Modeling of Resin Transfer Molding

Resin Transfer Molding (RTM), as a method for the manufacture of advanced ber reinforced composite materials, is attractive because it ooers the possibility of lower manufacturing costs and more complex shapes than traditional methods. A major issue in this new manufacturing process is the elimination of void spaces in the resin ll operation, so that products with high quality are manufactured. Process modeling is particularly useful in understanding, designing , and optimizing the process conditions to achieve this goal. In this paper we report on our program with the Advanced Technology & Development Center at Northrop Grumman and demonstrate how modeling could improve the manufacturing process and enhance product quality. We review the manufacturing process and related issues and present a manufacturing process model, developed recently by the authors. This model is applied to study the formation and migration of air bubbles in the preform, a major RTM manufacturing problem, and suggests new process strategies to reduce the void content of the nished product.