A PROCESS SIMULATION-MODEL FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF A BLADE-STIFFENED PANEL BY THE RESIN FILM INFUSION PROCESS

An analytical model has been developed which can be used to simulate n on-isothermal infiltration of a hot-melt resin into a textile preform of complex shape. lit this study, the model was used to simulate the r esin film infusion process of a single blade-stiffened panel. The deve lopment and application of the two-dimensional model are discussed. Re sults of the stiffened panel simulation were then used to study the ef fects of compaction pressure on the total resin infiltration time. Als o described is the use of the model in the development of an extended processing cycle which ensures the complete infiltration of epoxy resi n into the stitched graphite preform. Model predictions of temperature , resin viscosity, and extent of cure during infiltration and cure are presented and discussed.