Experimental analysis of resin infusion in air cushion method

Abstract

Abstract A new technique of resin infusion, called the air cushion method (ACM), has been developed to improve infusion time associated with the vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process. The method utilizes an innovative vacuum bag consisting of a bagging film and air cushions. After the preform is sealed by the bagging film and then evacuated, distribution channels are created between air cushions for flow enhancement during infusion. Once the required volume of resin is infused, the bonding interfaces between the air cushion and the bagging film are punctured and distribution channels collapse. The ambient pressure is applied on the bagging film that entirely compacts the preform. This paper investigates the infusion process in ACM using flow visualization experiments. An approximate estimation of the equivalent permeability of the bulk distribution channel is provided. Finally, an assessment of the properties of the ACM part is performed in comparison with VARTM part.