A systematic experimental approach to the resin transfer molding of graphite reinforced tubes
- North Carolina A and T State Univ., Greensboro, NC (United States)
The aim of this paper is to explore a systematic approach to experimentally quantify process variable in Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) of composite panels. Experience from resulting experiments were then used to aid in the fabrication of graphite/epoxy tubes. Composite Panels were fabricated from 8-Harness graphite weave preform using RTM. The process parameters for individual panels were varied in order to understand their effect on the quality of the panels produced. Three variations of RTM technique were employed for this study. The regular RTM (RRTM), the Vacuum Assist RTM (VARTM) and the Controlled Leak Vacuum Assist RTM (CLVRTM). The mold unit employs a steel cavity and a top plate made of transparent Plexiglass. The resin matrix was Dow Chemical Tactix 123, with Millamine 5260 as the curing agent. The resin flow and void formation mechanism during resin injection, were recorded with a video camera through the transparent mold face. Void and microvoid content were determined using the non-destructive testing of ultrasonic C-scanning. The tube making process employs some of the useful techniques resulting from the fabrication of the panels. The mold unit consist of a single tubular mold, and two end flanges made of steel. Internal pressure was provided through an inflatable silicone rubber bladder and resin injected into the mold with the aid of a peristaltic pump. The tube produced using a vacuum assist RTM were void-free, but there was the problem of non uniform wall thickness.
- OSTI ID:
- 55375
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9310328-; ISBN 1-56676-232-4; TRN: IM9525%%48
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 1993 science and technology alliance materials conference, Greensboro, NC (United States), 27-29 Oct 1993; Other Information: PBD: 1995; Related Information: Is Part Of Science and technology alliance -- Materials conference `93; PB: 459 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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