A fluid-structure interaction approach for the simulation of mould filling using the Light-RTM technique

In this study a fluid-structure interaction approach is proposed for the simulation of mould filling using the Light-RTM technique. Light-RTM is an economical production method which utilizes moulds with one rigid and one semi-rigid part. The semi-rigid part deforms during the mould filling process as a result of the force balance between the atmospheric pressure outside the mould and the resin pressure inside the mould. The deformation of the flexible cover, which depends on resin pressure and mould's shape, affects the resin flow front during mould filling and the dimensional accuracy of the final part. Coupling between the mechanical deformation of the flexible cover and the resin flow inside the mould cavity is achieved by implementing an indirect fluid-structure interaction approach using ANSYS software. Based on this model, a general methodology is developed to simulate numerically the resin flow during the mould filling process. A number of case studies have been simulated using the proposed methodology.