Optimization of filling process in RTM using genetic algorithm

In resin transfer molding (RTM) process, preplaced fiber mat is set up in a mold and thermoset resin is injected into the mold. An important interest in RTM process is to minimize cycle time without sacrificing part quality or increasing cost. In this study, the numerical simulation and optimization process in filling stage were conducted in order to determine the optimum gate locations. Control volume finite element method (CVFEM) was used in this numerical analysis with the coordinate transformation method to analyze the complex 3-dimensional structure. Experiments were performed to monitor the flow front to validate simulation results. The results of numerical simulation predicted well the experimental results with every single, simultaneous and sequential injection procedure. We performed the optimization analysis for the sequential injection procedure to minimize fill time. The complex geometry of an automobile bumper core was chosen. Genetic algorithm was used in order to determine the optimum gate locations with regard to 3-step sequential injection case. These results could provide the information of the optimum gate locations in each injection step and could predict fill time and flow front.

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