Abstract

Liquid composite molding (LCM) processes have become increasingly popular during the past five decades for the production of complex composite parts. Resin transfer molding (RTM) and structural reaction injection molding (SRIM) are the most widely used LCM processes. These two processes have the potential to become major mass production techniques for manufacturing light weight, high strength polymer composite parts with a complicated geometry. The influence of vacuum level, fluid type and preform on the mold filling phase of the resin transfer molding process was experimentally investigated for a flat mold with unidirectional flow. Permeability of M8610 mat and woven roving preform was measured using different liquids and vacuum levels. Effects of vacuum levels and liquid type was studied. The wetting out process of different preforms was experimentally investigated. Finally, experimental verification of a constant inlet-pressure boundary condition scale relation was conducted. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)