Flow modeling and simulation study of vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process: A review

Abstract

In recent times, vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) has become a promising technique for the processing of large composite structures. On the contrary, there are few issues related to VARTM processing as many process parameters are involved and required to optimize them to achieve high fiber volume fraction containing composite material. These issues can be addressed and resolved by an understanding of various flow modeling techniques and simulation methods. In this present study, a review of different approaches in flow modeling and simulation of the VARTM process is presented. The processing technology of VARTM along with the fundamental and constitutive models for mold filling stage as well as curing stage such as permeability, compaction, resin viscosity and cure kinetics are presented. The numerical simulation methods adopted by various researchers used to simulate the filling processes with their specific applications and simulation software are also reported and reviewed. As an outcome, identification of permeability of various fibers and simulation processing time are more predominant factors to perform accurate VARTM simulation.