Process simulation for a large composite aeronautic beam by resin transfer molding

作者：Laurenzi S^*; Grilli A; Pinna M; De Nicola F; Cattaneo G; Marchetti M

来源：Composites Part B: Engineering , 2014, 57: 47-55.

DOI：10.1016/j.compositesb.2013.09.039

• Resin transfer molding (RTM)
• Polymer-matrix composites (PMCs)
• Numerical analysis

This paper presents the numerical process analysis and the experimental investigation for the manufacturing of a reinforced carbon-fiber demonstrator of a large aeronautic beam by resin transfer molding (RTM). The component is a primary structure characterized by several thick sections with abrupt changes in shape that complicates the resin impregnation of the preform. Process simulations based on a finite element method-modified control volume (FEM-CV) were conducted to investigate the resin flow front patterns and find the injection scheme that guarantees both a good impregnation of the preform and a filling time compatible with the resin gel time. The beam component was successfully manufactured, and a good agreement between the numerical analysis and the fabrication process was demonstrated.

• 出版日期2014-2