TITLE: INTELLIGENT CONTROL OF THE RESIN TRANSFER MOLDING PROCESS

Abstract:
(Introduction) The widespread use of the Resin Transfer Molding(RTM) process to fabricate composite parts is currently inhibited by the high scrap rate, and therefore high cost, associated with the process. This can be attributed to the lack of control that is currently available over the RTM process. The proper manipulation of the ports and vents is critical in order to produce a defect free part. Unfortunately this process is more of an art-form, rather than a scientifically based procedure. Therefore, the fabrication of a composite part using the RTM process is highly dependent upon the experience and skills of the individual operators.

The U.S. Army Research Laboratory Materials Directorate is developing a control system that will make the RTM process more cost effective. The control system utilizes embedded sensors, known as SMART (Sensors Mounted As Roving Threads) Weave, to monitor the flow of resin through the preform during fabrication. This resin flow front information is analyzed by a neural network, which provides a strategy as to which ports and vents to turn on/off in order to assure a properly wetted part.

Source: Proceedings of the 'NDE applied to Process Control of Composite Fabrication' - Conference, 4-5 Oct 1994 St. Louis, Missouri. Publisher and Organizer: Nondestructive Testing Information Analysis Center (NTIAC) Texas Research Institute Austin, Inc. Austin, Texas [http://www.ntiac.com] [Buying the Proceedings]