Flow correction control with electromagnetically induced preform resting process

Abstract

Resin flow correction control with electromagnetic field source, a new variation of the vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process called electromagnetically induced preform resting (EIPR) for dynamical resin flow controlling is introduced to manipulate the flow front and local permeability to prevent the formation of dry spots. This paper proposes an active and real-time flow control approach that is implemented during the composite laminate infusion. The EIPR process applies an electromagnetic field source to pinch (raise) and vibrate the upper flexible mold to rest the fiber preform and increase the local permeability. Vibration action delivers the fluid through the preform. The EIPR process includes a new and creative upper flexible vacuum bag with embedded elements to lift and create local vibrations via an automated gantry system. The control methodology is performed by tracking the flow front with a real-time correction. System capability is demonstrated with three configurations of preform of different preform permeabilities in each experiment. A low permeability preform is employed in these configurations to disturb the flow pattern and cause an artificial problem or pseudo problem during the filling process. The results indicate that this system fills the mold completely and reduces the filling time without any dry spots and therefore creates no waste material.

Keywords

Resin flow / Process monitoring / On-line flow control / Vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM)

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