curing process in liquid composite molding is crucial for manufacturing process optimization in case of application of rapid curing resin systems. Based on differential scanning calorimetry and rheological experiments, cure kinetics and viscosity of a resin system were characterized. A new kinetic and complex viscosity model is proposed to predict epoxy resin properties in numerical modeling of liquid composite molding. The semi-empirical models are simple to use and therefore suitable for process optimization in an industrial environment. Both models were validated by a fitting to the experimental data by the Levenberg-Marquardt method. A process to determine the initial values for the fitting procedure is also proposed. The predictions of the validated models were in good agreement with the measured data, and are therefore applicable for numerical process optimization. Polym. Compos. 25:255–269, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.     

Numerical investigation on flow through porous media in the post‐infusion process

During the vacuum‐assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) processing, the post‐infusion behavior after complete wet‐out and before gelation of the resin is critical for the development of the thickness and fiber volume fraction distribution in the cured composite part. The pressure gradient developed during infusion results in a thickness gradient due to the flexible nature of the bagging approach. After full infusion, the resin typically bleeds into a vacuum trap, allowing redistribution of pressure and preform thickness. In this study, a non‐rigid control volume is used to formulate a set of governing equations for analysis of the post‐infusion process. The model is used to investigate the effects of processing parameters and different processing scenarios on resin flow, resin pressure, and thickness variation of the composite laminate. This work provides a tool for optimization of the VARTM process to reduce final part variability. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers     

树脂膜熔渗工艺及其数值分析方法

本文首先介绍了树脂膜熔渗RFI成型工艺的发展现状、技术原理、材料要求及工艺特点,然后重点阐述了RFI工艺过程的数值模拟方法,对如何建立能够反映RFI工艺过程中树脂流动、固化和热传递等物理化学现象的数学模型进行了讨论.RFI工艺过程涉及参数较多,单纯采用试验方法来研究各种参数变化带来的影响不仅耗时,而且也不经济,结合数值模拟方法对RFI工艺进行研究,可以减少盲目性和提高效率,从而为优化工艺参数提供理论依据.     

RFI成型工艺中渗透率的研究及树脂流变模型的建立

渗透率测量是树脂膜熔渗(RFI)工艺在复合材料设计和优化中最关键的条件。随着纤维体积分数的增加,渗透率非线性降低,可见纤维体积分数的变化对整个树脂体系浸渍纤维预制体有很大的影响。在黏度实验的基础上,对用于RFI工艺的环氧树脂体系的化学流变特性进行研究,并根据双阿累尼乌斯方程建立树脂体系的流变模型,为合理地制定RFI工艺参数、保证产品质量和实现工艺参数的全局优化提供科学依据。     

Sequential heat release: an innovative approach for the control of curing profiles during composite processing based on dual‐curing systems

The sequential heat release (SHR) taking place in dual‐curing systems can facilitate thermal management and control of conversion and temperature gradients during processing of thick composite parts, hence reducing the appearance of internal stresses that compromise the quality of processed parts. This concept is demonstrated in this work by means of numerical simulation of conversion and temperature profiles during processing of an off‐stoichiometric thiol–epoxy dual‐curable system. The simulated processing scenario is the curing stage during resin transfer moulding processing (i.e. after injection or infusion), assuming one‐dimensional heat transfer across the thickness of the composite part. The kinetics of both polymerization stages of the dual‐curing system and thermophysical properties needed for the simulations have been determined using thermal analysis techniques and suitable phenomenological models. The simulations show that SHR makes it possible to reach a stable and uniform intermediate material after completion of the first polymerization process, and enables a better control of the subsequent crosslinking taking place during the second polymerization process due to the lower remaining exothermicity. A simple optimization of curing cycles for composite parts of different thickness has been performed on the basis of quality–time criteria, producing results that are very close to the Pareto‐optimal front obtained by genetic algorithm optimization procedures. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of resin storage aging on rheological property and consolidation of composite laminates

The ability to predict the viscosity of thermoset resin is important to understand the manufacturing process of composites and optimize the processing parameters. During resin or prepreg storage course, the cure reaction may happen and the degree of cure increases gradually. The storage aging effect reduces the fluidity of resin, and hence alters the processability of resin. In this article, the rheological properties of an epoxy resin and a bismaleimide resin used in composite autoclave process were measured and a viscosity model was established, which can predict the viscosity progression during cure for different aging degree of resin. Moreover, a computer simulation method was used to study the effects of aging degree on the composite consolidation and the processing operations. It is found that the viscosity model of aged resin can be obtained by modified dual Arrhenius model of fresh resin with the dynamic rheological measurement. The resin aging strongly alters the flowability, so influences composite consolidation. According to the simulated results, the processing parameters need to be adjusted to achieve cured composites with appropriate fiber content. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Flow modeling and simulation for vacuum assisted resin transfer molding process with the equivalent permeability method

Vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) offers numerous advantages over traditional resin transfer molding, such as lower tooling costs, shorter mold filling time and better scalability for large structures. In the VARTM process, complete filling of the mold with adequate wet-out of the fibrous preform has a critical impact on the process efficiency and product quality. Simulation is a powerful tool for understanding the resin flow in the VARTM process. However, conventional three-dimensional Control Volume/Finite Element Method (CV/FEM) based simulation models often require extensive computations, and their application to process modeling of large part fabrication is limited. This paper introduces a new approach to model the flow in the VARTM process based on the concept of equivalent permeability to significantly reduce computation time for VARTM flow simulation of large parts. The equivalent permeability model of high permeable medium (HPM) proposed in the study can significantly increase convergence efficiency of simulation by properly adjusting the aspect ratio of HPM elements. The equivalent permeability model of flow channel can simplify the computational model of the CV/FEM simulation for VARTM processes. This new modeling technique was validated by the results from conventional 3D computational methods and experiments. The model was further validated with a case study of an automobile hood component fabrication. The flow simulation results of the equivalent permeability models were in agreement with those from experiments. The results indicate that the computational time required by this new approach was greatly reduced compared to that by the conventional 3D CV/FEM simulation model, while maintaining the accuracy, of filling time and flow pattern. This approach makes the flow simulation of large VARTM parts with 3D CV/FEM method computationally feasible and may help broaden the application base of the process simulation. Polym. Compos. 25:146–164, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.     

A review of liquid silicone rubber injection molding: Process variables and process modeling

Liquid silicone rubber (LSR) is an elastomer molded into critical performance components for applications in medical, power, consumer, automotive, and aerospace applications. This article reviews process behavior, material modeling, and simulation of the (LSR) injection molding process. Each phase of the LSR injection molding process is discussed, including resin handling, plastication, injection, pack and hold, and curing; and factors affecting the molding process are reviewed. Processing behavior of LSR is marked by transient interactions between curing, shear rate, temperature, pressure, and tooling. Therefore, current LSR models for curing, viscosity, pressure, and temperature are discussed. Process dynamics and material modeling are combined in LSR injection molding simulations with applications in mold design, troubleshooting process-induced defects, and management of shear stress and non-uniform temperatures between LSR and substrates during overmolding. Finally, case studies using commercial simulation software are presented, which have shown cavity pressure and flow front advancement within 3% of experimental values. Optimization of LSR materials, data collection, model fitting, venting, and bonding remain areas of continued interest.     

Structural modeling and analysis of FRP composite product subsystems—A systems approach

This study derives a new mathematical model aimed to consider virtual design and manufacturing procedures for developing highly competitive, complex geometry composite products for various engineering applications. The fiber‐reinforced polymer (FRP) composite industry faces several critical issues right from selection (of product, process, equipment, tooling, materials) to manufacturing the final products by meeting several design criteria and customer requirements. An attempt has been made in this article to identify different subsystems and other constituents of five main systems–resin system, reinforcement system, process equipment, tooling system, and product design of total composite product system. Intermediate processes, alternative designs, process sequence, technological changes, chemical reactions, and other performance affecting parameters have been discussed. Graph theoretical models, variable permanent adjacency matrix models, and permanent functions of these systems based on graph theory–matrix algebra–permanent function methodology are developed. Analytical tests for structural analysis of composite product system are derived to select optimum constituents in each of these five systems of composite product. Coefficient of similarity and dissimilarity are useful aid to take right decision between alternative solutions. Permanent function is a unique representation and to be used by composite industry for coding, evaluation, comparison, ranking, and optimum selection. Structural models are useful for basic understanding of complete composite product system, leading to right decisions for manufacturing and business strategies. Step‐by‐step procedure is developed to assist composite industry to implement the proposed method in a right way. Usefulness of the proposed methodology to composite industry is also presented. POLYM. COMPOS., 27:681–699, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Elevated‐temperature vacuum‐assisted resin transfer molding process for high performance aerospace composites

