An experimental cost model for composite parts using vacuum assisted resin transfer moulding (VARTM)

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Vacuum assisted resin transfer moulding (VARTM) belongs to the category of resin infusiontechniques that use lower than atmospheric pressure to infiltrate a reinforced cavity. Thistechnique has various advantages; however, manufacturing costs can be relatively high due tomore difficult shapes fabricated and a lack of knowledge regarding cost driving factors.The objective of this study was to develop a cost model for composite parts. Such a modelallows the estimation of manufacturing costs of shapes of different geometries. Therefore, itprovides a comparison to alternative manufacturing techniques, such as metal forming orcomposite spray lay-up and helps to avoid unnecessarily expensive design features. Theproposal was made to split complex shaped composite parts into individual basic shapes,which are further investigated here.For the basic shapes, an experimental approach was used where the manufacturing times ofeach process step are measured and then statistically analysed. Infusion simulation softwarewas used to obtain additional filling times to complete the design of experiments. This methodallows the estimation of manufacturing times of composite parts with different geometries.The manufacturing times were validated to that of a complex shaped industrial part, withreasonable results. Finally, a flexible cost model was developed to compare differentmanufacturing techniques and to estimate the manufacturing costs.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University