Abstract:
The SimLCM code is being developed at the University of Auckland as a generic Liquid Composite Moulding (LCM) simulation. A comprehensive tooling force analysis has been implemented, providing local and global predictions. Complex geometries require the consideration of both the normal and tangential stress components acting on mould surfaces, due to the compaction of fibre reinforcement and internally generated resin pressures. This approach is required as SimLCM will be extended from the rigid tool (i.e. RTM, I/CM) to flexible (i.e. Resin Infusion, VARTM) and semi-rigid tool (i.e. RTMLight) LCM techniques. Several elastic and viscoelastic reinforcement compaction models have been developed to address both dry and wet response, and are implemented within SimLCM. A simple friction based model is included to model the tangential stress component, allowing consideration of complex non-planar part geometries. This paper will demonstrate current capability of the package, and present experimental verification studies.
