Modeling of particle-resin suspension impregnation in compression resin transfer molding of particle-filled, continuous fiber reinforced composites


Sas H. S., Erdal M.

HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER, vol.50, no.3, pp.397-414, 2014 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 50 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2014
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s00231-013-1275-z
  • Journal Name: HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.397-414
  • Abdullah Gül University Affiliated: No

Abstract

A particle-resin suspension impregnation model is used for analyzing the mold filling process in compression resin transfer molding (CRTM) of particle-filled, continuous fiber composites. The model is based on Darcy flow coupled with particle filtration and is applicable to two-dimensional impregnation through isotropic/anisotropic fiber preforms. Comparisons with simple analytical solutions and experimental results from the literature were made to validate the numerical solution. Simulations showed that CRTM was advantageous over resin transfer molding (RTM) for smaller non-homogeneity in composite microstructure, when particle filtration was high. Limits on certain process parameters were observed beyond which molding pressures in CRTM became comparable with those in RTM. The preform anisotropy was effective in the particle distribution profile. The choice of inlet gate configuration in CRTM was found influential in the particle distribution homogeneity and molding pressures. The developed modeling tool can be extended to analyze any composite liquid molding process involving particle fillers.