Optimization method to reduce three‐dimensional thermal gradients in resin transfer molding

Abstract

Presently, the mold and resin are heated to promote resin flow and shorten curing period in order to improve manufacturing efficiency of resin transfer molding (RTM). This nonisothermal manufacturing process easily generates three-dimensional thermal gradients in the direction of resin flow and thickness of composite part. However, the existing heating systems only consider the thermal gradients along thickness direction. The thermal gradients in direction of resin flow cannot be reduced which will lead to residual stress even deformation and cracking in composite part. This article aims at reducing the three-dimensional thermal gradients in the direction of resin flow and thickness of composite part. Based on the theory of energy and fluid flow, an optimization method of heating system design by using numerical simulation is proposed. The results show this method reduces the three-dimensional thermal gradients effectively in composite part manufactured by RTM process. This study can provide powerful tools for heating system design to manufacture composites products in polymer industry.

Multi-Objective Optimisation of Curing Cycle of Thick Aramid Fibre/Epoxy Composite Laminates

“…Hjellming and Walker [ 23 ] studied the curing cycle of 150 mm- and 300 mm-thick-wall graphite/EP composite cylindrical structures and showed that with an increase in the wall thickness, the curing cycle is prolonged, although the curing cycle duration and thickness do not follow a simple scaling law. Yang [ 24 ] developed a simulation method that can effectively reduce the temperature and curing degree gradients along the thickness of glass fibre/EP composite product. Guan [ 25 ] optimised the curing cycle for T800/X850 carbon fibre-reinforced plastic while ensuring mechanical properties.…”