Accession Number:

ADA343689

Title:

Research in Advanced Materials Processing and Process Modeling

Descriptive Note:

Final rept. 29 Jul 93-30 Apr 97

Corporate Author:

NORTH CAROLINA AGRICULTURAL AND TECHNICAL STATE UNIV GREENSBORO

Personal Author(s):

• Owusu-Ofori, Samuel P.
• Pai, Devdas M.
• Sadler, Robert L.

Report Date:

1997-05-01

Pagination or Media Count:

219.0

Abstract:

In resin transfer molding RTM, the liquid matrix is pumped into the mold to infiltrate a preform assembled in the mold and under compressive stresses. The matrix tends to flow around the preform periphery, along the paths of least resistance and arrive at the vents before the entire preform is impregnated, causing the part to be defective. This phenomenon is known as race tracking. A preform-mold misfit could waste an entire part since recovery from a non-fill is not possible. The primary goal of this research was to develop and demonstrate a practical quantitative method for evaluating the preform-mold fit with the mold closed before the matrix is injected. The preform-mold fit is determined by probing the ready-to-inject mold assembly with nitrogen and collecting the exhaust gas through a series of flow meters located along the periphery of the mold. Experiments have been developed to test the instrumentation and the methodology for the prediction of the characteristics of the resin flow front with satisfactory results.

Descriptors:

• *COMPOSITE MATERIALS
• *MOLDING TECHNIQUES
• MONITORING
• PROCESSING
• PRODUCTION CONTROL
• COMPRESSION MOLDING

Subject Categories:

• Laminates and Composite Materials
• Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering and Control of Production Systems

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE