VARTM'da akış geliştirme methodu ve süreç modellemesi için gerilme kontrollü sıkıştırma karakterizasyonu

RTM and VARTM are commonly used processes to manufacture composite parts. The aim of this thesis is to improve modeling and manufacturing technology of the two processes by developing characterization procedures and a novel manufacturing process. A novel compaction characterization setup is designed, and similarities/differences between pressure- and strain-controlled approaches, and effects of compaction pressure level during relaxation stage and debulking cycles on E-glass fabrics are studied. Although there is no significant difference between the two approaches during the loading and unloading stages, pressure-controlled approach provides modeling thickness settling and relaxation, while strain-controlled approach provides modeling stress relaxation and settling during settling and relaxation stages. Mold filling simulations allow predicting mold filling time and locations of voids. Due to the coupled nature of VARTM, permeability characterization is also needed besides compaction of fabrics. An alternative approach is developed by characterizing an "effective" VARTM permeability and using it in a decoupled RTM solver. This approach requires a single experiment compared to sets of experiments in the conventional approach. Actual and simulated mold fillings provided close results and the proposed approach allows rapid and acceptable modeling. The variant processes of VARTM have limitations to be improved. Magnetically Enhanced Resin Flow (MERF) process was proposed in this thesis. To study the effect of MERF, mold filling experiments were conducted. It has been shown that MERF decreased the mold filling time significantly (42.8%) compared to VARTM and is capable of manipulating non-uniform resin flow to provide more uniform flow by locally increasing flow velocity.