STUDY OF FLOW AND TEMPERATURE IN RESIN TRANSFER MOLDING PROCESS BY NUMERICAL MODEL

A mathematical model of resin flow and temperature variation in the filling stage of the resin transfer molding (RTM) is developed based on the control volume/finite element method (CV/FEM). The effects of the heat transfer and chemical reaction of the resin on the flow and temperature are considered. The numerical algorithm of the resin flow and temperature variation in the process of RTM are studied. Its accuracy and convergence are analyzed. The comparison of temperature variations between experimental results and model predictions is carried out for two RTM cases. Result shows that the model is efficient for evaluating the flow and temperature variation in the filling stage of RTM and there is a good coincidence between theory and experiment.

Filling Simulation of Three-dimension Braided Composite in Resin Transfer Molding

This paper measured permeability of three-dimension braided preform by radial technology. The results show that principal permeability tensor coincided with their braiding axial direction. The software of one dimensional flow filling mold was designed using Visual C++ language. Filling time is predicted and validated. The result showed that the filling time of the mold centerline agrees with the prediction value. The filling time of the mould edge is shorter than that of the prediction. An actual plate of 3D braided preform/ modified polyarylacetylene composite is produced according to prediction value and validation analysis.

Three-dimensional finite element analysis of process-induced residual stress in resin transfer molding process

A three-dimensional finite element analysis of process-induced residual stress in resin transfer molding (RTM) process is presented. The finite element method (FEM) was employed to solve the coupled equations involved in the transient heat transfer and the cure kinetics of the resin, and the distributions of internal temperature and cure degree of the composite at any instant time were obtained. The self-consistent field micro-mechanics model was used to predict the cure-dependent mechanical properties of the composites. Thermal expansion and cure shrinkage were included in the analysis. The thermo-elastic mechanical governing equations were solved using the incremental stress-strain relationship based FEM and the residual stress development was predicted. The present results were validated by the comparisons with the pertinent literature. The numerical example of a half cylinder was presented. The results show that it is necessary to carry out the three-dimensional analysis due to the complex distributions of temperatures, cure degrees and process-induced stress for thick parts, which can be predicted at any point within composite structures in the present analysis.

Non-isothermal Mold Filling and Curing Simulation for Resin Transfer Molding

A numerical model of 2.5D non-isothermal resin transfer molding simulation is developed for thin part based on the control volume/finite element method. The non-uniform temperature distribution and the heat generation during the filling stage are modeled with the lumped temperature system and the species balance. Numerical algorithm of the simulation are studied. The molding simulation for a part is performed to show the effectiveness of simulating filling time, temperature distribution and curing degree.

Numerical Simulation of Mold Filling in Resin Transfer Molding Using Isoparametric Method

The mold filling of RTM was simulated based on the control volume finite element method (CV/FEM). The formulat ion using isoparametric transformation was discussed in detail and a computation al code based on isoparametric technique was developed. The simulation results w ere compared with experimental data. Different isoparametric elements, quadrilat eral and triangular, were compared in the simulation.It demonstrates that the us e of bilinear quadrilateral isoparametric elements in simulating the process can produce a higher precision and cost a less time than the use of triangular ones .

Numerical Study on the Resin Transfer Molding Curing Process for Thick Composites Materials

The successful manufacture of thick composites is challenging since the highly exothermic nature of thermoset resins and limited temperature control make avoiding the onset of detrimental thermal gradients within the composite relatively difficult.This phenomenon is mainly caused by exothermic heat reactions.The so-called Michaud's model has been largely used in the literature to reduce the gap between experience and simulation with regard to the effective prediction of the temperature cycle in these processes.In this work,another solution is proposed to simulate the curing process for thick composites,namely preheating the resin to activate the curing reaction before resin injection into the mold.A good agreement between the experiment and the simulation is found.Moreover,in order to minimize the thermal gradient in the final composite,the thermophysical properties of the fiber and the torque(temperature,time)of the Plate have been varied leading to interesting results.

Tackification of textile preforms for resin transfer molding

Tackified textile fiber preforms are used widely in resin transfer molding (RTM) to produce aerospace-grade composite parts. In the present study, a new tackifier was developed to improve RTM laminate performance. The influence of tackifier concentration on spring back, thermal properties and mechanical performance was studied .It has showed that the new tackifier was compatible with the matrix resin and improved the textile handling ability; the ILSS was slightly increased without decreasing of thermal properties, modulus and flexural strength.

