Manufacturing of composite laminates by vacuum infusion of liquid resin with optical fibers insertion for strain and damage sensing

Abstract

Composite laminates have been successfully applied in projects where the optimization of the mechanical properties and low specific weight are critical, generating exceptional structural efficiencies. Such laminates can be manufactured from manual impregnation processes (hand - layup ), and more recently, manufacturing methods based on the resin infusion system as RTM ( Resin Transfer Moulding) and its derivatives , which has replaced manual methods in due to their increased repeatability , reproducibility , standardization and higher quality in the industrial environment . There are many variables which include the resin infusion processes such as (s) best (s) point (s) for infusion of the resin into the mold , the behavior of the resin flow front during the filling, the differences in pressures between the inlet and outlet of the mold, and especially the time of completing it . To obtain the optimal properties of the final laminate is necessary to know and control all of these variables . An effective way of achieving or approaching this ideal condition is to perform simulations on dedicated computer programs that , with the aid of appropriate databases , allow virtual reproduction of the physical process , allowing changes in the relevant parameters of the infusion , resulting in improvement and performance of the technique and hence a substantial improvement in the final properties of the composite laminate obtained. This research project proposes a computational approach to infusion technique RIFT. Rolled plans will be made and a full monitoring, in terms of time and space, the advance of the advancing resin in the mold will be held during the infusion process. The goal is to collect all the experimental data that can be used as boundary conditions in the mathematical modeling of the process. The simulation process will be performed through the STAR + CMM program.