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Preform Characterization in VARTM Process Model DevelopmentVacuum-Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM) is a Liquid Composite Molding (LCM) process where both resin injection and fiber compaction are achieved under pressures of 101.3 kPa or less. Originally developed over a decade ago for marine composite fabrication, VARTM is now considered a viable process for the fabrication of aerospace composites (1,2). In order to optimize and further improve the process, a finite element analysis (FEA) process model is being developed to include the coupled phenomenon of resin flow, preform compaction and resin cure. The model input parameters are obtained from resin and fiber-preform characterization tests. In this study, the compaction behavior and the Darcy permeability of a commercially available carbon fabric are characterized. The resulting empirical model equations are input to the 3- Dimensional Infiltration, version 5 (3DINFILv.5) process model to simulate infiltration of a composite panel.
Document ID
20040191333
Acquisition Source
Langley Research Center
Document Type
Preprint (Draft being sent to journal)
Authors
Grimsley, Brian W.
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Cano, Roberto J.
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Hubert, Pascal
(McGill Univ. Montreal, Quebec, Canada)
Loos, Alfred C.
(Michigan State Univ. East Lansing, MI, United States)
Kellen, Charles B.
(Old Dominion Univ. Norfolk, VA, United States)
Jensen, Brian J.
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Date Acquired
September 7, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2004
Subject Category
Composite Materials
Meeting Information
Meeting: 36th International SAMPE Technical Conference
Location: San Diego, CA
Country: United States
Start Date: November 15, 2004
End Date: November 18, 2004
Sponsors: Society for Advancement of Materials and Process Engineering
Funding Number(s)
OTHER: 23-794-40-4K
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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