Title: Fabrication of a Complex Part with Deep-Draw Sections By Resin Transfer Molding

Authors: Thomas K. Tsotsis, Gilbert Cespedes-Gonzalez, Mario Wiener, Leslie Cohen, Dominic Calamito, Stephan Costantino, and Florian Klunker

DOI: 10.33599/nasampe/s.19.1389

Abstract: One of the three processing tracks within the RApid high-Performance Molding (RAPM) for Small Parts program performed under the DARPA Tailorable Feedstock and Forming (TFF) initiative focused on resin-infused composites. Lessons learned from previous preforming and part-fabrication trials were used to produce a complex-shaped part containing two deep-draw sections. A preforming approach to enable fabrication of the part without fiber distortion was developed. Furthermore, a low-cost tooling approach was applied to creating the preforms. Unlike earlier work in the program, low-pressure resin transfer molding (LPRTM), instead of high-pressure RTM (HPRTM) was used to ease the requirements on tooling pressures to enable lower-costs in tooling materials and tooling fabrication. The details of the tool designs, preform, and part fabrication will be discussed.

References: 1. Hahn, G.L., Tsotsis, T.K., “Rapid High-Performance Molding (RAPM) of Small Parts,” SAMPE 2019 Conference Proceedings. Charlotte, NC, May 20-23, 2019. 2. Klunker, F.; Aranda, S.; Ziegmann, G.; Fideu, P; Baisch, P.; Herrmann, A., “Permeability and compaction models for non crimped fabrics to perform 3D filling simulations of vacuum assisted resin infusion”, The 9th International Conference on Flow Processes In Composite Materials, Montréal (Québec), Canada, 2008. 3. Di Fratta, C.; Klunker, F.; Trochu, F.; Ermanni, P., “Characterization of textile permeability as a function of fiber volume content with a single unidirectional injection experiment”, Composites, Part A, v. 77, 2015, p. 238-247.

Conference: SAMPE 2019 - Charlotte, NC

Publication Date: 2019/05/20

SKU: TP19--1389

Pages: 11

Price: FREE