Optimization of the cycle time in resin transfer molding process by numerical simulation

Resin transfer molding is a popular manufacturing process for composite materials because of its ability to manufacture complex-shaped parts with high efficiency and low pollution. Despite the intense interest in the modeling and simulation of this process, minimization of mold filling time without...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of reinforced plastics and composites 2012-10, Vol.31 (20), p.1388-1399
Main Authors: Saad, Aouatif, Echchelh, Adil, Hattabi, Mohamed, El Ganaoui, Mohammed
Format: Article
Language:English
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Resin transfer molding is a popular manufacturing process for composite materials because of its ability to manufacture complex-shaped parts with high efficiency and low pollution. Despite the intense interest in the modeling and simulation of this process, minimization of mold filling time without losing the part quality remains an important issue in the resin transfer molding process. Various methods in the literature are suggested to achieve this. However, inappropriate injection methods lead to numerous air entrapments, and fiber mat deformation. In this study, we are interested in developing and improving new methods to optimize the cycle time. The effects of several parameters on the filling process are deeply investigated. A computer code based on the control volume finite element method is developed to study the mold filling process in all cases. The validity of the computer code used is checked by analytical results and close agreement is found.
ISSN:0731-6844
1530-7964
DOI:10.1177/0731684412458166