Simulation modeling and application of non-isothermal resin transfer molding

Resin transfer molding（RTM）process is a major molding process in the manufacture of resin-based composites, and the simulation of this process can play a key role in the process of optimization for the design of RTM parts. This paper independently developed a three-dimensional non-isothermal RTM simulation model based on the control volume/ finite element method（CV/FEM）on the basis of two-dimensional isothermal RTM program. Based on the Darcy equation, the continuity equation, the energy conservation equation, the curing reaction equation and multiple rheological curing models, the simulation model adopts semi-discrete method and three convergence criteria to effectively solve the problems of mold preheating and resin non-isothermal in the non-isothermal RTM simulation process. For the simulation problems such as viscosity changing and curing heat release during the filling process, the simulation function has reached the level of similar international products. After the application verifications of the flat plate test piece and casing simulation, this simulation model can simulate filling time, velocity and pressure of RTM process that is the same as the products in the world. This simulation model basically has the ability of simulation for the actual complex structure parts.