Interactive Simulation of Resin Transfer Molding

Abstract

A computer code was developed for simulating the resin transfer molding process. The unique feature of the code is that it is interactive such that, during the simulation process, the user can (a) change the locations of the inlet ports and exhaust vents, and (b) add, remove, open and close ports and vents, and (c) change the inlet pressure of flow rate at the inlet ports. Additionally, the user can "rewind" the simulator to any previous time in the mold filling process, make any of the above changes and then continue the simulation. The computer code has two main components, the Simulator and the Graphic User Interface (GUI). The Simulator is a finite element code which calculates the resin flow, and the temperature, degree of cure and viscosity of the resin inside the fiber preform. The GUI serves as the interface between the user and the Simulator, and is used to provide the commands to the Simulator and to display the results. Sample results are presented which illustrate the use of the computer code (designated as SUPERTM) in selecting the port and vent locations, their opening and closing sequences such that the fiber preform is filled completely in the shortest time.