A New Method to Track Resin Flow Fronts in Mold Filling Simulation of RTM Process

A new method to track resin flow fronts, referred to as the topological interpolated method (TIM), which is based onfilling states and topological relations of adjacent nodes was proposed. An experiment on the mould filling process wasconducted. It was compared with exact solutions and the experimental results, and good agreements were observed.Numerical and experimental comparisons with the conventional contour mathod were also carried out, and it showedthat TIM could enhance the local accuracy of flow front solutions with respect to the contour method when mergingflow fronts and resin approaching the mold wall were involved.

Phenylethynyl-terminated Imide Oligomers Modified by Reactive Diluent for Resin Transfer Molding Application

To meet the processing requirements of resin transfer moulding(RTM)technology,reactive diluent containing m-phenylene moiety was synthesized to physically mixed with phenylethynyl terminated cooligoimides with well-designed molecular weights of 1500-2500 g/mol derived from 4,4’-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride(6 FDA),3,4’-oxydianiline(3,4’-ODA)and m-phenylenediamine(m-PDA).This blend shows low minimum melting viscosity(<1 Pa·s)and enlarged processing temperature window(260–361℃).FPI-R-1 stays below 1 Pa·s for2 h at 270℃.The relationship between the molecular weight of the blend and its melting stability was first explored.Blending oligoimides with lower molecular weights exhibit better melting stability.Upon curing at 380℃for 2 h,the thermosetting polyimide resin demonstrates superior heat resistance(T_(g)=420-426℃).

Rheological Behavior and Process Prediction of Low Viscosity Epoxy Resin for RTM

The rheological behavior of a low epoxy resin system-SR8100/SD8734 for RTM in aviation industry was studied with viscosity experiments. The dual-Arrhenius rheological model and the improved engineering viscosity model were introduced and compared with the experimental data. The results indicated that the viscosity in the earlier stage calculated by dual-Arrhenius model matched the experimental data. As rising to 400 m.Pas, the viscosity calculated by the improved engineering model was closer to the experimental data. The processing windows of the resin system for RTM were determined by combining the two models, which could predict the theological behavior of the resin system in a more credible way. 30-45 ℃ was the optimum processing temperature.

3D Numerical Simulation of Non-isothermal Resin Transfer Molding Filling Process Using Unstructured Tetrahedron Mesh

We present a numerical formulation for resin flow based on the concept of quasi-steady state situation at the flow front. To be fit for complicated product shapes,we use the four-node unstructured tetrahedron mesh based on which the numerical formulation of temperature and degree of cure is developed. The validity of our method is established in the case where ffexible meshes are used. The results show that the numerical procedure,tested on known data,provides numerically valid and reasonably accurate predictions.

The multi-scale flow behaviors of sisal fiber reinforced composites during resin transfer molding process

The flow behaviors of the resin during the resin transfer molding(RTM) process of sisal fiber reinforced composites was studied at different scales with the consideration of the unique hierarchical and lumen structures of sisal fibers compared to those of manmade fibers. The work mainly focused on the development of the multi-scale flow models which include the resin flow inside lumens, intra-bundles and inter-bundles. The models not only quantified the lumen flow based on the Hagen-Poiseuille equation,but also ensured the continuity of the velocity and stress on the boundaries between intra-bundle and inter-bundle regions by applying Brinkman equation. Three dedicated experiments were designed and implemented to validate the effectiveness of the proposed models. The absorbed resin mass over the infiltration time obtained from the single sisal fiber and sisal fiber bundle infiltration experiments showed good agreement with the calculated curves. In terms of the RTM process, the dynamic flow front of the resin was perfectly predicted by the proposed model at macro-scale.

