Simplified simulation of VARI process using PAM-RTM software
Mateusz Kozioł
Quarterly No. 4, 2015 pages 218-227
DOI:
keywords: polymer matrix composite, VARI process, numerical simulation
abstract The aim of the work was to assess the effectiveness of a simplified simulation procedure of the VARI (vacuum assisted resin infusion) process with the use of PAM-RTM® software on mat, plain-woven fabric and unidirectional fabric preforms. The performed experimental determination of permeability, followed by its application in the simulation, exhibits an error of a few to a dozen % of the resin front range - process time relation. At the same time, it was stated that the samples with high anisotropy exhibit a larger simulation error. The cause of the simulation errors is the stochastic course of the actual VARI process, disturbed by such factors as: structural anomalies in the fabric, incomplete hermeticity of the vacuum system, nonuniformity of the resin accumulation behind the front and a non-uniform flow of the resin at the initial stage of the process. The simulation error was also affected by: insufficient mesh density, tetrahedral shape of the finite elements as well as a simulation function different than the actual one. The simulation errors observed for the simplified method are not large, considering the stochastic type of the process, and they make it possible to practically apply the simplified simulation method. The latter can be especially attractive for small and medium enterprises, as its only requirement is to perform simple VARI experiments on small samples and to possess the appropriate software and a standard PC (personal computer).