Simulation of dynamic mold compression and resin flow for force-controlled compression resin transfer molding

Abstract

AbstractIn the present study, an improved consolidation model, with mold inertia included, is proposed to completely predict how the upper mold rapidly moves from rest to maximal velocity and then decelerates to a steady value for a constant force-controlled compression resin transfer molding (CRTM). Simulation results show that all preform compaction cases cannot apply to quasi-static consolidation theory in CRTM. For cases with a massy mold, inadequate preform resistance, and low resin viscosity, the mold inertia has a short, remarkable influence on the resin counter-force and causes a slightly slow resin progression in the early compression stage. Contrarily, the compaction of the rigid preform is applicable to the quasi-static consolidation theory. Additionally, a reasonable time increment is discussed for using the quasi steady-state approximation.