Numerical simulation of the mould-filling process in resin-transfer moulding

This paper presents a simulation procedure for the mould-filling processes in which a field-analysis module of a general-purpose finite-element packag e is employed. The formulations used in this procedure are based on the fin ite element/nodal control-volume approach. The numerical concepts employed for modelling the effects of convective heat transfer on temperature and re sin cure are discussed. Numerical implementation of the procedure is presen ted. The procedure was applied to simulate different mould-filling examples under isothermal and non-isothermal conditions. The results show that the simulation procedure developed is numerically valid and stable, and provide s reasonably accurate predictions. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science L td. All rights reserved.