Concept for Darcy-based viscosity measurement for fast-curing resin systems. (October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: May, David; Mitschang, Peter
• Is Part Of: Composites communications. Volume 27(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10
• Subjects: Viscosity -- Composites -- Thermosets -- Flow
• DOI: 10.1016/j.coco.2021.100881
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2452-2139

Abstract

Abstract: In Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) a dry fibrous reinforcement is placed in a mold and a thermosetting resin system is then injected. Ever faster curing resins have been developed to minimize cycle times. For a thorough process design, the time- and temperature-dependent viscosity behavior needs to be known. However, the short curing times of sometimes less than 2 min often exceed the limitations of conventional measurement approaches. Necessary mixing, application and adjustment procedures lead to a "blind spot" especially at the particularly critical beginning of the reaction. This paper presents a specifically RTM-related concept for the viscosity characterization from mixing until gel point. It is based on generating a linear resin flow in a reference porous media and applying an algorithm based on Darcy's law. The overall approach and the algorithm are presented. The basic functionality is proven by using numerical simulation. Highlights: Highlights for the manuscript "Concept for Darcy-based viscosity measurement for fast-curing resin systems" Fast-curing resins systems bring conventional viscosity measurement to its limits Concept for process-oriented (Resin Transfer Molding) viscosity measurement Darcy-based processing of resin flow in porous media Numerical validation for proof-of-principle