An Approach for Integration of RTM Process Simulation

In the preform preparation stage of the RTM process, the fabric is draped on the mold along the geometry. Before the filling and warpage analysis, the draping analysis will be performed to get the fabric orientation. Due to the anisotropy of the fabric material, the main direction of the material has a significant influence on the overall flow behavior and warpage of the product. In this study, the advanced simulation approach for the RTM process is demonstrated. The filling and warpage analysis integrate with the draping simulation result. The influences of fabric shearing and fiber orientation on the resin flow and product warpage in RTM process is studied. With more accurate fabric orientation prediction methods, the accuracy of predicting fabric ply orientation is improved and more accurate infusion and product warpage simulation results can be obtained.