Vacuum‐assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) is commonly used for general temperature applications (<150 °C) such as boat hulls and secondary aircraft structures. With growing demands for applications of composites in elevated temperature environments, significant cost savings can be achieved by employing the VARTM process. However, implementation of the VARTM process for fabricating elevated temperature composites presents unique challenges such as high porosity and low fiber volume contents. In the present work, a low cost and reliable VARTM process is developed to manufacture elevated temperature composites for aerospace applications. Modified single vacuum bagging infusion and double vacuum bagging infusion processes were evaluated. Details of the method to obtain high quality composite parts and the challenging issues related to the manufacturing process are presented. Density and fiber volume fraction testing of manufactured panels showed that high quality composite parts with void content less than 1% have been consistently manufactured. A property database of the resin system and the composites was developed. A three‐dimensional mathematical model has also been developed for flow simulation and implemented in the ABAQUS finite element package code to predict the resin flow front during the infusion process and to optimize the flow parameters. The results of the present study indicate that aircraft grade composite parts with high fiber volume fractions can be manufactured using the developed elevated temperature VARTM process. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry     

Key factors affecting permeability measurement in the vacuum infusion molding process

The composites industry, under increased environmental constraints, is seeking to shift from existing open mold manufacturing processes for composite parts. A promising manufacturing technology known as the vacuum infusion molding process is gaining acceptance among composite-parts manufacturers since it involves low tooling cost and allows complete elimination of volatile organic compounds (VOC). The process is similar to the resin transfer molding process; however, in the vacuum infusion technique, a polymeric film, often referred to as vacuum bag, replaces the stiff mold cover. The film is sealed against the lower half of the mold, at the periphery. Air expelled from the mold cavity results in the compaction of the reinforcement by the atmospheric pressure present on the outer side of the polymeric film. Finally, resin impregnates the mold cavity, usually through a resin distribution channel. The process is mainly developed for large-scale structures, where material cost is an important parameter and users cannot afford any production pitfalls. Among process parameters that affect resin flow in the vacuum infusion molding process is the permeability of the reinforcement stack, which has to be measured and evaluated taking into consideration the requirements of the process. A possible approach is the definition of a parameter that defines the maximum infused length, and this parameter will take into account the structure of the reinforcement, the resin viscosity, the fiber volume fraction and inlet geometry.     

Flow channels/fiber impregnation studies for the process modeling/analysis of complex engineering structures manufactured by resin transfer molding

The success of resin transfer molding (RTM) depends upon the complete wetting of the fiber preform. Effective mold designs and process modifications facilitating the improved impregnation of the preform have direct impact on the successful manufacturing of parts. Race tracking caused by variations in permeabilities around bends, corners in liquid composite molding (LCM) processes such as RTM have been traditionally considered undesirable, while related processes such as vacuum assisted RTM (VARTM) and injection molding have employed flow channels to improve the resin distribution. In this paper, studies on the effect of flow channels are explored for RTM through process simulation studies involving flow analysis of resin, when channels are involved. The flow in channels has been modeled and characterized based on equivalent permeabilities. The flow in the channels is taken to be Darcian as in the fiber preform, and process modeling and simulation tools for RTM have been employed to study the flow and pressure behavior when channels are involved. Simulation studies based on a flat plate indicated that the pressures in the mold are reduced with channels, and have been compared with experimental results and equivalent permeability models. Experimental comparisons validate the reduction in pressures with channels and validate the use of equivalent permeability models. Numerical simulation studies show the positive effect of the channels to improve flow impregnation and reduce the mold pressures. Studies also include geometrically complex parts to demonstrate the positive advantages of flow channels in RTM.     

一种高温环氧树脂的工艺及力学性能

对比研究了国产MERICAN 3768和国外CYCOM 890 RTM两种高温环氧树脂的工艺性和力学性能。同时选取典型航空结构,采用双轴向碳纤维织物和真空灌注工艺制备了对比零件。结果表明,国产MERICAN 3768树脂的浸润性、流变固化特性和力学性能均与国外CYCOM 890 RTM树脂相当,均具有优异的工艺性和力学性能,与纤维匹配性好,满足航空应用对树脂的要求。     

Melt rheological behavior of starch‐based matrix composites reinforced with short sisal fibers

A systematic analysis of the melt rheological behavior of a commercial starch‐based (MaterBi®) matrix composite reinforced with short sisal fibers is presented. The effects of shear rate, temperature, fiber content and treatment were analyzed by parallel‐plate rheometry, and classical non‐Newtonian models were applied to analyze the pseudoplasticity behavior of the molten composite systems. It is reported that shear rate is the most influential processing condition, while, from the point of view of the material structure, the intercalation effectiveness of the matrix in the fibers is directly linked to the rheological behavior. In fact, processing techniques with high stresses and more efficient mechanical mixing promote the opening of fiber bundles, increasing the aspect ratio of the fibers and the average viscosity of the molten composite. A similar effect on the increase of the aspect ratio and composite viscosity is observed when treated fibers are used. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:1907–1914, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.     

