Flow modeling and simulation of SCRIMP for composites manufacturing

As for the environmental protection, relatively inexpensive tooling and the ability to fabricate large parts with complex geometry, the vacuum bag mol ding (VBM) process and its variations such as SCRIMP might be the best choi ce to replace the traditional open molding processes. Since SCRIMP is often used to fabricate large size composites with a complex geometry, it is dif ficult to reach an acceptable design by the trial and error. Considerable e xpenses and time are compiled this way and obstruct the widespread use of V BM. Computer aided design and computer aided manufacturing CCAD/CAM), with its ability to simulate resin flowing through fiber mat, would be the best way to solve this problem. Many 2 1/2-dimensional (2 1/2D) flow models have been developed tn simulate the mold filling processes in resin transfer mo lding (RTM). The resin infusion processes in VBM are similar to the mold fi lling process in RTM, but the following two issues must be considered: the resin flow from the channels or grooves to the fiber mats, and the compress ibility of fiber mats. A hybrid 2 1/2D and 3D flow model to simulate the SC RIMP processes is proposed in the paper. According to the simulated results , sub-scale composite hulls (4') were fabricated. The simulated results agr ee well with the experimental results. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All r ights reserved.