Optimization of filling process in RTM using a genetic algorithm and experimental design method

摘要

In the resin transfer molding (RTM) process,preplaced fiber mat is set up in a mold and thermoset resin is injected intothemold.An important issue in RTM processing is minimizing the cycle time without sacrificing part quality or increasing the cost.In this study,a numerical simulation and optimization process for the filling stage was conducted in order to determine the optimum gate locations.The control volume finite element method (CVFEM),modeled as a 2-dimensional flow,was usedin this numerical analysis along with thecoordinate transformation method to analyze a complex 3-dimentsional structure.expewriments were performed to monitor the flow front tovalidate the simulation results.The results of the numerical simulation corresponded with that of the experimental quite well for every single,simultaneous,and sequential injection procedure.The optimization analysis for the sequential injection procedure was performed to minimize fill time.The complex geometry of an automobile bumper core was chosen.A genetic algorithm was used to determine the optimum gate locations in the 3-step sequential injection case.Taguchi's experiemntal design method was also used for determining the pressure contriubtion of each gate.These results could provide the information on the optimum gate locationsand injectionpressure in each injection step and predict the filling time and flow front.