Resin infusion of triaxially braided preforms with through‐the‐thickness reinforcement

Vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) has shown potential to significantly reduce the manufacturing cost of high‐performance aerospace composite structures. In this investigation, high fiber volume fraction, triaxially braided preforms with through‐the‐thickness stitching were successfully resin infiltrated by the VARTM process. The preforms, resin infiltrated with three different resin systems, produced cured composites that were fully wet‐out and void free. A three‐dimensional finite element model was used to simulate resin infusion into the preforms. The predicted flow patterns agreed well with the flow patterns observed during the infiltration process. The total infiltration times calculated using the model compared well with the measured times.     

A modeling approach to thermoplastic pultrusion. II: Verification of models

A set of mathematical models as a thermoplastic pultrusion process is evaluated. The predictions of the models are compared to experimentally obtained data in terms of composite temperature and pressure and process pulling force. The comparisons between predictions and experiments are made for two different material systems, two different die configurations, and a range of processing temperatures and speeds. The correlations between predictions and data are found to be favorable, indicating the soundness of the models.     

复合材料工型肋的RTM工艺模拟与优化

采用PAM-RTM模拟软件,对变截面工型肋结构零件进行RTM工艺注射方案设计。过程中,分别进行了6种注射方案的结果模拟,从注射方式、注射参数及注射口选择等方面进行方案设计,对注射过程中的压力分布、树脂浸润效果及注射时间进行比较,根据比较结果进行综合评定,最终得出了最优注射方案,并将结果用以指导工装设计,成型了验证零件。结果表明:采用计算模拟技术,可替代人工试验,进行工艺及工装方案设计与制造;工型肋的摆放位置对树脂的浸润趋势和注射时间影响较小,但注射口和注射方式选择对工型肋零件的影响很大,线注射方式及端部注射的浸润效果和效率要好于点注射及梢部注射。     

VARI液体成型复合材料机盖的数值模拟及工艺验证

针对复合材料机盖结构件进行了真空灌注(VARI)成型模拟,研究了不同注胶方案对注射时间的影响,以及导流网铺放和流道设计对树脂流动前锋和注胶过程的影响,优选出合理的注胶方式、导流网布局和流道设计,并进行工艺试验验证。结果表明,仿真模拟的树脂流动前锋与实际树脂的流动前锋趋势一致,而且均能将制件灌注完全,经检测满足成型制品性能要求,验证了工艺设计的合理性和模拟分析的有效性。     

RTM专用混合型树脂体系研究——反应特性与工艺特性研究

本文采用乙烯基酯树脂和环氧树脂体系共混改性的方法。研究和开发具有良好工艺性、耐热性和力学性能的低成本ＲＴＭ用树脂体系。研究表明，乙烯基酯树脂和环氧树脂体系具有良好的共混特性。ＤＳＣ及粘度分析研究表明，混合型树脂体系中的乙烯基酯组份分散了环氧树脂的反应放热，有效降低了７１１环氧树脂的反应速度和改善了树脂的工艺特性。使混合型树脂具有较好的ＲＴＭ工艺低粘度平台工艺性能。所研究的混合型树脂体系可用于ＲＴＭ     

Modeling and simulation approaches in the resin transfer molding process: A review

A review of current approaches in modeling and simulation of the resin transfer molding (RTM) process is presented. The processing technology of RTM is discussed and some available experimental techniques to monitor the process cycle are presented. A master model is proposed for the entire process cycle consisting of mold filling and curing stages. This master model contains the fundamental and constitutive sub‐models for both stages. The key elements of the master model discussed in this study are: flow, heat and mass balance equations for fundamental sub‐models, permeability, cure kinetics, resin viscosity and void formation for constitutive sub‐models. At the end, numerical methods widely used to simulate the filling process are presented and published simulation results of mold filling and process cycle are reviewed.