Abstract
A new technique of resin infusion, called the air cushion method (ACM), has been developed to improve infusion time associated with the vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process. The method utilizes an innovative vacuum bag consisting of a bagging film and air cushions. After the preform is sealed by the bagging film and then evacuated, distribution channels are created between air cushions for flow enhancement during infusion. Once the required volume of resin is infused, the bonding interfaces between the air cushion and the bagging film are punctured and distribution channels collapse. The ambient pressure is applied on the bagging film that entirely compacts the preform. This paper investigates the infusion process in ACM using flow visualization experiments. An approximate estimation of the equivalent permeability of the bulk distribution channel is provided. Finally, an assessment of the properties of the ACM part is performed in comparison with VARTM part.
Acknowledgments
This work was supported by the National Science Council of Republic of China [grant number NSC 100-2221-E-244-016].
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©2016 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston
Articles in the same Issue
- Frontmatter
- Original articles
- Preparation and characterization of graphene oxide/PMMA nanocomposites with amino-terminated vinyl polydimethylsiloxane phase interfaces
- Effect of exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets on thermal and heat deflection properties of kenaf polypropylene hybrid nanocomposites
- Synthesis of spherical porous cross-linked glutaraldehyde/poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels
- Influence of process parameters on property of PP/EPDM blends prepared by a novel vane extruder
- Influence of processing conditions on heat sealing behavior and resultant heat seal strength for peelable heat sealing of multilayered polyethylene films
- Thermal degradation kinetics and lifetime of HDPE/PLLA/pro-oxidant blends
- Effect of notch sensitivity on the mechanical properties of HA/PEEK functional gradient biocomposites
- The influence of melt mixing on the stability of cellulose acetate and its carbon nanotube composites
- Experimental analysis of resin infusion in air cushion method
- 3D-MID manufacturing via laser direct structuring with nanosecond laser pulses
Articles in the same Issue
- Frontmatter
- Original articles
- Preparation and characterization of graphene oxide/PMMA nanocomposites with amino-terminated vinyl polydimethylsiloxane phase interfaces
- Effect of exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets on thermal and heat deflection properties of kenaf polypropylene hybrid nanocomposites
- Synthesis of spherical porous cross-linked glutaraldehyde/poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels
- Influence of process parameters on property of PP/EPDM blends prepared by a novel vane extruder
- Influence of processing conditions on heat sealing behavior and resultant heat seal strength for peelable heat sealing of multilayered polyethylene films
- Thermal degradation kinetics and lifetime of HDPE/PLLA/pro-oxidant blends
- Effect of notch sensitivity on the mechanical properties of HA/PEEK functional gradient biocomposites
- The influence of melt mixing on the stability of cellulose acetate and its carbon nanotube composites
- Experimental analysis of resin infusion in air cushion method
- 3D-MID manufacturing via laser direct structuring with nanosecond laser pulses