Reaction Kinetics and Flow Simulation of Vacuum-Assisted Resin Infusion Molding Process for Thick Glass/Polyester Composite

摘要

A comprehensive investigation is presented in this paper on curing reaction kinetics and three-dimensional resin flow simulation in a vacuum-assisted resin-infusion molding (VARIM) process of thick-section glass/polyester composite laminates. In the experimental program, curing reaction kinetics of glass/polyester composite was studied by isothermal DSC experiments. Through-thickness curing kinetics, in terms of degree of cure, cure rate, enthalpy change and glass transition Tg, was determined in a laboratory VARIM processing experiment of a 100-ply (0.117m) thick glass fabric/polyester composite. Three-dimensional flow modeling and computational simulation of reacting resin flow into a glass-fabric preform during VARIM processing were conducted with established computational software (PAM-RTM). Detailed solutions were obtained for the VARIM processing of thick glass fabric/polyester composite laminates on filling time, 3D resin flow characteristics and exothermal reaction during the entire processing history. Comparisons with experimental data and other studies were made to ensure the solution validity and accuracy. The results obtained from the investigation provide significant insight in the development of advanced VARIM processes for manufacturing thick composite structures. They also offer important guidance in evaluating effects and assessing criticalities of different material, process, and design parameters to establish an optimum VARIM composite manufacturing technology.