Flow control by progressive forecasting using numerical simulation during vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding

Because slight differences in the wrinkle of a vacuum bag and other inherent variations in the preforms may cause unexpected resin flow in vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VaRTM), flow control is strongly required to prevent dry spots. We propose an active flow control scheme by forecasting resin flow from the monitored time to the filling ends using numerical flow simulation and taking corrective action using dielectric heating at a specific targeted location to decrease the viscosity of the resin. Because dry-spot configuration can be forecasted early, the flow can be actively controlled before the occurrence of an adverse flow front. This method can be extended to forecasting load-bearing performance as the critical dry spot can be selectively prevented based on applied stress distribution information. We demonstrate the validity of the proposed method to improve uniaxial compressive buckling of plate structures by conducting virtual experiments based on a multifunctional interdigital electrode array film.