Numerical modelling of flow and heat transfer for the compression RTM process with a fast-cure epoxy

Fast-cure resins combined with high pressure liquid composite moulding processes (LCM) such as compression resin transfer moulding (CRTM) may be used to produce composite parts with cycle times of only a few minutes. Processing of such fast-cure resins adds difficulties to manufacturing due to the high exothermic reaction during cure, where gelation may occur before fibre impregnation. Combined modelling of rheo-kinetics, flow and heat transfer can help optimising the process parameters and ensure complete impregnation without sacrificing cycle time. The numerical model developed in this study was used to model the CRTM process for a 4 mm plate with a mould temperature of 100°C. It was shown that cure times ofa few minutes are possible with the studied epoxy but large variations of the degree of cure at different locations over the thickness can occur.