Abstract

Reactive impregnation concerns many science and engineering areas, such as corrosion in the steel-making industry and chemical engineering. Furthermore, reactive impregnation can become dangerous in some applications. Simulating non-reactive impregnation with classical methods is the first step before computing reactive impreg++nation. However, existing numerical methods present problems such as high computational cost and spurious oscillation. To avoid these computational difficulties, we propose the Self-organized Gradient Percolation model. It is a numerical model based on probabilistic approaches and, in particular, on percolation methods. This work aims to present a 2D model based on the 1D developed model. The first results are free from spurious oscillation and drastically reduced the computational cost compared with the classical methods.

Abstract

Compression resin transfer moulding (CRTM) can help to reduce costs and increase the productivity of composite parts in the automotive industry. This process is suited for fast production of high quality parts, but a number of parameters must be precisely characterised and well controlled during the process. This work describes the CRTM manufacturing process of a real sports car bonnet. Resin and carbon fibre reinforcement have been characterised (viscosity, permeability), and this information has been used to perform numerical simulations to optimise the process parameters in order to reduce the cycle time. The heating cycle has also been optimised and the possible implementation of an induction heating system has been analysed. Once the process parameters have been defined, the mould has been manufactured and bonnet prototypes have been manufactured. This work has been carried out within the framework of the project ADVANCRTM.

Abstract