Effects of Ultrasonic Waves during Resin Impregnation on the Mechanical Properties of Unidirectional Composite Materials

Effects of ultrasonic vibrations on mechanical properties of fiber reinforced plastics were investigated during molding resin impregnation process in vacuum assisted resin transfer molding.?The vacuum bag including the preformed each?non-crimp fabrics (carbon and glass fibers)?was placed in a water bath of an ultrasonic wave generator during resin impregnation. The mechanical properties of the laminates were evaluated?through the mechanical strength tests and scanning electron microscope?(SEM) observation. The results revealed that ultrasonic waves improved transverse tensile, flexural, interlaminar shear, and compressive strengths of the carbon fiber (CF) laminates and interlaminar shear and compressive strengths of the glass fiber (GF) laminates. It was found from SEM observation that the fracture modes of the CF and GF laminates processed using ultrasonic waves were resin fracture. Accordingly, the adhesion of the fiber/resin interface was improved by oscillating ultrasonic vibration during resin impregnation, leading to an increase of the interface strength.

基于PAM-RTM的CFRP平板RTM工艺及孔隙缺陷仿真

树脂传递模塑(RTM)成型过程中不同工艺参数对碳纤维增强树脂基复合材料(CFRP)构件质量和性能有极大影响。为了精准设计RTM成型参数,降低最终构件的孔隙缺陷含量,分析充模过程中两种尺度孔隙率的变化及在构件中的分布规律,基于PAM-RTM软件对CFRP平板模型RTM成型的充模及双尺度孔隙形成进行了仿真模拟。分析了不同树脂黏度、浇注压力对填充时间及宏观和微观孔隙分布、孔隙率的影响规律;在构件中选取了不同位置的横向轴线并对比轴上宏观/微观孔隙的含量及分布特征,分析随着距离浇注口位置变化孔隙率的变化规律。结果表明,在恒压浇注条件下,浇注压力越大,树脂黏度越小,填充时间越短;树脂黏度为0.1Pa·s、浇注压力为1.5MPa时,充模时间最小,为13.11s。宏观孔隙率随浇注压力升高而减小,微观孔隙率则相反。宏观孔隙在开始填充一段时间后形成,孔隙率最终在出胶口达到最大值;微观孔隙则在填充初始阶段开始形成,孔隙率随着填充距离增加逐渐减小。3条横向轴上两种尺度孔隙率的变化趋势相近;浇注压力影响宏观孔隙开始形成的位置及微观孔隙结束形成的位置,并影响填充结束时的最大宏观孔隙率和填充开始时的最大微观孔隙率。

电泳烘烤对EP/CF及EP/CF/GF复合材料力学性能的影响

采用真空辅助树脂传递模塑(VARTM)工艺制备了不同铺层方式的碳纤维增强聚合物基复合材料(CFRP):环氧树脂/碳纤维(EP/CF)和环氧树脂/碳纤维/玻璃纤维毡(EP/CF/GF)复合材料,重点研究了不同铺层纤维体系的CFRP渗透率以及电泳烘烤前后的力学性能变化,探究了其失效机理。结果表明,[±45°]铺层方式有利于体系中树脂的浸润,且加入GF能够明显提高体系的渗透率;电泳烘烤后,CF[0/90°]、CF[±45°]和CF/GF[±45°]的拉伸强度分别下降了15.65%、12.05%和6.77%,模量分别下降了9.08%、16.39%和10.04%,而CF/GF[0/90°]的拉伸强度和模量则分别提高了7.74%和6.95%;在弯曲性能方面,电泳烘烤后CF[0/90°]、CF/GF[0/90°]、CF[±45°]和CF/GF[±45°]的弯曲强度分别下降了7.62%、8.23%、15.89%和48.39%,模量分别降低了9.23%、3.69%、17.85%和34.38%;而电泳烘烤对4种材料的压缩性能影响较小;电泳后,CF[0/90°]和CF[±45°]的储能模量、损耗模量均有一定幅度提高,CF/GF[0/90°]和CF/GF[±45°]的储能模量、损耗模量均有下降。

