Simulation Study and Optimization Strategies for Vacuum Infusion of GFRP Hoses Based on Resin Time-Viscosity Variables

• Published in: Polymers Vol. 16; no. 10; p. 1328
• Main Authors: Jiang, Yue, Xu, Jiazhong, Liu, Meijun, Fu, Tianyu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 09.05.2024
• Subjects: Analysis; Composite materials; Curing; Epoxy resins; Fiber composites; Fiber reinforced polymers; finite element analysis; Finite element method; GFRP; Glass; Glass fiber reinforced plastics; Hoses; infusion process; Injection molding; Mechanical properties; Permeability; Reinforced plastics; resin viscosity; Resins; Simulation; Simulation models; VARTM; Viscosity; China; infusion process; VARTM; resin viscosity; GFRP; finite element analysis
• ISSN: 2073-4360; 2073-4360
• DOI: 10.3390/polym16101328

During the infusion process of a glass-fiber-reinforced thermosetting composite hose, the viscosity of its resin matrix undergoes temporal variations. Consequently, if the impact of resin viscosity changes over time on the internal resin fluidity is not considered during the infusion process, this may result in the incomplete impregnation of the hose, characterized by the presence of numerous voids. This phenomenon adversely affects the quality of the pipe's curing and forming process. Therefore, based on the characteristic variations in resin viscosity, this paper considers the changes in fluidity caused by the resin's temporal evolution within the material. We establish a finite element simulation model to calculate and analyze the overall infusion effects of resin viscosity changes during the hose infusion process. Furthermore, based on the predicted analysis, a variable parameter infusion strategy is proposed to increase resin impregnation in the hose, thereby reducing internal void content and subsequently improving the quality of material curing and forming.