Numerical analysis of the resin transfer molding process via PAM - RTM Software

Abstract

This work aims to investigate the infiltration of a CaCO3 filled resin in fibrous porous media (resin transfer molding process) using the PAM-RTM software. A preform of glass fiber mat (fraction 30%), with dimensions 320 x 150 x 3.6 mm, has been used in rectilinear injection experiments conducted at room temperature and injection pressure 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75 bar. The polyester resin contain 0% and 40% CaCO3. The numerical results were evaluated by direct comparison with experimental data. The flat flow-front profile of the rectilinear flow was reached approximately half length of the mold. It was observed, that the both velocity infiltration and permeability have decreased with increasing the CaCO3 content, thus, increasing the time to processing of the composite material.