基于VARTM的碳纤维单向与三维编织混杂织物树脂灌注工艺

为探究碳纤维单向与三维编织混杂增强环氧树脂基复合材料地铁转向架侧梁的树脂灌注成型工艺,首先基于渗透率理论模型采用非饱和径向流法分别测试得到碳纤维单向与三维编织织物的渗透率。通过数值模拟的方法对典型复合材料方形管结构进行缩比建模与网格划分,并利用PAM-RTM软件对树脂灌注成型过程进行仿真分析,预测了制备复合材料方管所需的灌注时间、灌注压力以及树脂流动过程缺陷的产生。最后根据模拟的灌注方案通过真空辅助树脂传递模塑(VARTM)成型工艺制备了碳纤维单向和三维编织混杂织物增强环氧树脂复合材料方管结构件。结果表明,通过PAM-RTM模拟VARTM工艺制备复合材料方管时树脂的流动,预测得到灌注时间为3897 s,VARTM工艺实际制备复合材料方管的灌注时间为4052 s,误差约为3.8%,在合理误差范围内。方管内部灌注压力随着与注胶口距离的增加而逐渐减小。模拟与实验的误差可能是由于实际铺层和灌注过程中树脂流动引起织物的剪切变形以及真空度的差异导致渗透性能产生变化。仿真模拟和实际制备复合材料方管均无明显缺陷产生,证明径向法织物渗透率的理论模型计算测试和仿真结果具有可靠性。

原位聚合法制备连续纤维增强热塑复合材料研究进展

原位聚合法在制备连续纤维热塑复合材料时相比传统热熔法,具有树脂粘度低,与增强纤维在微观尺度能很好地浸润,并在纤维周围原位固化一体化成型,较易制得大制件和形状复杂的热塑性复材制品,且制品具有优异的力学性能而备受行业广泛关注。己内酰胺(PA6)阴离子聚合机理及甲基丙烯酸甲酯单体(MMA)自由基聚合机理的深入研究,并结合拉挤工艺和树脂传递模塑工艺(RTM)特点,近年来原位聚合法制备热塑复合材料引起行业极大兴趣。综述了常见原位聚合树脂基体的聚合特性,并分别论述了其在拉挤工艺和RTM工艺中的实际应用。

RTM用耐烧蚀酚醛树脂的合成及性能

通过在合成过程中引入活性较低、反应位点少的酚类制备了一种适用于树脂传递模塑成型(RTM)工艺的高残炭、低黏度、长适用期的酚醛树脂。采用旋转黏度计、热重(TG)分析等方法研究了不同酚类(邻甲酚、萘酚、多环酚)及多环酚添加量对酚醛树脂黏度及其固化物热稳定性的影响,利用差示扫描量热法研究了树脂的固化性能。结果表明,适量多环酚的引入,使得树脂在80℃下具有较低的初始黏度和较长的适用期,以及较高的残炭率(70.15%),且固化温度适中,能够满足RTM工艺要求。另外,通过不同升温速率的TG分析、拉曼光谱、X射线衍射等表征手段对树脂的裂解行为进行研究,发现多环酚由于其多苯环的热稳定结构,能够有效提升酚醛树脂的裂解活化能,减小裂解后树脂碳化物的石墨层间距,增大石墨微晶平面直径,提高酚醛树脂碳化后石墨化程度,使树脂拥有较好的高温热稳定性。根据氧乙炔焰烧蚀测试结果,发现改性后的酚醛树脂基复合材料的耐烧蚀性能也得到了提升,由此得到了性能优良的RTM用耐烧蚀酚醛树脂基复合材料。

RTM工艺过程的缺陷形成分析及边缘效应研究

在树脂传递模塑(Resin transfer molding,RTM)工艺中,边缘效应很容易导致制件产生空隙、干斑等缺陷,其根本原因是在纤维增强体和模具模腔之间的间隙区域树脂的流动阻力小,使得树脂在这一区域流动速度更快。基于达西定律并结合流体体积(Volume of Fluid,VOF)界面追踪方法建立了树脂在纤维增强体中的流动模型,开展RTM工艺边缘效应的数值模拟研究,模型可以准确模拟边缘效应的影响,同时研究树脂粘度及树脂注射压力等工艺参数对于流动时间的影响。研究结果可以对RTM工艺的改善优化提供帮助。

5284树脂流变特性研究

研究了Resin Transfer Molding(RTM)专用5284树脂体系的流变特性,并根据阿累尼乌斯方程建立了5284树脂体系的化学流变模型,有效预测了该树脂体系在不同工艺下的粘度行为,揭示了树脂体系的优化工艺参数和低粘度平台工艺窗口,为RTM的顺利实施及工艺参数的准确制定奠定了科学依据.