Visualization Analysis of Resin Flow Behavior around a Flow Front Using a Rotary Runner Exchange System

Abstract VARTM and SCRIMP composite manufacturing processes use a highly permeable media to distribute the resin through the thickness of the composite. Hence, manufacturing simulations of resin flow in such processes requires reliable data for in-plane as well as transverse permeability. The goal of this study is to propose a method for simultaneous determination of the principal values of 3D-permeability tensor of fibrous reinforcements. The permeability components are calculated from experimental data, consisting of flow front position with time during resin impregnation in three dimensions from a radial source under constant pressure using the SMARTweave [Walsh (1993), Fink et al.(1995)] sensor system. Experimental results are compared with numerical simulation.

Download Full-text

An experimental and simulation-based analysis of resin flow front during fabrication of lightweight composite components using VARTM process

International Journal of Materials Engineering Innovation ◽

10.1504/ijmatei.2021.10038391 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

pp. 149

Author(s):

Harshit K. Dave ◽

Himanshu V. Patel

Keyword(s):

Resin Flow ◽

Flow Front ◽

Simulation Based ◽

Vartm Process

Download Full-text

COMPUTATIONAL MODELING OF RTM AND LRTM PROCESSES APPLIED TO COMPLEX GEOMETRIES

Revista de Engenharia Térmica ◽

10.5380/reterm.v11i1-2.62007 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 11 (1-2) ◽

pp. 93 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

J. Da S. Porto ◽

M. Letzow ◽

E. D. Dos Santos ◽

S. C. Amico ◽

J. A. Souza ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Porous Medium ◽

Flow Behavior ◽

Resin Transfer Molding ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Complex Geometries ◽

Resin Flow ◽

Transfer Molding ◽

Rtm Process ◽

General Terms ◽

Filling Time

Light Resin Transfer Molding (LRTM) is a variation of the conventional manufacturing process known as Resin Transfer Molding (RTM). In general terms, these manufacturing processes consist of a closed mould with a preplaced fibrous preform through which a polymeric resin is injected, filling the mold completely, producing parts with complex geometries (in general) and good finish. Those processes differ, among other aspects, in the way that injection occurs. In the RTM process the resin is injected through discrete points whereas in LRTM it is injected into an empty channel (with no porous medium) which surrounds the entire mold perimeter. There are several numerical studies involving the RTM process but LRTM has not been explored enough by the scientific community. Based on that, this work proposes a numerical model developed in the FLUENT package to study the resin flow behavior in the LRTM process. Darcy’s law and Volume of Fluid method (VOF) are used to treat the interaction between air and resin during the flow in the porous medium, i.e. the mold filling problem. Moreover, two three-dimensional geometries were numerically simulated considering the RTM and LRTM processes. It was possible to note the huge differences about resin flow behavior and filling time between these processes to manufacture the same parts.

Download Full-text