Scott Streeseman

Research Project

Investigations on Issues Related to Flow Through Preforms in Liquid Composite Molding Processes

Liquid Composite Molding (LCM) techniques, such as Resin Transfer Molding (RTM), are used to fabricate fiber reinforced thermosetting matrix composites. Although the RTM process consists of only a few steps, significant variations in process performance and product quality can exist. These variations are often the direct result of problems arising during mold fill, and in particular due to the significant spatial and run-to-run variabilities exhibited by the preform permeability. The study, therefore, focuses on issues related to the critical step of mold fill, including: (1) quantification of permeability uncertainty, and its relationship to the governing parameters, (2) analysis and optimization of the RTM process under uncertainty, (3) development of a nondestructive preform permeability mapping capability, and (4) investigation of a method for enhancing flow through a heterogeneous preform using ultrasonic stimulation. The results of the study bear direct relevance to stochastic process simulation/optimization and intelligent model-predictive process control applications.

Publication

1. S. Streeseman and R. Pitchumani, "Stochastic Analysis of a Composite Manufacturing Process," SIAM Conference on Computational Science and Engineering: Symposium on Optimization Under Uncertainty, September 21­-24, 2000, Washington D.C