Flow analysis in plastic matrix composite materials and its applications

ABSTRACT RTM process is studied in detail due to thermoset plastics' usage 75 % of all polymeric matrix composite market and its great importance in thermoset composite manufacturing.In this context, It is determined that filling stage is the most important step in RTM process and the majority of the studies performed before in order to improve this step. A model is an idealized mathematical representation of the physical process or the system. Hence, models used for optimization of polimer matrix composite manufacturing processes are studied by classifying with all spesifics and principles of the modelling are explained. It is established that models need to examine with experiments in order to obtain models close to real physical situations. But also, it is concluded that reexamination is needless, if laws and presumptions had examined before. Flow analysis studies that were carried out around RTM process until today are summarized. By utilizing Pure Finite Element Method, one of models built previously, live governing equation in RTM is solved by 2D approach and results agree with analitical results. 3D analysis can be performed dependent on the mold geometry and dimension. Also, by adding volumetric forces and thermal effects arisen from the heat transfer, it is possible to make flow analysis and cure kinetics modelling that is non-isothermal and close to real-time situations. But, for this aim, computer software assistance seems to be inevitable. Key words: RTM, Flow Analysis, Flow Process Modelling, Pure Finite Element Method. Xll